You Don’t Have to Be Good at Everything: Focus on What You’re Meant to Do

“Your value lies not in being a universal solution but in embracing and honing what makes you exceptional.”

No Applause Needed: The Power of Quiet Dedication

“True mastery is built in the quiet moments—where experimentation, failure, and refinement create work that resonates far beyond the applause.”

You Can't Change the Past, But You Can Change Your Future

“Your past doesn’t define your future; each new project is a fresh start and an opportunity to build on everything you’ve learned.”

Rethinking Success: Are You Playing the Right Game?

“Success isn’t about winning someone else’s game; it’s about having the courage to play your own.”

Permission to Change: You Don’t Have to Be Who You Were Last Year

“Clinging to an old version of ourselves can stifle growth and hinder our ability to produce authentic work.”

No Sparks Needed: The Power of Showing Up and Creating Consistently

“Consistency might not sound as exciting as a bolt of creative lightning, but it’s the bedrock of professional growth and success.”

The Power of Creating Junk: How to Find the Gems in Your Creative Process

“Hidden within that pile of ‘junk’ are often the most brilliant gems of creativity.”

The Danger of Pleasing Everyone: How Universal Appeal Leads to Indifference

“By trying to appeal to everyone, we risk creating work that appeals to no one, leading to creative stagnation and diminished impact.”

Embracing Difficult Conversations: A Path to Growth for Creatives

"Difficult conversations, when approached with the right mindset, can be the catalyst for your most significant improvements."

The Truth About Self-Honesty in Creativity

“Embracing reality through self-honesty is an ongoing practice that shapes a more authentic and meaningful creative career path.”

From Idea to Action: Overcoming the Failure to Start

"Remember, an idea, no matter how brilliant, has no real value until it's brought into the world."

Mind Over Matter: Why Communication is Your Secret Weapon in Creative Work

"Miscommunication in the creative world can quietly sabotage great ideas. Mastering communication could be your secret weapon."

AI Is Cool, But Your Creative Heart and Soul Are Irreplaceable

Let’s Chat About the Elephant in the Room—AI

When Things Don't Go Your Way: Effective Ways to Cope with Disappointment

Dealing with disappointment is never easy, but how you respond will determine whether it becomes a minor stumbling block or a career-derailing obstacle.

Navigating Freelance Success Beyond Social Media: Connecting with the Right People

Social media can be a black hole that consumes your time and energy, often leaving you feeling depleted and discouraged. For many freelancers, graphic designers, and creatives, social media feels like a necessary evil—something we tolerate because we believe it's essential for our careers. But is it

Why Deadlines Are Your Best Creative Ally

Ah, deadlines. The mere mention of the word can send a shiver down the spine of even the most seasoned creative professional. We've all been there—staring down a looming project due date, wondering how we'll produce something brilliant under such intense pressure. But what if

Secondhand Wisdom: Elevating Your Creative Journey

Hey, As freelancers and creatives, we often venture into unknown territories, tackle unique challenges, and gather valuable insights along the way. While learning through firsthand experience is invaluable, it's not always necessary to learn the hard way. By observing and learning from others' mistakes, we can gain

The Hard Path to the Right Decision: Why the Best Choices Aren't Easy

Hey, Picture this: You're a freelance graphic designer, and you've just been offered two projects. One is a well-paying gig for a big corporation, but the work is uninspiring and doesn't align with your values. The other is a passion project for a non-profit,

The Yin and Yang of Success: Balancing Discipline with Motivation

Hey, In the world of freelancing, graphic design, and creative pursuits, success often feels like a delicate dance between two opposing forces: discipline and motivation. As professionals in these fields, we constantly navigate the ups and downs of our creative journey, striving to find the perfect balance that propels us

Embracing the Underdog: Why Being Underestimated is Your Secret Weapon

Hey, In a world that frequently celebrates the favourites and frontrunners, it's easy to become discouraged when you're the underdog. Being underestimated can be a difficult and isolating experience, whether you're a new freelancer, a graphic designer looking to break into a competitive industry,

