Cringy Things Graphic Designers Say That Sabotage Their Credibility. Do You Use Them?

Summary

The Angry Designer Podcast

Episode: Cringy Things Graphic Designers Say That Sabotage Their Credibility. Do You Use Them?

Date: August 19, 2025
Hosts: Massimo & Sean

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delves into the subtle but damaging phrases and habits many graphic designers use—often unknowingly—that erode their credibility and position them as amateurs or “pixel pushers” rather than respected creative experts. Massimo and Sean candidly discuss why these cringeworthy comments proliferate, how they self-sabotage client relationships, and offer practical advice (plus alternative, confidence-boosting phrasing) to help listeners command more authority and get the respect (and rates) they deserve.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Designers Self-Sabotage

• Many self-diminishing phrases are rooted in a desire to please clients or appear agreeable.
• Newcomers (and even experienced designers) often say yes too quickly or default to weak language because of imposter syndrome, lack of business training, or fear of losing work.
  • “We don’t even know we do things that self sabotage... We excuse it because we’re creative or just being cutesy... But these are things that self sabotage all design.” —Massimo (03:36)
• Creative education typically omits business, leadership, and communication skills, leaving designers unprepared for client interactions.

The Problem With Cringeworthy Phrases

1. “Let me know your thoughts.”

• Why it fails: It invites unfocused, compulsory feedback and opens the door to endless revisions.
• Better approach: Guide feedback intentionally. Example: “Does anything feel off to you?” or “Did we miss the mark on any key point?”
  • “If you send a focused message to them, you get a focused message back. If you send a wide open message, that leaves it wide open for anything else.” —Sean (11:29)
• Timestamps: [09:53] - [11:51]

2. “I’ll mock it up real quick.”

• Why it fails: Devalues expertise; frames designer as an order-taker rather than a strategic partner.
• Better approach: “Let me explore that idea and see where it leads. I’ll present a considered solution.”
  • “You don’t want to be valued by your graphic skills... you want to be known for your strategic expertise.” —Massimo (14:25)
• Timestamps: [12:01] - [14:33]

3. “It’s just a placeholder.”

• Why it fails: Sounds careless, makes your process appear incomplete or rushed in the client's eyes.
• Better approach: “This is for layout purposes, we’ll add final content later.”
• Timestamps: [15:00] - [16:13]

4. “It’s only conceptual.”

• Why it fails: Signals a lack of confidence, invites unnecessary skepticism.
• Better approach: “This gives us creative direction; it’s not the final solution, but builds the foundation.”
• Timestamps: [16:14] - [17:59]

5. “It’s not really in scope, but I’ll do it anyway.”

• Why it fails: Undermines boundaries and opens the floodgates for scope creep.
• Better approach: “I’m happy to help—let’s plan this for the next phase.”
  • “You just threw your process out the window… forget boundaries, forget working toward a contract.” —Massimo (18:11)
• Timestamps: [18:10] - [19:39]

6. “Typography is really important to me.” / “I’m about colors/design.”

• Why it fails: Centers designer’s taste instead of client needs; comes across as self-centered.
• Better approach: “This choice supports your brand and the message you want to communicate.”
• Timestamps: [19:47] - [21:10]

7. “It just feels more modern, doesn’t it?”

• Why it fails: Accuses client’s existing brand of being outdated.
• Better approach: “This aligns with your audience’s current expectations and positions your brand for today’s market.”
• Timestamps: [21:15] - [22:29]

8. “It’s not meant to be pretty, it’s meant to be functional.”

• Why it fails: Downplays aesthetics; seems defensive.
• Better approach: “It looks good and drives action.”
• Timestamps: [22:42] - [24:08]

9. “This is part of a scalable design system.”

• Why it fails: Jargony, feels salesy, focuses on framework versus client benefit.
• Better approach: “This keeps your brand consistent everywhere it appears.”
• Timestamps: [26:45] - [27:28]

10. “We’re intentionally using white space here.”

• Why it fails: Sounds pretentious; clients may not share designers’ appreciation for “white space.”
• Better approach: “This space brings focus to [logo/key element] and gives balance to the design.”
• Timestamps: [27:46] - [29:12]

Other Unsalvageable Cringe Comments:

• “I’m a perfectionist.” → Signals you’ll be difficult and miss deadlines.
  • “Perfectionist, okay? Is not… Don’t joke about words like OCD or whatever.” —Massimo (29:46)
• “I’ll work on it over the weekend.” → Destroys boundaries and signals 24/7 availability.
• “Whatever you want / No worries, I can make it happen.” → Makes you a doormat, not a leader.
  • “You are, you know, spineless.” —Massimo (30:55)
• “This is my jam/I rock at it/I live for this stuff.” → Makes it about you, not the client.
• “Can I get feedback from the whole team?” → Invites endless, conflicting revisions.
  • “You’re inviting a whole revision orgy on your job.” —Massimo (32:52)

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Five Rules To Avoid Self-Sabotage & Build Credibility

(37:01 – 39:54)

1. Stop asking clients for approval—give direction instead

• “Customers want leaders, not servants… it’s your job to lead in situations like this.” (34:21)

2. Translate your expertise into business and brand value

• Link actions directly to outcomes for the client’s business.
• This sets the stage for value-based pricing.

3. Drop filler phrases—silence is okay

• Don’t be afraid of pauses; saying less often communicates more authority.

4. Frame everything around outcomes, not features or aesthetics

• Focus on business impact and results, not just looks.

