Burn Your Portfolio
Michael Janda
31 min
15 Key Points
5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore the real-world insights and practical lessons about the design industry that you won't learn in school, but are essential for success in your career.
You'll learn
1. Real-world graphic design tips2. Efficient project management in design3. Communication and networking in design4. Handling tough clients and projects5. Business side of design: pricing and contracts6. Building a successful design career.Key points
01Love what you do and keep growing
Let's get real about the creative industry. It's not all about having a killer portfolio or being the most talented designer in the room. Nope, it's about so much more. Take it from Michael Janda, a guy who started his career in a local copy center. He had dreams of working in a big-shot agency, creating campaigns for world-famous brands. But his journey didn't start there. It took him four years to become a creative director at Fox Studios and even longer to set up his own creative industry. It wasn't a walk in the park, but his love for his work and his determination to get better kept him going. Design schools might have you believe that a top-notch portfolio is your ticket to success. But Janda begs to differ. Sure, a good portfolio is important, but it's not the be-all and end-all. There are other skills that are just as important, if not more so. We're talking about teamwork, dealing with clients, communication, social skills, working fast, and understanding the business side of things. Whether you're freelancing, working in an agency, or running your own firm, these skills are key. Janda's message is clear: forget about the myths of success in the creative industry. It's not about having the best portfolio. It's about loving what you do, constantly learning and growing, and mastering a whole bunch of skills that go beyond just design. So, if you're a creative professional or hoping to become one, it's time to shift your focus. Put your portfolio on the back burner for a bit and concentrate on developing your passion, sharpening your skills, and committing to personal growth. According to Janda, that's the real secret to making it in the creative industry.
02Always give your best to keep your clients
Let's talk about a couple of key ideas that can really make a difference in your design career. First up, we've got this idea of "going the extra mile." It's a pretty common phrase, but what does it really mean? Well, in the world of design, it's all about exceeding your client's expectations. Say a client wants a logo. You could just whip up a logo and call it a day, but what if you went a step further? Maybe you could also create a full brand identity guide, or give them some tips on how to use their new logo across different platforms. That's going the extra mile. Next, let's talk about consistency. It's not enough to wow a client once and then let your work slide. You've got to keep delivering top-notch work every single time. This is how you build trust and credibility, and it's how you keep clients coming back for more. Now, let's bring these ideas to life with a couple of real-world examples. Imagine you're working on a website for a company that makes toys and games for kids. You could just focus on making the site look good, but what if you really dug into understanding the company's brand, their target audience, and their business goals? And then you used all that knowledge to create a site that's not just pretty, but also functional, user-friendly, and perfectly tailored to their needs. That's the kind of effort that can double your income in just a couple of years. And don't forget about the power of good old-fashioned people skills. Take the time to really connect with the people you work with, even if they're just interns. You never know when that intern might bring in a million-dollar business deal down the line. It just goes to show that a little kindness and respect can go a long way. Finally, when things get tough at work, don't let your clients see you sweat. Instead of venting to them or making a scene, take a breather. Talk things over with a coworker or ask for feedback from someone you trust. This way, you can keep your cool and avoid unnecessary drama. So, to sum it all up, keeping clients happy is about more than just doing good work. It's about going the extra mile, staying consistent, building strong relationships, and handling challenges with grace. Keep these principles in mind, and you'll be well on your way to a successful design career.
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03Take criticism positively and use it to improve
04Take a break to recharge before starting a new task
05Be ready to grab opportunities when they come
06Your designs should meet your client's needs
07Pay attention to details to avoid project failure
08Teamwork ensures all project aspects are covered
09Make your clients trust in your abilities
10Be ready to step out of your comfort zone
11Learn from your mistakes to avoid repeating them
12A healthy environment is key for business growth
13Be fair with your pricing and get legal protection
14Running a business requires courage, hard work, and patience
15Conclusion
About Michael Janda
Michael Janda is an experienced design professional and entrepreneur, having founded the creative agency Riser. He's known for his expertise in business strategy for creative industries, and has shared his insights through his book "Burn Your Portfolio" and as a speaker at industry events.
