Burn Your Portfolio

1. Success in Design: 15% Technical Skills, 85% Interpersonal Skills

"I believe that if you want to succeed in your career as a graphic designer, you need to focus time and energy into developing your interpersonal skills."

Interpersonal skills are crucial. While technical design skills are important, they only account for about 15% of your success in the graphic design industry. The remaining 85% comes from your ability to communicate effectively, work well with others, and manage client relationships.

Key interpersonal skills for designers:

• Clear communication
• Active listening
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Conflict resolution
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Client management

Developing these skills will set you apart from other designers and lead to more opportunities, better client relationships, and increased success in your career. Focus on improving your ability to express ideas, lead people, and generate enthusiasm in others. Remember, even the best design work can be overshadowed by poor interpersonal skills.

2. Exceed Expectations: Go the Extra Mile in Every Project

"Every comp that a designer sends to a client should be as polished and finished as humanly possible."

Always deliver more than expected. Going above and beyond in your work not only impresses clients but also helps build long-lasting relationships and generates referrals. This approach applies to every aspect of your work, from initial concepts to final deliverables.

Ways to exceed expectations:

• Provide more design options than requested
• Add unexpected features or enhancements
• Deliver ahead of schedule
• Include thoughtful extras (e.g., mockups, additional assets)
• Anticipate and solve potential problems before they arise

By consistently over-delivering, you build trust and credibility with clients, increasing the likelihood of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Remember, it's not just about meeting the bare minimum requirements, but about creating an exceptional experience for your clients throughout the entire project.

3. Collaborate and Communicate: Design is a Team Sport

"The best designers swallow their pride and recognize that their ideas aren't always the best, and they are willing to collaborate with others to create great design work, leaving bad design lost in space where it belongs."

Embrace collaboration and feedback. Design is not a solitary pursuit, but a team effort that benefits from diverse perspectives and skills. Effective collaboration and communication are essential for producing the best possible work and maintaining positive relationships with clients and colleagues.

Key collaboration strategies:

• Actively seek feedback from team members and clients
• Be open to constructive criticism and alternative ideas
• Communicate clearly and frequently throughout the project
• Use project management tools to keep everyone informed and aligned
• Recognize and appreciate the contributions of others

Remember that brainstorming sessions often produce 90% bad ideas, but that last 10% can lead to true greatness. By fostering a collaborative environment and maintaining open lines of communication, you'll create better designs and build stronger professional relationships.

4. Client Management: Understand Their Needs and Expectations

"Clients buy confidence. People buy trust. People buy relationships. People buy stress relief. People buy good deals."

Focus on client needs, not just design. Understanding and addressing your clients' underlying motivations is crucial for building successful relationships and delivering satisfying results. Clients often care more about achieving their business goals and feeling confident in your ability to deliver than they do about specific design elements.

Key aspects of effective client management:

• Listen actively to understand their true needs and concerns
• Communicate clearly and regularly throughout the project
• Manage expectations by setting realistic timelines and deliverables
• Provide education and guidance when necessary
• Build trust by consistently delivering on your promises

Remember that clients are looking for more than just good design; they want a partner who can provide solutions to their problems and alleviate their stress. By focusing on these underlying needs, you'll build stronger, longer-lasting client relationships.

5. Pricing and Business Acumen: Know Your Worth and Costs

"How can you know how much to charge if you don't know how much you cost?"

Understand your costs and value. Pricing your work correctly is essential for maintaining a sustainable business and ensuring you're fairly compensated for your skills and time. This requires a clear understanding of your costs, the value you provide to clients, and the market rates for your services.

Key considerations for pricing:

• Calculate your hourly burn rate (total annual costs ÷ annual billable hours)
• Factor in profit margins and business growth goals
• Consider the project's value to the client, not just your time
• Use different pricing structures for different situations (e.g., fixed-bid, hourly, retainer)
• Be prepared to explain and justify your pricing to clients

Remember that underpricing your work can lead to burnout and resentment, while overpricing can cost you opportunities. Strive for a balance that reflects your true value and allows you to build a sustainable business.

6. Documentation and Contracts: Protect Yourself and Your Work

"Whatever you do, never, ever do undocumented work...never, never, never."

Always document agreements and work. Proper documentation and contracts are essential for protecting yourself, your work, and your client relationships. Clear, written agreements help prevent misunderstandings, scope creep, and potential legal issues.

Key documentation practices:

• Use detailed proposals and contracts for every project
• Clearly define project scope, deliverables, and timelines
• Include terms and conditions that protect your interests
• Document all client communications and approvals
• Keep thorough records of time spent and work completed

Remember that even verbal agreements should be followed up with written confirmation. This not only protects you legally but also demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which can enhance your reputation with clients.

7. Continuous Improvement: Learn, Adapt, and Grow Your Skills

"Do what you love; the money will follow."

Never stop learning and improving. The design industry is constantly evolving, and successful designers must be committed to continuous learning and adaptation. This applies not only to technical skills but also to business acumen, interpersonal skills, and industry knowledge.

Strategies for continuous improvement:

• Stay updated on industry trends and new technologies
• Seek out challenging projects that push your skills
• Invest in courses, workshops, and conferences
• Learn from both successes and failures
• Develop a growth mindset that embraces challenges

Remember that your passion for design and commitment to improvement will drive your success more than any single skill or project. By continually investing in yourself and your craft, you'll stay relevant, increase your value to clients, and find greater satisfaction in your work.

Last updated: April 27, 2025