Let’s face it: most websites and apps are built on wishful thinking. It’s all too easy for designers to fall into the trap of building workflows based on “ideal” user behavior. The reality is that this ideal may never occur. This disconnect costs businesses millions...
Steve Jobs once spent 30 minutes deliberating on the shades of grey that Apple would use for bathroom signs in its stores. His passion for details was legendary. The patient pursuit of perfection is what sets apart successful entrepreneurs and designers. It’s not...
Ever notice how inspiration doesn’t seem to understand the 9-5 work day? You’re not alone. While traditional business owners often have control over when they want to power through their to-do lists, designers know that brilliant ideas rarely arrive during office...
Many people think that owning and running your own business is a ticket to Easy Street. They relish the idea of “being their own boss.” However, the reality is often far more challenging. If you’re an entrepreneur or solopreneur, you know what we’re talking about....
Every business leader is told at one point or another that they need to delegate. That’s easy to say, but giving up control to someone else is hard. Is it time to hand over the reins? Well, one way to know is when you get a call from an investor to talk about your Q4...
When you think of “traditional values,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the idea of family gathered together, sharing traditions. Perhaps it’s showing respect to one’s elders, or maybe it’s more individual– courage in the face of adversity, acting honorably, or...
Do you know the children’s rhyme called “Going on a Bear Hunt”? It’s a story that talks about encountering different obstacles and realizing that the way forward is blocked– the narrator “can’t go around it, can’t go under it,” and in the end, they realize they have...
As business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s easy to assume that the more knowledgeable a customer is, the more likely they are to start comparison shopping and hard negotiating. However, the opposite is true. Research tells us that clients who receive impactful...
For years, we designers did most of our work in physical offices, talking, sharing ideas, and providing off-the-cuff feedback. The pandemic has changed everything. Now, many studios have gone fully remote. We’re working with colleagues through text chat and submitting...
Design and art can be one of the most uplifting and inspiring careers you can pursue. However, not everyone goes into it with the same passion for creativity and service. Unfortunately, the industry is filled to the brim with more than its fair share of snobs and...
Design is a field that demands both creativity and resilience to consistently bring unique stories to life. While the work can be rewarding, creative blocks, fatigue, or the monotony of routine projects can make it difficult to maintain the enthusiasm that once fueled...
We tend to think about pure creativity as boundless expression. Anything goes, just make something. Yet, in professional design, opportunities to create often come with strings attached: budgets, client expectations, deadlines, and technical limitations. It’s a...