Comments on: The Problem of Passion

By: illd

illd — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:16:59 +0000

A big thank you to the “Dickinson Brothers” . This series really gives me new insights…

By: John Dickinson

John Dickinson — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:58:14 +0000

Thanks Josh, we will be offering a valuable fee-based resource a little further into the future.

By: John Dickinson

John Dickinson — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:56:27 +0000

Hey Jim, Thanks for the excellent feedback. Robin and I are very keen to build these topics into the current series.

By: Josh Sammons

Josh Sammons — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:41:39 +0000

Guys, this is great stuff. I feel as if I should be paying for it, but I’m not – which means you guys rock for hosting this series for free! Thanks for all the useful insight!

By: James Wicks

James Wicks — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:49:31 +0000

Hi JD and Robin,

I’d like to see a BOM discussion on the art of ‘closing the deal.’

Here’s the picture:
The two-way communication leading up to a sales meeting is great.
The pitch goes very well, but the followup falls flat.

The worst part is that the great communication leading up to the meeting is now replaced by silence: the message appears obvious “not interested, now go away.”

What is the secret to closing the deal, and what should our response be when a prospective client does not reply to emails and/or a telephone call?

Thanks,
J

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:39:09 +0000

Interesting discussion. I’m not sure it’s “passion,” per se, that clouds the minds of designers like an opiate, and leads to them shutting out the feedback of clients and colleagues–rather, I think it’s more a combination of lack of communication skills, lack of self-awareness, and an artistic vision that borders on delusional zeal. Perhaps this egotistic sense of vision could be construed as passion of a sort, but to me it’s an insular, callow sort of passion–an unrequited teenage pining, rather than a rich, seasoned, grown-up love.

These qualities are actually somewhat admirable in the iconoclastic solo artist who bucks all trends and does his or her own thing, breaking new ground for those who will follow in their footsteps.

But a designer has to keep one foot planted firmly in the commercial world, and remember that we are dichotomous creatures who employ our arts in commercial applications.

Designers who can’t evoke their vision in ways that invite dialogue and feedback aren’t real designers, in my opinion. They’re iconoclasts who are trying to shoehorn themselves into a commercial career that they’ll never truly fit. And they’re probably not entirely happy with their position.

I think all good designers struggle with balancing our passion between the commercial and art worlds. As Robin suggests, being aware of these tendencies within ourselves is vital.

By: Michael Sugrue

Michael Sugrue — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:25:56 +0000

Great video! Passion is the key to moving your creativity and business forward, but I think the most important part Robin mentioned is dialing it down when appropriate. It’s a very fine line. On one side, you can be the guy (or girl) everyone wants to work with. You bring an excitement and enthusiasm with which people want to associate. On the other hand, you can come across as completely ignorant of other people’s (client’s) input and collaboration.

The difference can mean many thousands of dollars over the course of a career. It takes practice to negotiate that line. Passion without business sense will soon disappear, but good business sense can certainly fuel the passion.

By: Denis

Denis — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:35:54 +0000

Passion proof……….Brilliant! I’m guilty of over powering my passion with clients, and it took me a some time to realize that.

Great Post!!