A designer’s guide to presenting work

Guiding principles and words of advice

GUIDING PRINCIPLES1. Confidence + empathy

2. Reveal truth

3. Don’t (over) bullsh*t it

4. Speak clearly & tell a story

5. Passion without ego

6. Make people laugh

Confidence is key, but it does not sell the work by itself. The approach must be met with empathy and understanding of the audience’s point of view.

1. CONFIDENCE + EMPATHY (DON’T BE A DICK)

Empathy comes from revealing truth — not concealing it. Sources of truth can be in the form of process, inspiration and conceptual explanation.

2. REVEAL TRUTH

Ensure rationale is backed by sound, creative logic and historical references. Sell the work much like an appraiser from Antique Roadshow® rather than Pawn Stars®. You dig?

3. DON’T (OVER) BULLSHIT IT

Clarity of communication is key. Avoid saying all the things at once. Slow down. Start from the beginning. Tell a story. (note: stories have a beginning, middle, and end).

4. SPEAK CLEARLY AND TELL A STORY

Speak with passion, but be mindful of subjectivity. Humility always trumps arrogance in gaining trust and respect.

5. PASSION WITHOUT EGO

Cracking jokes isn’t necessary, but it wouldn’t hurt to smile and find a bit of joy and humor in what you are presenting. Be a good human, look people in the eye and don’t take yourself too seriously. Srsly.

6. MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH

THE FOUR C’S1. Composition

2. Craft

3. Content

4. Context

Ensure your artwork and design meet these principles, and that you are able to describe each in a manner that achieves success.

REMEMBER THE FOUR C’S

Composition: Framing, placement, and visual elements

Craft: The materials and the artistic skill exhibited in the work

Content: The emotional or intellectual message that provides meaning

Context: Influence, circumstance, or historical reference

TALKING POINTS & QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF1. What the F&%# is it?

2. What was it inspired by?

3. Why should I care?

4. How does/will it come to life?

Start by concisely explaining the essence of what you created. If you don’t start here, confusion will ensue.

1. WHAT THE F&%# IS IT?

TALKING POINTS: • “So what we’re looking at here is…”

• “The essence of this concept is…”

• “This concept is about…”

Next, simply describe what influenced your design. This could include emotions, historical references, anecdotes, and what you ate for breakfast.

2. WHAT WAS IT INSPIRED BY?

TALKING POINTS: • “We were inspired by…”

• “This concept is based on the notion…”

• (anecdotal reference) “I remember ______ and I thought to myself..”

Find the meaning. Find the emotion. What makes it special, interesting, or relevant?

3. WHY SHOULD I CARE?

TALKING POINTS: • “It evokes emotions of…”

• “What we find unique/interesting is…”

• “The driving factors are…”

• “We find this relevant because…”

Finally, explain your execution (materials, aesthetics, construction, interaction)

4. HOW DOES/WILL IT COME TO LIFE?

TALKING POINTS: • “We see this coming to life…”

• “We’d like to execute this with…”

• “As you scroll down, you’ll see…”

Talking about one’s own work is hard, and takes practice. Especially with emotion involved. Be passionate without being defensive and realize that design is your job, and you are solving problems for paying clients. Above all, just be yourself, fool!

IN CLOSING..