Quiet Victories: Why the Most Important Achievements Are Often Unnoticed

Hey, Our culture is obsessed with external validation and public demonstrations of success, getting caught up in quantifying influence through vanity metrics like social media followers or profile views. But for creative freelancers and solopreneurs seeking fulfilment over a sustainable career, the most important achievements are often quiet and gradual:

Compete Against Yourself, Not Others

Hey, Imagine yourself a year from now, standing in a gallery filled with beautiful graphic design posters. How would seeing your own massive creative growth shift your perspective? This scenario reveals an important truth for designers: the most fulfilling competition is with your past work, not others. In graphic design&

Beyond the Spotlight: The Unseen Effort Behind Every Success Story

Hey, It's easy to look at the portfolio sites and Instagram feeds of successful designers and feel discouraged. Their highlight reels make it seem like brilliance flows effortlessly from their fingertips. But behind the spotlight lies a tremendous amount of unseen work pushing them towards that success. We

Beyond the Classroom: How Actual Work Transforms Creatives

Hey, Whether you're self-taught or attended design school, one thing remains true: real-world experience takes you from student to pro. While education provides essential fundamentals, only actual design work solidifies those skills and shapes real-world instincts. Once you start working on professional projects, you'll quickly realise

Navigating the Noise: Finding Your True Self Amidst Worldly Expectations

🥳 Happy New Year 2024! Hey, It’s increasingly easy to lose touch with your authentic self as a creative professional these days. The nonstop external pressures and societal expectations we face can often drown out our inner wisdom. We get so caught up in chasing arbitrary measures of "success&

2024 Vision: Setting Your Graphic Design Goals Before the Year Ends

Hey, The year is quickly winding down, but it's not too late to set some graphic design goals for 2024. Having a vision and planning ahead can help propel your freelance business or design career forward. Why Set 2024 Goals Now? Getting a head start on planning allows

Winning by Risking: How Fear of Looking Bad Holds Us Back

Hey, In the creative world, risk is often a double-edged sword. We, as creatives, tend to shy away from taking chances, primarily to avoid the sting of failure. Yet, it's an ironic truth that playing it safe can be the very thing that curtails our potential rewards. Overcoming

Creative Detours: Navigating Sudden Shifts in Your Artistic Journey

Hey, As creatives, we often envision a straight path for our careers. We map out plans, set goals, and work hard to follow a seemingly direct route to success. But the reality is that unexpected twists and turns are inevitable in any creative journey. Major life events, economic downturns, client

Can Late Wins Redeem Early Fails? A Reality Check for Freelancers

Hey, Remember those early days when you'd misjudge a deadline, or perhaps that design just didn't hit the mark? Yup, we've all been there. Starting out in freelancing feels a lot like taking baby steps in a world where everyone else seems to be

The Importance of Being Stronger Than You Need To Be: A Designer's Perspective

Hey, Today, let's talk about a concept that's often overlooked but incredibly vital in our line of work: the importance of being stronger than you need to be. No, I'm not talking about bench-pressing your iMac or doing push-ups between client calls (although physical

Why Every Designer Needs a Margin of Safety: Preparing for the Unexpected

Hey, Today, let's dive into something often overlooked but absolutely crucial for anyone in the design world—having a "Margin of Safety." No, I'm not talking about the space around your design elements (although that's important too!). I'm talking about

The 'No-One-Cares' Mindset: Your Unexpected Ally in Creativity and Productivity

Hey, Have you ever found yourself on the brink of sharing your latest design, launching a new project, or contributing your voice in a meeting, only to be hit by a wave of anxiety? If you have encountered this, you are not alone. But what if I told you that

Fear vs. Ambition: Closing the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

Hey, I will never forget the moment I decided to become a full-time freelancer. I was eager and ambitious to finally build my own business and pursue my creative passion on my own terms. But lurking beneath it all was a growing fear: fear that I would fail miserably, lose