5. Don’t try to sound smart—try to be understood

• Avoid jargon and buzzwords; clarity builds trust, not “industry speak.”
• “If you don’t sound like that expert, you sound like an amateur.” —Massimo (39:54)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you ask a customer to give you feedback, they’re going to feel obligated to give you feedback—right or wrong.” —Massimo (10:38)
• “You’re just basically like the graphic monkey... That’s what you don’t want.” —Massimo (14:23)
• “Perfectionist, okay? Is not... Don’t joke about words like OCD or whatever.” —Massimo (29:46)
• “You’re inviting a whole revision orgy on your job.” —Massimo (32:52)
• “Stop trying to sound smart, and try to be understood.” —Massimo (37:01)
• “Saying less actually means more.” —Massimo (36:03)

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Closing Challenge

(39:04 - 39:54)
Massimo’s “homework” for listeners:
Audit your next client call. Count how many times you:

• Say something vague,
• Sound like a blog post or use fancy words clients may not know,
• Unknowingly self-sabotage or downplay your value.

Then, actively plan how to phrase things differently next time.

“This way you can start learning how to speak like a designer who actually knows what the hell they’re talking about… Because honestly, if you don’t sound like that expert, you sound like an amateur.” —Massimo (39:54)

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Summary Table: Cringe Phrase → Better Alternative

| Cringe Phrase | Why it Fails | Say Instead... | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | “Let me know your thoughts.” | Invites vague feedback | “Does anything feel off to you?” | | “I’ll mock it up real quick.” | Devalues expertise | “Let me explore that idea and present a solution.” | | “It’s just a placeholder.” | Looks careless | “This is for layout; we’ll add content later.” | | “It’s only conceptual.” | Lacks confidence | “This gives us creative direction.” | | “Not in scope, but I’ll do it.” | Kills boundaries | “Let's plan this for the next phase.” | | “Typography’s my thing.” | Self-centered | “This supports your brand’s personality.” | | “It feels more modern.” | Insults old brand | “This aligns with your audience’s expectations.” | | “Meant to be functional.” | Defensive, unsexy | “It looks good and drives action.” | | “Scalable design system.” | Jargon, salesy | “Keeps your brand consistent everywhere.” | | “Intentionally using white space.” | Sounds pretentious | “This space brings focus and balance.” |

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Overall Tone

Candid, irreverent, and actionable—offering tough love and wisdom born from decades on the frontlines of creative business.

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Action Steps for Listeners

• Audit your language and positioning during client interactions
• Reframe the above phrases in future projects
• Practice leading conversations and selling outcomes, not design features
• Sign up for the Anger Management For Designers newsletter for more blunt wisdom

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[Further Information]

Newsletter sign-up and podcast resources: See show notes or visit their website/links in episode description.

Transcript

[A]

You're listening to the Angry Designer podcast where we help frustrated graphic designers crush the industry chaos, ditch the social BS and build badass rewarding careers that actually pay now. Powered by WIX Studio.

[B]

Okay, buddy.

[A]

Cheers.

[B]

Yes. Salu. Cheers. Cheers. I'm surprised. The third week of Ardmore. Wow.

[A]

I know. I haven't, I haven't been sneaking drinks.

[B]

You haven't been in here.

[A]

I haven't, you know, it's been, it's been a lot. I know, right? Well, weekends have been busy. Summer.

[B]

Yeah. Summertime.

[A]

This is true. And I do generally find I have less drinks in the summertime. Well, no, I kind of switch over to like Caesars and oh, here I'm a big sour beer guy. I, I know, right? Which is, I'm sure there's a girl here at the office that would make fun of me for it. You know who you are.

[B]

I get looks side eyed looks from the IPA preference too. So. Yeah, some people don't like it. Beer that, you know, that tastes like, like a flower or something or hoppy or whatever. Yeah, I know, whatever. Personal preference. Who cares? Can we all get along? Yeah.

[A]

So I have, I have absolutely no story to segue into.

[B]

What I don't, no terrible experiences with clients.

[A]

No. You know, lately I've had great experience with clients. I, I, and I'm not saying I'm doing everything right because God knows I do not do everything right, but I, I, it's nice when clients, you know, treat you like an expert. They ask you the question, they ask you for your feedback and it's just a nice relationship. And I've have had a couple even live client sessions lately. And not that I do that often, but it's like tight timeline. It's like, okay, well here, let's just quickly get, get this on screen. Yeah, it's been going. Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I don't like to do that because again, that really kind of undervalues what you do. Okay. But I think it, it's just a different, it's, it's been different lately and I appreciate that.

[B]

That's good.

[A]

It's not to say that it's always been like that. No. You know, because I mean again, over the past 25 years, we're like 27 years in business. 20. Zed Factor is 27. So I remember, you know, a lot of mistakes. Lot of mistakes. Right. And we always profess the importance of being an expert.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And, and holding that and that whole fake it till you make it, you know, like, you know, hold your, your Persona Your presence be you expert.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But it's not to say that, you know, we do things and we don't even know we do things.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That is like. And it, it's actually self sabotage. You know, we think, you know, we, we excuse it because we're creative or, you know, we, we, we're just being cutesy about it. Oh, you know, I, I'll get it next time. Right?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But these are things that self sabotage all design. We do it to ourselves.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, right.

[A]

And you know, and, and I just, I thought this would be kind of. Not that they're all like, you know, haha, jokes and stuff, but it's, it's just a lot of how you present position, the words you use.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because what this does is ultimately, you know, whether it's conscious or subconscious, it will, you know, kill that client relationship. It'll kill that, that expertise, the expert status that you're trying to, you know, ascertain.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, and lately I don't know if it's just, you know, now I'm old and they just assume he must be an expert. He's been doing it for so fucking long. Or, or just mainly how I'm presenting myself. But you know, I, I thought this would be fun to talk about.

