Self Care
Self-care has three parts – Physical, Mental and Spiritual
Physical – Most of the time, we usually think of it in terms of physical. If we have a mani-pedi, if we get our hairs cut or buy new clothes.
There is so much more.
Mentally – I’ve just decided to evaluate how I spend time with friends. I’m doing an audit. Who is giving me energy, a poke to think differently and encouragement to follow up on a few ideas.
Spiritually – another audit. Am I taking the time to be quiet? Yesterday I was at the mechanics it’s a very small shop. I was also there early the first one in the door. As I was waiting for a friend to pick me up, the owner said Oh I need to light the candle. I was surprised. In a little glass jar stood a red candle almost to the end. I asked “do you meditate”. “No” was the answer, but I do take care of myself with a bit of a nod to the candle.
Take the time for you. You’re all you have.
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...