Ditch the Gritted Teeth How to Find Joy in Your Work

Hey, Picture this: It's a crisp Monday morning, with the first rays of sunshine filtering through your workspace, and instead of dreading your to-do list, you're buzzing with excitement. You sip on your coffee, eager to dive into your projects. No more dragging feet, no more

The Hidden Power of Small Improvements: Unmasking Invisible Progress

Hey, Have you ever felt like you're in a perpetual loop, giving it your all, yet the scenery remains unchanged? Like a jog on a treadmill, where the scenery never shifts despite your efforts. You're not alone on this journey. In a world that often glorifies

Mastering the Art of Self-Analysis: A Guide to Critiquing Your Graphic Design Work

Hey, In the bustling realm of graphic design, the art of self-critique often slips under the radar. Yet, it's a secret weapon every designer should keep at their fingertips. By objectively dissecting your work, you can unlock significant enhancements, paving the way for growth and evolution in your

Make Your Move: The Incredible Influence of Action on Success

Hey, Have you ever found yourself wondering why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their goals while others remain perpetually stuck in a rut? The secret to this disparity often boils down to one word: action. Action serves as the bridge that connects dreams with reality, acting as the catalyst

The Future is Here: How AI is Shaping the World of Graphic Design

Hey, Ever wondered how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the world of graphic design? As technology advances at an incredible pace, it's essential for us, as designers, to stay ahead of the curve and embrace the changes AI brings to our industry. In today's newsletter, we&

Achieving Greater Success: Shift Your Focus from Output to Outcomes

Hey, As freelancers, graphic designers, and creatives, we often measure our success by the volume of work we produce. But what if there's a more meaningful way to gauge our accomplishments? Today, we're exploring how shifting your focus from output to outcomes can lead to a

Don't Let Fatigue Hold You Back: Why Creating Even When You're Tired Matters

Hey, We've all been there—staring at a blank canvas or computer screen, feeling utterly drained or lacking inspiration. It's in these moments that we might be tempted to call it a day and postpone our creative endeavours until we feel more energised. But what if

Ego vs. outcome: which one is driving your decisions?

Hey, As freelancers or creative professionals, we all face situations where we need to make decisions that will impact our careers and businesses. One of the biggest challenges in making these decisions is ensuring that our egos do not get in the way of making the best choice for our

Embracing Your Anxiety As A Sign Of Growth

Hey, Anxiety is often seen as a negative emotion that we should avoid or suppress, but what if we told you that it could be a sign of growth? Anxiety is your body's way of alerting you to potential threats or challenges, and it can be a valuable

What Matters Most Is Mindset Not Methodology

Hey, It is easy for us designers to get caught up in the details. We concentrate on methodology and technique; we attend classes, read books and articles, view instructional videos, and practise our craft. But what matters more than the method itself is the mindset that drives it. When you

Knowing When To Stop: Trusting Yourself in Creative Projects

Hey, Whether you are a graphic designer, a freelancer, an illustrator, a student, or just someone who loves creating things, there comes a point in every project when it’s time to stop. The difficulty is recognising when that moment is. Often creatives can be overwhelmed with thoughts such as

How to Cut Through the Creative Clutter

Hey, We all have creative ideas, but it can be difficult to keep track of them, especially when there are so many. This can lead to confusion and overwhelm as we try to figure out which ideas are worth pursuing and which ones should be set aside for later. The

The Power of Everyday Tasks

Hey, It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, believing that we must do something extraordinary every day in order to advance. If we don't have a big idea or project on the go, we may feel like we're

Boosting Creativity Through Technology and Automation

Hey, As a freelancer, it's often difficult to find time to be creative. You're constantly battling deadlines and working on projects that don't always leave room for creativity. But what if there was a way to boost your creativity through technology and automation? In