[B]

Yes. Yeah, well, glancing over the list, I saw one. I make this mistake, so my expert status is revoked.

[A]

Oh, Sean, you never had expert status.

[B]

Were you kidding? Yeah, you're right.

[A]

Oh, there's so many.

[B]

Good one, good one. Yeah. Let's go back to the boring podcast.

[A]

But you know, it's like, it's like there's reasons. And again, I don't even know. I mean, just like you said jokingly, you do it, right?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Oftentimes, you know, I, I can say that. You know, when I would make these comments, it's, it's just because I want to please the client. Right, Right. I genuinely like pleasing clients.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, they pay us, they, they allow us to have this awesome agency, this awesome lifestyle that we have. So of course you want to be like, I can help you, I can do this for you. No worries. No worries. Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Little things that, these are things that actually can come back and hurt you.

[B]

Yeah, right.

[A]

You know, we sometimes though, when I was early on, it was to make yourself sound more experienced. Okay. And I remember being like saying yes to jobs right away or saying yes to asks or this. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can do that. I know how to do that.

[B]

Right.

[A]

No fucking clue at all. But it was just that Whole idea of, yeah, yeah, I don't want them to even question my abilities. But in fact, self saying yes too fast. Self sabotaging, right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, and again, you know, oftentimes it's, you know, you hear people online, okay. You have heard other designers present, you know, you have friends that are professionals, and you're thinking, well, this is what I need to say to sound more professional. Right, Right. Oftentimes, you know, I think we're doing things like that, you know, and let's face it, school doesn't teach you anything.

[B]

They do not teach you any of that stuff.

[A]

Right? It's all about being a creator, defending your design. Not really about being a leader, you know, being, you know, like the leadership manager. You know, business side of this. School doesn't teach any of this either.

[B]

No.

[A]

So it's like we don't really know that we're self sabotaging, you know, our own careers, our own, our own relationships with customers, right? Until, you know, it's too late and, or until you've done it enough times that you're like, that was really stupid. Why the hell did I say that in the first place? I've had many of those moments, dude.

[B]

Yeah, no shit. That's funny.

[A]

I think the reason why, you know, you know, designers do this shit, right? Or why they actually kind of lose trust with the customers, right? Is, you know, oftentimes it seems like when, when designers are saying things, it almost feels like they're trying to hide the truth. You know what I mean? Or hide the unknown. Maybe even hide, you know, because I don't have the answer. And so I'll say yes to anything. And I mean, proof in point. Yeah, I, when I would say yes to everything, even though I didn't know how to do it, I, I kind of wanted to just shut that, that part of the conversation down really quickly, very fast, right?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And I was like, okay, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Yeah, I got it, I got it.

[A]

Don't ask any more about it. I'm, I'm literally sweating. You know, don't ask, don't ask. But I mean, again, I think I, I, I, I think that was a big part of it is just, it was that, that whole fear of just like trying to shut down that conversation. Right? And I, I think customers would pick up on that personally. You know, I think if you do it at least early on, or if customers have more interaction with you the first time, you might be able to get a pass.

[B]

I think so, yeah. I think everybody would be willing to Give you one shot at the very least.

[A]

And then if you.

[B]

And if you tanked.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, you know, it kind of like kills that whole thing. Right. You know, I think. Needless to say. Needless to say, I don't think that we do these things in intentionally.

[B]

No.

[A]

Okay. And, you know, I think most of the times our reasons are sincere. Okay. But unfortunately, because this is like a dance that we have to do with clients. Right. We do have to remember that we're there to take the lead in that dance.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You like that analogy? That's a really good metaphor.

[B]

Right. The Fred Astaire of graphic design over here.

[A]

It's. But it's true, though, because if both are stepping on each other's toes, right. I mean, it goes nowhere. If both are trying to lead, it goes nowhere. But if they're inviting us, help them solve these problems, we have to be the ones to take the lead. And, you know, self sabotaging, if we're supposed to be the lead does. Does the complete opposite in this case. And it kind of makes. Makes, you know, makes them a little bit more apprehensive of, you know, relinquishing control to you to lead in this case.

[B]

Right. Yeah.

[A]

So. So I think the whole point of this is to kind of go through a lot of the more common phrases that I think all designers say in one form or another. Okay. What the underlying message could be. Okay. And then if we had to spin it, how else we could spin it?

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Okay, So I. And this is. And this is kind of the intent. So I did write down some of these thinking that, okay, like, what do I say? What did I say today? What did I say? You know, so. So I think let's just go through these.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, I like it.

[A]

But before I do, you know, some people might want this in writing and you know, where they can get this in. Right.

[B]

Oh, I would. I wonder if there's a newsletter available.

[A]

Oh, I just want to say, you know, we've got Anger Management for Designers. It's our newsletter. You can, you know, every week. We're not selling you anything. We're just giving you a lot of this, a little bit of entertaining. We've got a comic strip. We've got, you know, a little A.I. you know, phrase thing. And of course, just a lot of the same helpful tips.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That we do on a regular basis.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you can sign up for this on our. On our, you know, in. In our social headers, of course. Or on Anger Management for designers or on our website. And again, once a week. It's low, it's easy. Say hi. You can reach us through that too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All right, all right, so, okay, so phrases that designers actually say in one way or another that are kind of cringeworthy, but. But ultimately they're self sabotaging and hurting a relationship. Okay, so you know this one, we just had this conversation. I know. Everybody has said this. You send something off and then you leave. You end it with, let me know your thoughts.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Oh, let me know your thoughts.

[B]

Yes. Okay.

