In this video I’m sharing the 8 BEST lessons I’ve learned working with design for over 12 years working in companies of different sizes and countries around the world. What are YOUR life lessons that you’d like to share? I’d love to read them in the comments!
1) It’s not about you
The first thing when you become a professional creative is that people will come and see your work, and oftentimes will bring you – possibly – negative feedback. It is tough if you take it personally and see this as an extension of who you are. The work that you do is NOT who you are. You are much better than this and to learn you have to let go of your ego and understand to separate yourself from the job that you do – they are not the same thing!
2) Keep your cup empty
This is about a Buddhist cohan that goes like this:
A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s full! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “This is you,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”
How many times didn’t I give an opinion on something that at the end of the day was just another misunderstanding? But when we start any conversation with an opinion about something, that doesn’t allow us to see the whole picture. Many times I was sure to be finding the right communication for a brand, packaging or product, and I was misunderstood. And THAT IS OK! As long as you don’t get attached to it from the very first moment and give some time for your ideas to accept the different concepts that are being presented to you.
3) Serve your customer well
Imagine for example you go to a hairdresser, you tell him what he wants and he does something completely different. You complain and then he says did it because he understands about facial forms and how you’d be more handsome by having a specific haircut. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it can be?
For creative projects it does work pretty much the same way: if you’re dealing with a customer, the least you MUST give them is what he is expecting from you – or, ideally, with that little bit more.
4) Leave the little details for later
Don’t get me wrong, being a perfectionist is 100% a quality for a creative, as long as you know when to stop. Start any job from the basic purpose of the piece, hierarchy of the information, brand voice, and you’ll be sure to already have something that is likely to work for what’s meant to. I’d recommend making sure that the message, strategy and ideas are straight forward before going into the minor – yet absolutely essential – details such as colours, fonts, filters and so.
5) There is a recipe for – almost – everything!
My career as a designer has been full of new and exciting things, but many times I did feel lost and could not understand how to get to a certain result. But throughout my projects I’ve realised that yes, there is a recipe for almost everything. So if you are in the middle of something and you’re feeling completely lost about it, like what happens when a creative opens up a blank canvas, don’t freak out just yet and try to find who’s got that recipe of solutions that will help you progress.
Keep also an eye on your own daily life to understand what are your own recipes for the projects you work on, as this will help you have an understanding of the things that you are doing right and possibly better than others.
6) The more you know about the problem you’re trying to solve, the better
I’ve worked for many different styles and sizes of companies, and sometimes they might give you a part of the real problem, or just give you a short briefing. Not being afraid of asking and getting the whole picture has definitely put me in a position where I was able to help my customers in a more effective way. Asking the questions and getting to know more about what you’re working on will show your team and customers how much you want to contribute to their growth and development.
7) Only takes 15% more to stand out
Everytime I’d be 100% happy with a project, I can say I’ve done 15-20% more than I was expecting I would have. For creatives, a very interesting thing I’ve done in my career was using shortcuts, for example. That always surprises anyone who watches me working. I was doing the same as other designers, but I was just finding a more effective way of doing it and a way where everyone could see the difference. Yes, it is about those less 3 seconds of your time that at the end of the day will transform you into a more profitable and efficient professional.
8) Keep learning, keep growing
Since I’m young my parents always supported my studies and pushed me to be the smartest girl on Earth! At that age I could not see it, but now I can confirm that hard study pays off! In this era we live there is no way you can stop your learning, so never do! There are hundreds of thousands of websites teaching different things, so go for it! Make sure to learn something, even a little, everyday. That is why I recommend Skill Share – a platform where you can learn all things creative and much more, from people who know what they are talking about. My discount code for a free month is here.
Hello friends! Today I’m bringing you 8 life lessons I’ve learned working with design. I hope you have a chance to watch it and don’t forget to subscribe!
I’d love to read in the comments what are your favourite life lessons?