I Had A Problem Receiving Feedback

I'm not embarrassed to say that a really good friend of mine has talked me off the ledge more than once (thanks, Diamond). Feedback can be annoying, offensive and just wrong.

Interesting feedback I've been given:

  • "Can you make it pop more?"
  • "I know I asked you to change that, but actually can you do the opposite?"
  • "My 80-year-old grandma thinks it should be this way . . ."
  • "I know this is my 100th message, but add this word here and take away this word."
  • "I know I said clean and modern, but can you use these completely unmodern colors?"

LOL. I would go nuts with all of the back and forth and adjustments. And, I'm not gonna lie, I was offended AF! Like: "Why are you taking shots? I think this looks great?"

The Tea: How I Accept Feedback Without Getting Annoyed

A few years ago, Diamond gave me the most amazing advice. She said, "You are not your work". At least that's how I remember it. She's actually really good with life changing one-liners. One day i'll have to make a post of a list of all the amazing one liners she's said that changed my perspective.

Back to "you are not your work". I interpret this as: I design something and then I put it out into the world EXPECTING feedback. If there are no changes - cool. If there's a spreadsheet worth of edits - great. My work does not define my worth. I'm happy to grow. When I honestly look back, 9 times out of 10 it looks better. Making it "pop" does make the flier read better, removing words makes it cleaner, your 80-year-old grandma is smart as hell, and those non-modern colors add an unexpected depth to the design.

I give my work freedom to live it's own life.

How to Attract Your Dream Customers

I Aint Offended No Mo'

I had to change my perspective. Yes, a classic it's me not you. The internal battles stopped when I defined the word "feedback". Its assistance and its sand paper. Its love. And, it's watered the plant that is my design and marketing skills.

Stick around because writing this post inspired me to write another about the super simple way I determine WTH clients are talking about when they say pop, pizzaz, and bold. Oh and the system I use to reign in revisions so I can finish projects faster. I'll link them up when they're published!

Happy Marketing!
-Tavea (I should say "Tay", that's what all my besties call me)

Okay redo.

Happy Marketing!
-Tay

"You are not your work." -My friend Diamond

The Links

SHARING IS CARING