[A]

It seems innocent enough.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It seems common enough. I have done that if I've been cc'd. Hey, here you go. Let us know your thoughts.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But you know, if you take a step back, you know, and you look at the bigger picture. Okay. It's a very vague statement.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And it's inviting vague feedback.

[B]

It's very wide open. I realize that now, just how wide open that statement is. And it's just like, oh, why didn't I not think of that?

[A]

Urges overthinking.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It encourages revision. How?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Really? It does. Because again, what you're doing is you're saying, hey, give me some feedback. Okay. Which is the worst thing you can ask a customer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because if you ask a customer to give you feedback, they're going to feel obligated to give you feedback, right or wrong. They're just. They're like, I'm gonna have to say something.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Because they want to know. They want to know my thoughts.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

So, I mean, you know, if we were to do the same thing, you know, and deliver it and be like, hey, here's how we solved this.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. Does anything feel off to you? Or let us know if anything feels off to you? Or let us know if we missed the mark or. Or missed.

[B]

Okay, that's good.

[A]

But what you want to do is you want to be very targeted in what kind of response you're looking for them.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Not let us know your thoughts.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So again, guilty as charged.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm sure I've done that at least once in the past month, but it is the wrong message. You just, I did it.

[B]

I did it today. But that's so funny, because exactly like you said, you focus. If you send a focused message to them, you will get a focused message back. Right, that makes sense. If you send a wide open message, that leaves it wide open for anything else. Wow. I had no right.

[A]

So again, these are little things that we do unknowingly, innocently.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

It is self Sabotage.

[B]

But it is okay. Yeah.

[A]

Especially if we want to take the leap.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay, another one. Right. You know, you're. You're in a conversation with the customers, you come up with a great idea, and they're like, hey, hey, hey. Here, try this. Just do this. And what do you say? You're like, yeah, yeah, I'll mock. I'll mock something up real quick for you. Okay. Worst thing. Okay. You think that it's like you're an expert. You're caught up in the moment. Only an expert like us could. Could mock this up really quick.

[B]

Right, Right.

[A]

But really, you know, what you've just done is you've just made the work that you've done disposable. You've basically diluted it down to being a pixel pusher.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. Because what you've just said in that conversation is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You've already come up with the solution, Mr. Customer. We both talked about it, you know, so let me just graphic design it for you. Okay, so wrong answer. And again, it's innocent. It's blunt and in. In point. Kind of what I did today is when. When I was going through that presentation with them, and I just. I was like, fuck it, let's just do the changes on the fly.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Not the best.

[B]

No.

[A]

But in this case, Okay. A better idea is, you know, in order. So it doesn't sound like what you're doing is disposable, you know, or it's a commodity type thing. Right. You tell them. Okay, let me explore that idea and see where it leads. Okay, so instead of. I'll mock it up real quick right now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what? Okay. This is a good conversation.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Let me leave, explore this. Solve this problem like we talked. Present you back a better solution. Okay. Same message. But now you took charge.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You're now exploring something. You're not whipping it together like a design cake or something.

[B]

All right, Nobody wants to see how sausage is made.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So this is the same kind of idea. So what would your timeline be? Would you get back to them in. In 24 hours, the next day or something like that if it's just a mock up?

[A]

No. No. Absolutely no. No. Even if it's just a mock up. Right. You never. Even if you can get it done.

[B]

In an hour, you never, never, ever do that. No. Fair enough.

[A]

I totally get that. And this is the thing, right? Next day is not outrageous.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Especially if it is just, you know, color combination, simple. Like something, you know, whatever. Right, Right. But again, as long as it's within scope, you know, and it still fits their timeline. There's nothing wrong with doing something the next day.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That there's nothing wrong with. You're an expert, and you can. But by saying I can whip it up.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You're not adding any credibility.

[B]

Right.

[A]

To the expertise you bring.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

You're just basically like the gr.

[B]

The graphic monkey. Yeah.

[A]

That's what you don't want.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

You don't want to be valued by your graphic skills in a situation like this, you want to be, you know, by your expertise, your strategic expertise. That's what you want to be known for.

[B]

Right, Right.

[A]

The fact that you can then actually take your strategic expertise and put it in an awesome graphic format and deliver to the customer and it looks bang on. That's just like the cherry on.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Big time. But that's not what you want to be known for.

[B]

No, you certainly don't. Cool. Nice.

[A]

All right, here's one. Ready? You give somebody to. You give something to a customer, you know, and you. You kind of rushed a certain part, and they question you on it, and you're like, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, it's just a placeholder.

[B]

Right.

[A]

We've all been guilty of this. Okay. But what this does if. If you just excuse a lack of, you know, like, filling the entire thing out with just some text or just a mock image that says placeholder or a gray box. Okay. And you just call it just a placeholder. What this does is it weakens the perception on their end of your process.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Because it's like, oh, it's not very fleshed out. Why would they do that?

[B]

Right.

[A]

And especially if, you know, when they question it, you just, you know, off the cuff, like, oh, it's not a big deal. It's just a placeholder.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Don't even focus on it.

[B]

Think about it. Yeah.

[A]

You know what this is where instead of saying, it's just a placeholder. Okay. You. You follow up with something like, this is just for layout purposes. Oh, we'll add the content later.

[B]

Oh, I see. Okay.

[A]

See?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Not very exact same thing. You've completely positioned it in other. You didn't just, you know, excuse it. Your mistake in their eyes at that moment.

[B]

Right. Yeah.

[A]

You made it sound like it was intentional.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Okay. And you don't want to focus on that. You want to focus on another part.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So we'll just add the important stuff later on. Okay.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So again, with intent. Because that's what designers do. We do things with intent.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

All right, how about. It's more conceptual. I don't even know if I like that word in general. Right.

