Issue Research

You want to be liked. By your clients, your boss, your colleagues. So you take on work that you don’t want to do. You extend deadlines to the point where you’re stressed and can’t think about much else. You can say no.  You must do this on your terms or not at all.  Here’s how:

Think of something small.  It doesn’t have to be a huge problem. No I can’t stay 15 minutes late today. I will not run this errand. I won’t agree to these production deadlines.  No, I really think the colour should be red and here’s why.

When you believe it’s not fair, it’s unreasonable or downright stupid.  If you have a good reason, start by saying no, express your professional opinion, and wait.  Give the person a chance to speak. This is a negotiation. They might back down. They may counter offer with a more reasonable plan. Start with your ideal scenario, and if you hear a compromise that suits you then consider it.  Chances are if you went to a yard sale or bought a car, you wouldn’t have a problem trying some negotiation.  Why not do it with your business and life?

Because you are an independent person. You can think about yourself, your career, your business, and your family first before anyone else. No matter what your situation, you should think of yourself as an independent designer. We’re not permanently tied to companies or clients the way someone might have been forty years ago.  If a situation arouse where a client doesn’t think you fit their business needs anymore, chances are they would move on without hesitating.  Companies have been laying off employees left and right.  Think of yourself a little bit more.  Value your own time and opinions. You’ll gave a lot of respect for telling people that your time is valuable and they will begin to believe it to.

This article is expressing the way in which a designer should see themselves as a freelance creative who won't be working with somebody for the rest of their life and therefore you have the ability to be able to say no, this is something that was identified within my essay the ability to say no shouldn't be seen as a luxury it should be seen as a right, and through doing so you can be benefiting other areas of your life which overall will benefit your practice.