Navigating Complexity in Graphic Design

Hey, For graphic design, there are endless possibilities. From intricate typographic illustrations to simple designs, each project presents unique challenges and approaches. But while the urge may be to simplify a design in order to make it more accessible, that’s not always the best solution. In some cases, embracing

How to Handle Getting Ghosted by a Client

Hey, One of the most frustrating things for freelancers and small business owners is when a client seems to "disappear" without any explanation or notice. This situation, known as "getting ghosted," can leave you feeling confused and disrespected, not to mention concerned about how this will

Journaling Your Way to Success

Hey, It's the start of a new year, and you're already determined to make it better than the last. You have a list of goals that you want to achieve, but how do you ensure that these objectives are met? One method is to keep a

Wishing You a Creative and Joyful Christmas!

Hey, The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to enjoy some well-deserved rest. For many of us, this means taking a break from our creative projects and spending time with family, friends, and loved ones. It's a time for giving, laughter, and joy. As

How to Find Your Design Flow

Hey, Finding your flow in graphic design can make all the difference. Flow is similar to entering a creative trance in that it occurs when you become so immersed in the task at hand that you lose all sense of time and space. It can be difficult to maintain a

Being good at everything isn't necessary.

Hey, Many people believe that in order to be good at something, you must be good at everything. That is simply not true. You can be both a great artist and a truly awful musician. You can be a fantastic writer while also being a poor illustrator. You can excel

How focusing on the outcome can backfire

Hey, Let’s say you’re a graphic designer and you land a project with a big client. You’re excited to get started, but then they tell you that they want the project done in two weeks. You know that’s not enough time, but you also know that

Being Boring is Good for You

Hey, Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend about how we've both been feeling really busy and overwhelmed. We were both talking about how we need to cut back on our commitments and just take some time for ourselves. And then he said something that really

What to do when your weaknesses are getting in the way of your success

Hey We all have weaknesses. Some of us are great at creative problem-solving but not so great at time management. Others of us are incredible at networking but not so great at asking for help. No matter what our individual strengths and weaknesses may be, there's one thing

The Independent Designer: Why It's Important to Be Both Independent and Interdependent

Hey, In today's economy, it's more important than ever for designers to be both independent and interdependent. On the one hand, you need to be able to work independently in order to be a successful freelancer or entrepreneur. But on the other hand, you also need

What Is the Difference Between Efficiency and Effectiveness (And How Does It Affect You)?

Hey, If you're like most people, you probably think of these two words as synonyms. But in the business world, they actually have very different meanings. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between efficiency and effectiveness and how understanding this distinction can help you be more

How to negotiate higher design fees with confidence

Hey, Are you a designer who feels undervalued and doesn't feel like you're getting paid what you're worth? Do you sometimes feel like you must accept whatever job offer comes your way because you're not confident in your ability to negotiate higher

The power of positive word-of-mouth referrals

Hey, As a graphic designer, illustrator, or student, you know the importance of strong portfolio pieces. But what if you could get even more exposure for your work without having to spend a penny? It turns out that word-of-mouth referrals can be one of the most powerful (and free) marketing

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Graphic Designer

Hey, Are you a graphic designer struggling with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy? Do you feel like you're not good enough or that your work isn't as good as others in your field? If so, you may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome. Don't worry—you&

The effects of attention residue on our productivity

Hey, We've all been there. You're in the middle of working on a project when you suddenly get a notification on your phone or someone pops into your office to chat. Before you know it, an hour has passed and you've only managed to

How to Turn Rejection Into Motivation

Hey, Graphic designers and illustrators are no strangers to rejection. It's a part of the creative process—sometimes your work will be rejected, and that's okay. In fact, it can be used as motivation to keep pushing yourself to do better. In this post, I'

10 signs you're overthinking things

Hey, If you're a designer, illustrator, or student, then you know that overthinking things is all too easy to do. It's natural to want your work to be perfect, but sometimes it's important to remind yourself that good enough is good enough. Here are