[B]

Yeah. But it's like, only in a concept car. That's the only thing.

[A]

Right, Right. And again, you know, concepts are totally norm, but if you just, you know, brush it off like it's only conceptual. It's. You're basically, you know, you're telling them that it's okay if you don't like it, because I'm not sure I got it right. Okay. And I want to get feedback in an innocent. So it's only a concept.

[B]

It's just a concept unless you really like it.

[A]

Yeah. And then if you do.

[B]

Yeah, I do it. I do it. Yeah.

[A]

But really what it is, is you're signaling, you know, your lack of leadership, your lack of confidence by saying it's only a concept.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's only. It's okay if you don't like it. It's only concept.

[B]

And.

[A]

And the customers smell that shit. Okay? They will. And as soon as they smell that. Right. You're dead in the water. You're done in this one.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So instead of saying it's only a concept or it's only conceptual. Okay. What you really want to say is, you know, this will give us creative direction. It's not the final solution.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But it gives us direction.

[B]

Right. Okay.

[A]

That's a little different. Because now you're presenting a solid idea.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. That you're just trying to, you know, feel the water. Exact same thing. You're saying the same thing.

[B]

You are. You literally are. It's a concept, but it's the way you phrase it.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Position.

[A]

Right. And now it's not self sabotage. Now it's like, oh, I've intimately done this.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Which in all fairness, that was the intent from the start.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's just the delivery was pretty weak. Sabotaging. Right.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So remember, it's only a concept. Not a good thing to say.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

All right, Ready?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How about this one? It's not really included. It's not really in scope, but I'll do it anyway. So what you just did is you just threw your process out the window.

[B]

Totally. Right.

[A]

Like, forget boundaries. Forget like, you know, working towards a contract because you were trying to please. And you're like, it's only little thing. I'll add it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I have gotten over so many times because again, it's like, sure, I'll add that one. It's only one thing.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

One is the two. These four. These all new redoing the entire fucking website. Because some new project manager came in and wanted to change everything and you just wanted to make them happy. You sense I had a problem with that one.

[B]

Right? Yeah, exactly. We've all been there.

[A]

In a situation like this, it'd be, it'd be probably, you know, better to say something along lines of, you know, I'd happy, I'd be happy to help. Why don't we add this in the next phase? In the next round? Yeah, the next quote. Because the next phase is going to be re quoted.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. So you know, you're happy to help. Let's plan for adding this in the next phase.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Because then by doing that you're saying we have a process. We're sticking to that process. I'm happy to help you, but we got to follow our process first.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I want to secure future work. So let's phase the next phase in the future.

[B]

Okay, Exactly. So, yeah, if you're giving the, if you're giving the milk away, then nobody's going to buy the cow.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

You know, Right?

[A]

Yeah, exactly.

[B]

Yeah. That's. That's awesome. That is.

[A]

Okay, ready? So how many times has somebody said something along the lines of typography is really important to me. Right. It's like you're, you're starting to sound like you are a little, not necessarily strategically led. A little bit more self centered, A little bit more like this is about me. Okay. I'm about type. I'm.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm about colors. Okay. I'm about design and the way it looks. It's kind of my thing. And really customers don't want your thing.

[B]

No.

[A]

Okay. They don't. They want you to solve their problem.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And so what you, what you have to bring to the table always has to come full circle and be logical about it. Not your thing, because again, it's not about you.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It's about the right answer. So something better to say if somebody was to actually say typography is my thing or color is my thing. Right. This is where you're like, this choice supports your brand. Okay. And the tone and the message. Better. Okay? So now it's like, hey, you know what you're still getting, you're still getting your font choice, but now it's not about you.

[B]

Right.

[A]

It's about their brand. What you're presenting.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Is actually better for them. It's better for the brand. It's better for the choice.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It's just all how you position the exact same statement.

[B]

Yeah. Right? Yeah. All Right.

[A]

Ready?

[B]

Beautiful.

[A]

Customer is like, oh, yeah, I like this. You're like, yeah, yeah, yeah. It just feels more modern, doesn't it, Kate? It sounds fun because the customer's agreeing with you, but you just slam.

[B]

You just burned them.

[A]

You totally did. Right?

[B]

See, your brand sucks. So this is real hip now.

[A]

This is it. Right? You've completely defended, you know, your. Your concept by saying what you guys are already using is outdated, and it sucks. And again, it's. It's okay to be, you know, it's okay to have these, you know, big statements out there and to kind of bring their brand to that whole next level. That's okay.

[B]

Yeah, that's fine.

[A]

That's cool, right?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But maybe instead, you know, of saying that, you know, this is much more modern, maybe you kind of phrase it as this aligns with your. Your audience's perception or your audience's expectations. Today, the audience has changed. We are branching out to a new audience, and this aligns more with what they're looking for. So you don't have to say it's more modern.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

What you mean, yeah, okay. It's not outdated. It's not the boomers, you know, design. Okay. This isn't a boomer's brand anymore, Grandpa.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

This is more aligned with your new audience.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

There's nothing wrong with saying that.

[B]

No, no, no. Every client wants to hear more eyeballs on their stuff.

[A]

Right, exactly.

[B]

Without saying that there's something. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Right. All right.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

How about it's not meant to be pretty. It's meant to be functional. Okay. So again, this is when people start. Yeah, this one's not even really nice, actually.

[B]

What do you mean?

[A]

I'm gonna get rid of that one.

[B]

Oh, okay. Yeah, no, because, I mean, I'm curious about.

