Quick contrast tip: use at least 2 methods of contrast. So if you bolded a word for emphasis, add a new color to it as well. Or increase it's size. Or add an underline. 

The trick to communicating with clients during revisions: 

​

De-escalate the drama.

​

Once everyone is calm and logical, something that seemed huge can end up being just a few minor tweak.

Reminder: clients aren't visual people. It's your job to paint the vision for them. 

​

A good way to do this is by using realistic mockups to showcase the design you made for them in real-life situations. This will help them understand how the design will play out in real life. 

Learning hack: 

​

Read daily. Review. Repeat.

Learn more > Improve your skills and believe in the value to provide > Explain it better to prospects and have the confidence to charge more > Earn more!

When printing multi-page documents, remember: pages are for print, spreads are for styling.

If you're going to use a gradient in a logo, you'll need to create alternate versions for embroidery and one-color situations.

Design is there to solve a problem. Otherwise, it's art. 

Struggling to write your own copy? 

​

Find 6 others in the same field and study their copy. Look at structure, sections, flow, explaining their services, etc.

Find the commonalities and best practices that you can follow and pick and choose the pieces that resonate with you.

Feeling stuck on a project?

​

Question your assumptions. 

​

What subconscious limits have you placed on yourself? Eliminate those and start fresh with a new perspective.

Tropes are shortcuts to people's emotions.

If your client has a specific vision in mind but is using vague or subjective language to describe it ("modern"): 

​

Search with them or ask them to send you a few designs that are similar to what they have in mind. Dig deep to pull out explanations of what specifically they like about each sample. 

​

This way you can both use it as an objective guide to return to when reviewing the design you make for them.

Great design isn't just about having great design skills.

It's about having great listening skills.

​

Ask questions, listen to nuances, and read between the lines. That way you can hit the right notes and pull on the right heart strings.

Case study tip: 

​

Tell a story where you helped your client become the hero.