In any business or career there are always highs and lows, the trick
is to concentrate on the highs. There are things I love about what I do,
and I want to share these with you.
#1 – The smell of print
This may seem odd in this day of digital publishing, but I still love
the smell of print. Even if its a Blurb or CreateSpace book – nothing
beats that just printed smell and the sensation of achievement when I
first hold that book (or whatever else) in my hands and turn the first
page.
#2 – The Client’s response
As we are starting at the end of the process, I also love seeing my
client’s faces when they hold their final product for the first time.
Recently, I had the most overjoyed reaction to a lovely book “Girls Who
Do It” by Sophie Reynolds (Available on
Amazon
), and it made me realise that what I do is not the important thing,
but how I do it and what it gives my clients. A book can mark the
achievement of a lifelong dream, so the sense of achievement is no
longer contained to me, but also extends to my clients and their
co-authors and family.
#3 – A good Client relationship
The best design comes from a good healthy client/designer
relationship. My best work has been for those who not only trust me in
my knowledge, but also in my respect for theirs. Some of my clients have
become friends with whom we have shared interests and even lifetime
goals.
#4 – The thrill of the first proof
This point is where many a design (or designer) has become unstuck.
However I have received some my best praise at that initial proof stage –
whether through promptness of turnaround or assessment of brief, the
first proof is a crucial first step in the client/designer relationship.
#5 – The concept
Following the initial client meeting(s), the concept stage is the
most free part of the process. Sometimes it is daunting to start with
that blank sheet, especially if the client has given you little
direction, but sometimes the best solution is to start doodling. Rough
frameworks, areas of content, lists of visual priorities are all good to
break that blank page fear.
So when things get difficult, focus on the positives – make lists,
doodle and make mistakes – this is how we expand our creativity. If you
are the client,… learn to trust your designer as long as he/she listens
to you also – only then will the best design occur.