[A]

This is a more. This is a more UX thing. Well, again, what this is saying is. You know, where I'm going with this one is, you know, when you. When you say comments like this about, you know, you're defending. You're saying it doesn't look good, but it works really well, and you're driving this whole message forward.

[B]

Right. Yeah.

[A]

You know, what you're kind of saying is you're defending the bad design that you're presenting the customer. Okay. And you're defending it by saying, well, it'll convert much better. Okay. So it looks like, but it'll convert much better.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Which, in fact, is legit.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oftentimes There was that one example that you had 100, but maybe you Know, the way you spin it to the customer is you tell them it looks good but it drives action.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

So now it's not like, yeah, it's okay looking, but it's functional. Yeah, you just made it really unsexy by saying it that.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But again, if you start playing with the terms, you know, it looks good and drives action. Well, driving action is the kicker there. Yeah, but you're not downplaying what you've already done.

[B]

No. Right.

[A]

And I think that's the key here on this one. Yeah, yeah, I think that's where the intent was going, you know, originally.

[B]

Yeah, I like that. That's great.

[A]

Okay, well.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. All right.

[A]

All right, we're good then. Keep that one then.

[B]

Tricky. Drink, drinky, drinky.

[A]

Ding, ding. I need a bell. Yeah, drink, drink.

[B]

Every. Every three minutes. We hit the head to the corner. Ah, the towel off, you know.

[A]

All right, ready? And now a word from our sponsor. All right, designers, let's cut the bowl. How many times have you had a killer website design only to watch it fall apart because of code or developer telling you no, no, no. Or maybe you've held back from web design altogether, thinking it's just too complicated and too technical or totally out of your wheelhouse. Either way, it's time for a change. Wix Studio is designed for designers, removing the barriers that limits your designs. Whether you're tired of developers watering down your idea ideas or too intimidated by the technical side of web, Wix Studio puts the creative power back in your hands. No code required. With a drag and drop interface that feels designer intuitive. Plus no code animations and even AI powered tools, you can create fully custom websites that match your vision. Every pixel, every detail. And if you're worried about the learning curve, don't be. Wix Studio is designed to feel as intuitive as your favorite design tools. Some designers here even say more. So that means you can jump right in and focus on what you do best. Designing badass brand aligned websites that'll take your business to the next level. So whether you've had enough of developers holding you back or you're ready to finally step, step into web Design, check out Wix Studio.com and take control. That's WixStudio.com Go and take back web design for graphic designers. I am a fan of this, but you got to be careful how to say this, okay? You can tell a customer this is part of a scalable design system. Well, I'm a big promoter of design system, but when you say it like that, you know, into the conversation, it kind of feels like you're selling the framework, not necessarily solving their problems first. Oh, okay. And again, because what you're focusing is on the system. Okay. And it sounds very sales like. Okay.

[B]

Like a cookie cutter kind of thing.

[A]

Right. Where in this situation, you know, same thing. But what you tell them is, is the outcome or the benefit of this. Okay. You focus on your. You tell them instead of. This is part of a scalable design system. You tell them that this keeps the brand consistent no matter where it shows up. Exact same thing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That is what the design system is.

[B]

Y.

[A]

But now you're actually touting the benefits of the design system.

[B]

Right.

[A]

They don't fucking care about a design system. The term design system.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Which is why it sounds salesy and a little bit jargony.

[B]

Well, it sounds like an added expense that you're going to hit me with too. Right, Right. Yeah.

[A]

Well, that is the plan.

[B]

But. That's the plan. But if you hide it better or at least well, that's a value, you know?

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Right.

[A]

This is. Because now what we're creating for you is going to keep this whole brand consistent no matter where it shows up, okay. Online, on the side of vehicles, you know, on hock ring, you know, billboard or whatever, it's going to keep it consistent. Now, there's value in that. And doesn't sound salesy.

[B]

Nope, it does not.

[A]

All right. Or, you know, on this one. And I know that we all have, one way or another, defended this one. Okay? But we're intentionally using white space here. Okay, guys? We're intentionally using white.

[B]

Supposed to be there.

[A]

It's supposed to be there, right? Customer says, why you got all that white space?

[B]

I'm not paying for white space personally.

[A]

I'm not paying for white space. Put a. Put a logo there.

[B]

But Starbucks. Fill that up. Yeah.

[A]

All right.

[B]

Oh, God.

[A]

The problem is, as soon as the.

[B]

The.

[A]

As soon as white space comes out of your mouth.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay, you sound like a pretentious design.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Because clients, they may not understand white space, okay. Or the value of white space like we do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But that term just makes their hairs on their back just go up and they want to scratch your eyeballs out. Right. So instead of actually using the term white space and you intentionally edit it there, okay. You try spinning it like this. This is space. Gives focus to the other area. Okay. It balances off and brings your eye to your logo over here.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Hey, guess what, Mr. Customer, if I filled this space up with a starburst and a buy now and a put a due date here.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Everybody's gonna have to look for your logo, and it's gonna be lost.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So I'm saying the same thing, but I'm not sounding like a pretentious dick.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

So this is just some ways to spin some of these. Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

There are some other ones I couldn't save. I couldn't save at all. I mean, again, some cringy things that. That, that. That come out of our mouths.

[B]

There's no way around it.

[A]

No way around it.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Kind of like, oh, wow, you know, you think it sounds good if you tell them. Oh, oh, it's okay. Say I'm a perfectionist. Oh, okay, you think that sounds good? Oh, but in a customer's eyes, you know, the. You're flagging, you know, yourself.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Difficult. You're gonna be late.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm gonna get this three months from now, and I need it next week. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Trust me, guys. Perfectionist, okay? Is not. Is not. Don't joke about words like OCD or whatever. Right. That's also one that you shouldn't be joking about. But the reality is, it's like. Like talking about your, you know, perfectionism and. And how you have such a strong attention to detail signal, and there's no way around it to spin it.

