Designers checklist advices About

01/12Be prepared

This means being focused, clearheaded, rested and above all confident. Be positive, convey your excitement for the work and play to your strengths. Make certain that expectations have been set and that whomever you are presenting to has a general sense of what they're about see and hear about.

02/12Optimize the space

Create an environment of openness, opportunity, and receptivity. Ensure that the presentation environment is not just appropriate, but inspired. This includes things like assessing and refining lighting, surfaces, seating, technology and the like. Ensure that whomever you are presenting to is comfortable - before you make them potentially uncomfortable.

* We prefer to present in person, but frequently this is not possible. In cases of remote presentations, the following thoughts still apply.

03/12Create inspirational context

While you may be a very good writer, there are many well known designer/authors and countless creative thinkers who are exceptional writers. Borrow from them. Select a relevant quote, something that provides both context and inspiration and include it your presentation to create an insightful pause before moving into the work. Use it to set the stage for what's to come. This simple step can work wonders.

04/12Restate the goals of the project

Do this in a succinct, hierarchical and objective manner. The aim of the work presentation is to meet and ideally exceed expectations. To do so means making sure that the work meets all of the criteria previously established for success. Reference the stated goals frequently during the presentation and when possible highlight how a specific asset or element relates to, or helps achieve a specific goal.

05/12Reveal the work slowly

Take your time. Annunciate. There is no need to hurry. Create some mystery, begin building narrative and grow the energy in the room. There is no need to unveil the completed design all at once.

* We use a fair amount of math when designing identities, symbols, and often websites. We do so because we believe a mathematically balanced composition lends itself to beauty. If you take similar steps or have something special about your process, show it and do so in detail.

06/12Take a strong stance

Our process and design approach is based on presenting a single, comprehensive solution, rather than multiple options. We prefer to hone in on one solution, slowly and methodically and develop it to the fullest extent either necessary (required) and/or possible (sometimes budget constrained - sometimes not).

* The single solution approach is not necessarily appropriate, nor desirable for everyone. The key point to take away here is to come in strong and to support your ideas to the fullest extent possible.

07/12Handle color delicately

When possible present in black and white. This is particularly important in the case of identity. Introduce color only after the core visual component or components have been introduced. Color, while of great importance and significance to most projects can be polarizing. Most people have strong, rather subjective feelings about color. Introducing a challenging color too early in a presentation can hinder or even kill a great concept. Reveal color methodically and support your color selection with objective rationale.

08/12Share idea ownership

The work you are presenting should be inspired by your client. After all, your client is the reason you are presenting the work at all. Pay homage to their ideas and explain often and in detail how their ideas informed and inspired the work that you are presenting.

* Details that may seem obvious to you, most likely are not to whomever you are presenting to. Do not make assumptions. The more thought and nuance you communicate the greater the likelihood the work will be well received.

09/12Build up to a critical moment

By revealing the work slowly anticipation is created and excitement is built. Approximately 3/4 of the way through your presentation you should have established enough anticipation to offer a climactic reveal. Take this moment seriously and strive to transfer your positivity to whomever you are presenting to. Be genuine. Authenticity goes a long way.

10/12Summarize

Reiterate the potential of the work. Restate the project goals, review the most important pieces of the presentation, and take a step back from the details to focus on the system as a whole.

11/12Exercise patience

Do not expect nor request an immediate decision on the work you have just presented. Realize that while you have been working on the project in question for some time, whomever you are presenting to has just seen it for the first time. It may take a while to digest, sink in and feel appropriate.

12/12Communicate next steps

Now that you have presented your work (hopefully it went swimmingly), use the positive energy you carried into the presentation to increase momentum, align the parties involved and move onto whatever is next. Build on the trust you have established and push forward. The next presentation will be easier and the approval should come faster.

01/08See a movie for the first time which resonates with me

02/08Take a week off from work

03/08Sit somewhere with an amazing view

04/08Be excited about the near completion of a great project

05/08Find a new album which begs to be thrown on repeat (preferably bouncy)

06/08Eat brunch

07/08Have a drink with someone who makes me feel stupid (in a good way)

08/08Drink way too much espresso