Design Prom – The top things I learnt and why I think every designer should attend.
Picture this, it’s the 80’s, we’re all decked out, big hair, bright make-up, listening to a cassette tape. Okay, so we didn’t really time travel but with the playlist, the costumes and vibes – it was pretty close.
This was my first Designer Boss Summit and I LOVED it!! It was a fantastic experience and I learnt so, so much.
In the hopes of convincing other baby designers out there to attend one of these fantastic events, here are my FAV quotes and take-aways (but by no means close to EVERYTHING I learnt and loved);
Keep ‘Positive Proof’ in a folder – James Barnard
Essentially, keep a folder (or Journal, whatever works for you) with all of your positive feedback. When you’re having a bad day or the dreaded Imposter Syndrome is rearing it’s ugly head, you’ll have the ‘proof’ that you are a great designer, that people enjoy working with you and that you create some freaking incredible things.
S.O.S Plans: Support, Optimization, Strategy – Josh Hall
Genius idea for our web designers out there! Loved the frame work. It will definitely be something that I look into doing down the track.
“Automated doesn’t mean impersonal” – Michelle Lee (Moxie)
This was actually really great advice. All those time consuming little tasks, automate them. If you are still using your Brands voice and injecting your personality into it, it won’t come across as impersonal. Save the time, and your sanity.
‘White Labelling’ services to outsource tasks outside of your skill set isn’t a dirty deed, it can make good sense but having a referral relationship with the other service instead eliminates the potential for unnecessary handling of things like client questions/complaints that are best addressed by the other service provider – Kristy Campbell
The other absolutely fantastic thing I took away from this presentation was NOT to put pressure on myself with my Social Media, especially if you’re recovering from or nearing burnout. Posting 2-3 times a week and cross-pollinating your socials is perfectly fine! Look after yourselves!
Humanise your brand – Anna Dower
Show-up, share your story, serve (empower others), humanise your brand, be entertaining and educate your audience.
Anna also said “Embrace the cringe” – being authentically YOU, means you will attract the RIGHT clients. She encouraged us to be known for something FUN. People don’t want perfect, they want REAL!! Speaking of real – Anna mentors! Google her and maybe join The Lucky Ones – Women, supporting women. We really can do it all!
Invest in professional photography – Emma Kate
Invest in yourself and your business. If you are the face of your brand, your website should have photos of YOU! Professional photography is a worthy investment but don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it and let your personality SHINE through!
There was a million other things I learnt from this incredible woman, seriously google her – join her ranks, stalk (in an OMG this is awesome way NOT a creepy way) her socials. Just absorb the wisdom from this absolute queen!
“Feel the fear and share it anyway” – Callum McHugh
I have done a whole post on feeling the fear and doing it regardless (Check it out HERE). This was a lesson that really hit home from me. I have been … well, paralysed is probably the best word for it, by my own fear and indecision – especially when first starting my business. As a freelance designer it can be hard transitioning from a “Hunt to Eat” (James Barnard reference) to a financially secure designer. I would argue that being a mum on top of that is even harder but there is a balance. It does exist. And it is WORTH IT!!
“Visibility creates opportunity” – Morgan Hastie
Avoid falling into the Permission Seeking Trap.
Morgan talked about creating a Mindset shift by acknowledging;
– Done is better than perfect!
– Providing value is better than seeking validation!
– Progress over comparison!
– Your title was EARNED, not granted. (Even those who are self-taught). Say it! Say I AM A DESIGNER! Because, guess what, you are! Look at us go! ✨
– Celebrate your WINS! Set a goal, celebrate and share when you reach it and then treat yo’ self!
– Think of your social media as ‘Connecting’ not just sharing.
I can’t remember who said this but “Rejections are just redirections”! Read that again.
Someone even suggested setting a ‘Rejections Challenge’ – like a bingo card and that way you can at least have some fun with it. We can’t win them all and that’s okay.
“Avoid paralysis by analysis” – Frankie Harry
Try not to provide so many different options to a client that they become overwhelmed and have difficulty making a choice.
“Believing in yourself is your SUPERPOWER” – Viviana
This gorgeous gal, Viviana also had the brilliant idea of turning all our negative feelings into what she calls ‘Brain Dump Illustrations’. Make them work for you. It’s a creative outlet for your negativity and it’s probably going to create relatable artwork and/or illustrations. Hell, you could even sell them. Turn them into print on demand products or something and get a cool tote bag out of it.
“Imposter Syndrome just means you’re challenging yourself. It’s GROWTH!” – Will Paterson
Feeling like a fraud doesn’t make you one. Use your Imposter Syndrome to drive you. Will also said to share our ‘imperfect’ work – it will be okay.
“Operate at the speed of fun: Faster than you can worry and louder than your inner critic” – Meg Lewis
Stop putting barriers on yourself and your creativity! Meg gave one of the BEST presentations. She is so authentic and is really just proof that you can be YOU and people will love you all the more for it.
“Sometimes dumb, can be fun” – Aaron James Draplin
Just have fun with it. We can be serious about what we do without being serious about ourselves.
Anything and everything Lauren DeVane said blew my mind and completely changed my perception on AI and how to utilise it in my business. Do yourself a favour and google Aunty AI. Thank me later
“Have an experimental mindset” – Liz Mosley (Mental Health Panel)
This was an amazing quote. You can’t truly fail something if it was an experiment. It makes things an opportunity for learning and growth instead of a failure.
If nothing with-in those 16 points convinced you there was also a scavenger hunt through-out the summit with little badges hidden throughout the website, challengers, games and so many AMAZING prizes for your and your business. Tickets were FREE but I 100% recommend the Boss Bundle, it was like $88 bucks and worth every cent!
For more information about the Designer Boss Summit head to their website or Facebook page.
Hope to see you at the next one!!