[B]

Right.

[A]

There's no.

[B]

No, you're right. That's true. Yeah.

[A]

Or if you tell a customer, don't worry about it. I'll work on it over the weekend. Oh, okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, you know what? You just killed those boundaries that we're constantly trying to say. Don't, you know, don't put in place.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Once always turns into second. Always turns into a third. Ask. Okay, there's no way to spin. I'll work on this over the weekend. If you want to work on it over the weekend and give it to a Monday afternoon. Okay. Hey, that's your prerogative. Don't tell them that you worked on it over the weekend.

[B]

Right. Okay.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Smart.

[A]

We talked about this one right from the beginning. Whatever you want. No worries. I can make it happen. Oh, okay. Well, again, you're a doormat.

[B]

Yeah, you are. Yeah, you are.

[A]

You are, you know, spineless.

[B]

You're.

[A]

You know, are you even good at what you do?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

Kind of ended up being a yes person there. And when we. To talk about self sabotaging, this is the number one way.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's okay to let customers know that you don't know how to do something, but you will learn at an expedited rate for the project. Okay. I've. I've proudly told customers, I don't know it. It's Friday, but by Monday, I'll become an expert on this, and I'll read about it all weekend long.

[B]

I'll get it.

[A]

So again, it's. It's. You know, that's. That's okay. But just don't tell them that.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll do it.

[A]

I'll do it. No worries.

[B]

No worries.

[A]

Telling customers, oh, yeah, this is my thing. This is my jam. This is what I work on all the time, and I rock at it.

[B]

Yeah, that sounds. That sounds a little like, kind of.

[A]

Like you want to be Picasso.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

You know, like, oh, yeah. Like, this is what I do. I live and breathe this, man. Yeah, it kind of reminds me of. Remember that. That.

[B]

That.

[A]

That show. What was it, Triple X? Right. When it was with Vin Diesel.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Where he's like, I live for this stuff, and he jumps out of the airplane.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Customers don't want that journey.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

They don't want to jump out of an airplane with you, so they don't want you to think that you're Vin Diesel or Picasso. It's not about you and your style.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's about the problems that they have to face.

[B]

That's exactly it. Yeah.

[A]

And. And, you know, this last one, there's no way to save this. Okay. But oftentimes it's like, you know, you'll get a little frustrated when, you know, you get feedback from your customer, and then you do it. You then. Then he takes it back to his committee or his team, and it comes back more and more and more, and it's people behind them. Right. Whatever you do. Okay. Don't invite your customer to say. Don't. Don't ask to get feedback from the whole team.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

So whatever you do, do not say, can I get feedback from the whole team?

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because really, all you're doing at this point is you' inviting a whole revision orgy on your job.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. They're all coming in.

[B]

Welcome to the email list because.

[A]

Yeah. Holy.

[B]

You're gonna. You're gonna feel it, dude.

[A]

Everybody's gonna be like, oh, I want this. And then you're gonna have conversations where they ask questions on top of.

[B]

Top of it. Yeah.

[A]

They're just endless.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. You'll miss all the changes because I.

[A]

Don'T want to go down this road.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

You just don't want to do this.

[B]

Yeah, no, so you can't get out.

[A]

Of these ones, but you can get out of the other ones.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And the key here is to be aware. Okay. That you are the expert in this situation and you're trying to position yourself as an expert. This takes a long time to do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Lately I've been fortunate and it feels great because customers are asking me the kind of questions I want them to ask and it feels like everything's kind of going smooth.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it, you know, self tap. I have self sabotaged forever.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. We've all done this.

[A]

So. So, you know, again, I, what I did is I just came up with some, some five easy things to follow. Okay. So you don't, you know, you sound like a pro.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You don't self sabotage and you don't sound like a pixel pusher.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Okay. And that's the big thing. Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you know, number one and this. I, you know, I have to constantly check myself every time. Okay. You need to stop asking your customers for approval, plain and simple. You're not, you have to start giving direction.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Right. You don't need them to be like, is, is this right?

[B]

Is this good?

[A]

You've done everything right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. What you're presenting them addresses, everything that they ask for. Customers want leaders, they don't want servants. Okay. And so it's your job to lead in situations like this.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Stop asking for approval, plain and simple.

[B]

Yeah. Nice.

[A]

Another one that you know, I keep talking about more lately. You know, even this one's a little harder to, to learn long term. But when you do changes the whole relationship. But you need to start translating your expertise and what you do into business and brand value for the customer in their business. Okay. Again, this, you know, this totally like just shoots up the scalability of, of your expertise. Everything that you can provide them, the skills, you can provide them. Right. Because again, it's just, it just sounds more expertise like expert.

[B]

Like expert. Like. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Not English like. No, but it's true.

[B]

It.

[A]

Once you have figured out how to start translating everything that you do into some sort of value to the customer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It now starts making you realize and being more aware of the value you bring.

[B]

You bring. Yeah.

[A]

And when you start bringing that kind of value and you're aware of it, well then you can start going down that road of value based pricing that changes the whole game. But you have to get to that point. And the only way you're going to get there is by understanding that what you're going to create is going to have a value to the brand and to the business. So that's what you have to focus on.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Number three, drop the filler FA phrases.

[B]

Filler phrases.

[A]

Filler phrases. Okay. You know, silence is okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm sure everybody's known people that, like, if there's a silence, they have to feel it.

[B]

They got to be in there. Yeah.

