Envisioning Possibilities
Creativity
Creativity involves generating new ideas, solutions, or original and valuable approaches.
Ways to Enhance Creativity
Curiosity
Stay curious and open-minded about the world around you. Ask questions and explore new topics. These are examples of closed- and open-ended questions: Is a tree green? Yes, that’s a closed question. What about the leaves that make a tree green? That’s an open-ended question.
Daily Mindful practices
Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and open your mind to new ideas.
1.Mindful Breathing – Focus on your breath for a few minutes each day. Observe the sensation of breathing in and out without trying to change it.
2. Mindful Eating – Pay full attention to the experience of eating. Notice the colors, smells, textures, and flavors of your food. Eat slowly and savor each bite.
- Mindful Walking:– Practice mindfulness while walking by paying attention to your body’s movement and the sensations in your feet as they touch the ground. Notice your surroundings and the rhythm of your steps.
Images Linda Reed Friedman
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
The Designer’s Elevator Pitch:
If you can’t explain your vision in a minute, you’ll lose the moment. In the world of design, opportunities often appear unexpectedly,a quick chat at a showroom, a brief meeting at a networking event, or a chance encounter with a potential...