The Benefits of Making Boring Things More Fun

Hey, Are you struggling to find ways to make your work more interesting? Do you feel like you're stuck in a rut, doing the same old things day after day? If so, you're not alone. A lot of people find themselves in the same situation. But

7 Less-Than-Obvious Habits That Could Be Ruining Your Creativity

Hey, Creativity is the lifeblood of any graphic designer. It's what sets our work apart from the rest and helps us produce truly original pieces. But unfortunately, many people unknowingly sabotage their own creativity with a series of bad habits. In this article, I'll explore seven

How to utilise Parkinson's Law to increase productivity

Hey, In today's world, it seems like there's always more to do than time to do it. We're constantly juggling work, family, social obligations, and our own personal goals. It can be hard to find the time and energy to focus on our creative

The Psychology of Decision Making: What Influences Our Choices?

Hey, Every day we make countless choices, from what to wear in the morning to which project to work on next. So what influences our decisions? Why do we choose one option over another? This week, we'll take a closer look at the psychology of decision-making and explore

Why curiosity is the key to creativity

Hey, We all know that curiosity killed the cat, but did you know that it can also help your design career? Being curious about your craft and constantly learning new things will make you a better designer. Designers are always curious about their craft. They want to learn new things

Six Tips for Building a Habit of Creativity

Hey, As a graphic designer, illustrator, or student, you know the importance of creativity in your work. And as a freelancer, I know that it's important to find ways to be creative on a regular basis. But how can you make creativity a habit? Here are six tips

Why Being Imperfect Is Actually Good For Your Creativity

Hey, If you're creative, you're probably a perfectionist. You want your work to be perfect and can spend hours on minor details. Say I told you that being imperfect could help your creativity. True! Accepting your flaws can help you unwind and enjoy the creative process.

Are you a graphic designer looking to make a career out of your passion?

Hey, If that's the case, you're in luck! There are numerous things you can do right now to assist in making that happen. Here are six pointers to help you get started. 1. Volunteering or working at a design firm can help you gain professional experience.

5 things I wish someone told me before starting freelance

Hey, Congratulations if you have made the decision to pursue freelance graphic design. It’s a fantastic way to support yourself while doing something you enjoy. But before you go, there are five things I wish someone had told me before I took the plunge. They may be able to

6 pointers for creating a freelance graphic designer portfolio that will stand out

Hey, As a freelance graphic designer, you are well aware that one of the most critical tools at your disposal is your portfolio. It is what prospective clients will use to determine whether or not to work with you, so make it stand out. Here are six tips for building

How to get your creative juices flowing

Hey, This week marked the fifth anniversary of my Another Poster account on Instagram, where I've posted hundreds of posters, mostly daily. I put up 30 of some of the most popular posters from the past five years as a way to commemorate the occasion. I got a

8 Design Tips for an Effective Poster

Hey, Creating a poster can be challenging. With so much information to convey, the design must be both simple and effective, or the message will fall flat. You must strike a balance between creativity and readability, which is why we'll cover eight poster design tips! 1. Preserve Simplicity:

Why I am Passionate about my Job

Hey, Have you ever been bored and unmotivated at work? You’re not alone. It’s easy to get bored at work and feel like you’re just going through the motions. Hope remains! It doesn’t have to be like this. Here are some suggestions for rekindling your job

Build your creativity muscles

Hey, Have you ever felt as though your creativity was lacking? Do you know how it feels when you're trying to come up with a new idea but coming up empty? To be sure, we all occasionally fall into those ruts. Fortunately, there are ways to flex your

There is no easy way out

Hey, It's easy to put off difficult tasks. You can tell yourself that you'll do them tomorrow, next week, or the minute you get around to it. But if there is no guarantee of when they will be done, why not just do them now? After

The struggles of creating everyday on Instagram

Hey, It's not always easy to show up and be accountable, but that doesn't mean it should stop us from bettering ourselves! And it does get easier. When I started my 'Another Poster,' 'Post A Poster' everyday challenge, the struggle to create