[A]

Right. And it is. It is annoying. And. And it's like sometimes I just stare at them, like, can't you just shut up? There's. We can be here comfortably side by side, quietly observing. You don't have to fill every little bit of silence with a phrase or a comment. Okay. Situations like this, saying less actually means more. Okay. And you can learn so much in that silence.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. So again, stop using filler phrases. Okay. Number four, frame everything you do in outcomes, not in features and not in aesthetics. Okay. So similar to the business value. Okay.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Basically talk about everything that you do and what it does, not just how it looks.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you know, how it feels. It has nothing to do with that. Okay. It's that outcome that you want to focus on.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And this goes back to a lot of the examples we talked about before.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Focus on that outcome, not the aesthetics part.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

And you know, number five, stop trying to sound smart and try to be understood. Okay. And again, this. This is something I think we all struggles. I know I have. Where it's just like you're talking, you're talking, you're talking. Right. And you're trying to sound like, you know, what the hell you're talking about.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We're really. It's like, it's so much easier to just if. If they understand what you're saying and you're clear about it, that goes so much more further than. Than using jargon and buzzwords that mean nothing. Because that just annoys everybody. Honestly, when you start saying, you know, buzzwords and jargon, that. That is unclear to the customer. It signals that you're untrustworthy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. And again, you'll. That's. That's the worst kind of self sabotage.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Because you sound like a douche.

[A]

Oh, dude. You know what I mean?

[B]

And that's. And everybody knows understands that.

[A]

Like everybody.

[B]

We've all dealt with people like that, you know, And. And that's what's. That's. What's awesome about us is we're just real.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't give a. Yeah, yeah, exactly. You're gonna. You're gonna talk. Talk. You're going to do most of the talking. The client is going to do most of the talking. You're going to do most of the listening.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

That's kind of the way it works.

[A]

What you see, that's what you get.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

And we're not trying to, you know, play up some sort of pony show.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

And if. If that's the people they want, that's fine. But I can assure you that we've dealt with people in all industries and above anything else, people just want clarity.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They don't want to have to try to guess what that.

[B]

Exactly the. Did he just say think?

[A]

You know how many questions I get again? Every day here at the, at the studio, I get people coming up and being like, the customer said this.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What do you think they mean? And they're trying to sound fancy. They're trying to sound fancy. I'm like, you know what? I don't know.

[B]

Ask them.

[A]

Yes, ask them. Get clarification. And it just takes so long. And then in the end it's just like, yeah, I should have just asked for this right from the start. So. So I'm gonna leave a closing challenge for everybody.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

What you guys need to do, your homework is on your next client call. Audit that call. Think about that call. Okay? Seriously, just have like a little bit of your brain working on this auditing part while you're having the call. Right. And count how many times that, you know, you said something vague. Okay?

[B]

Vague.

[A]

Remember that? Right. Or you sounded like a blog post with a term or a fancy word that the client might not actually know. Right?

[B]

Right.

[A]

Or unknowingly that you self sabotaged yourself and downplayed your value. Okay? Those three things, write down and just be conscious if you have that come up anytime in there, okay. And then what you do is then you fix it on the next call. Okay. Or write yourself a note on what you would have said differently just so you are aware of it.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And then this way, you know, you. This way you can start learning how to speak like a designer who actually knows what the hell they're talking about. Not trying to fill in with fancy words and try to sound like you're somebody that you're actually not. Okay. Because honestly, if you don't sound like that expert. Okay. You sound like an amateur.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And using big fancy words that the customer has no idea.

[B]

People see through that.

[A]

They see through that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So clearly.

[B]

Yeah, Big time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Cool. Oh, that was awesome.

[A]

Well, this was. And look, I still have a little bit of drinking, so I'm Good.

[B]

I poured you extra.

[A]

He knew. Well, listen, I hope you guys got a lot out of this one. I really, you know, I, I, I, I, I think this is an important thing to talk about.

[B]

Big time. Yeah.

[A]

People don't realize, you know, I, we always tout the importance of being that expert, but we never really talk about how you get to that or, you know, how you potentially are self sabotaging yourself from being that expert or having people believe that you're that expert. So I think that there's, you know, there's probably a lot more things.

[B]

Okay, yeah.

[A]

From this list. But what I want.

[B]

These are hu, these are the big ones.

[A]

These, these are just. The idea here is just to be aware of, you know, how you phrase things. Okay. And what, you know, unintentionally, you know, how you could be self sabotaging yourself. I think that's key because, you know, that is, you know, fixing this. You know, it's a quick road to being an expert. It really is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it, it's not if you're constantly tripping over yourself, self sabotaging every single opportunity that you have when you're speaking to a customer. So, so be aware. You know, some of these will start this journey for you. But, you know, do yourself a favor and start auditing and regularly checking in. And just remember this, Remember this conversation.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, it was really good.

[A]

See, I just did a lot of filler words there, and I really, I.

[B]

Didn'T hear, I didn't hear any buzzwords.

[A]

Yeah, no buzzwords. I don't know any.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. I was trying to think of a buzzword to sound funny, but I don't know. I just don't speak.

[A]

Make it up. Make it up. All right, everybody, let's keep this short. You know where to find us. We're on YouTube. We're on Instagram. You hit us up on our website. Sign up for the Anger Management for Designer podcast newsletter because it rocks.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And yeah, say hi to us on our website.

[B]

Yeah, all right. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, and of course, you know, forward us off to somebody you love.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Or hate.

[B]

Oh, I've had a while.

[A]

Yeah, we'll talk to them. My name is Massimo.

[B]

My name is Sean.

[A]

Stay creative, love.

[B]

It's the angry.