What is your greatest struggle as a designer? Whatever it is, we invite you to bring it to this talk. In fact, consider this a free hour-long therapy session. In this talk we will explore all things frustrating, challenging, and/or mysterious about being a designer (whether freelance, in-house or agency). What do I do with this client that won't stop texting me? What do I do with this mediocre work that emerged after my latest design-by-committee experience? Why do I regret my latest hire? When did I promote my client to be my art director? This talk is funny, inspirational, and directional in HOW we respond to the less-than-glamorous side of design and business. Join us for a refreshing look at what we all question, but NEVER talk about. You may want to bring your flask.

1. @JustinAhrens + @Rule29
Design Therapy with Justin Ahrens

2. I honestly, purposely have not gone to
therapy because I know some crazy stuff's
going to be dragged up and, you know,
I'll be like, 'Wait, what?'
Jimmy Fallon

4. For the

5. The purpose of a business is to create a
customer who creates customers.
Shiv Singh

7. Positive psychology is the scientific study of what
makes life most worth living — and maintains that
what is good in life is as genuine as what is bad.

10. Never lose sight of the fact that the most
important yardstick of your success will
be how you treat other people - your
family, friends, and coworkers, and even
strangers you meet along the way.
Barbara Bush

12. VS
A rare or significant
fact or event
The world or the state
of things as they actually
exist, as opposed to an
idealistic or notional
idea of them.
PHENOMENA REALITIES

13. The first responsibility of a leader
is to define reality.
Max Dupree

15. 300 + PPT Pages
120 + Sell Sheets
Templatized Word Docs
Squarespace Sites
Door Hangers
etc………

16. The public is more familiar with
bad design than good design…
Paul Rand

17. Square Peg
Round Hole
Metaphor

19. Customer service is not a department,
it’s everyone’s job.
Anonymous

20. @AroundR29 Don't mind me if I walk a little funny tomorrow....
its been awhile.
That’s the key to success. Lower your standards a bit.
From possible client: we are really in awe & respect
your team, but we think it better to work with
someone we don't know. #ItsNotYouItsMe
Don’t worry my Dad was a pecker too.

21. Tall glass of
wait and see
Full plate of
client work
Pent up designer
frustrations

22. YES…….
ARE YOU THE
DECISION
MAKER?
BUT…

23. WHAT ARE YOU
COMMITTED TO?

24. Client
You
Vendor

25. The strength of the team is each
individual member. The strength of
each member is the team.
Phil Jackson

27. Fake it until you make it….
…But what about if you don’t make it?
Oh Shit

28. Keep It Real
Stay Advised
Be a Student
Try New Things

30. Honesty.
Process. Process. Process.
Confidence.
Respect.

32. @JustinAhrens / @Rule29
(Drink responsibly:)