The Squiggle
A peak inside my brain as a designer and an approach I take as a creative that applies to many different industries and life scenarios. Why don’t we celebrate the process that gets us to our end goal as much as the success on the other side?
Not all of us follow a straight path to achieve goals or accomplish everyday tasks. Recently I have been on a deep dive when it comes to neuroscience; specifically in kids as I am always looking to learn more about my children and where they are in brain development. I love a good science related podcast as I am a life long learner. I was that student in college that took advanced biology classes just for fun! I have always loved science and am so intrigued by all we continue to learn about the brain, mental health and how it relates to physical health as it is all connected.
As a designer, I tell my clients at the start of their project that I do not follow a linear path when creating a brand identity and website. My process is more of a squiggle which hasn’t failed me yet! I truly love the journey even when it can be uncomfortable at times. When I run into a challenge or a brick wall of creative nothingness, I will step away and get outside to clear my head and this usually yields my next move. I often joke with friends and clients that I am good for one solid idea per day!
Sometimes I will see this same process happening with my kids, and I am trying really hard to let them squiggle their way to a solution. That is hard for a type A “want to show you how to fix it” mom but in the end it is the best path as we all learn more in the trenches. I have learned what tools work for me to keep my squiggly brain on track from an executive function standpoint. I am working really hard to let go and let my kids work through those same scenarios as they are both at the age where this is a critical skill in development. The other day I heard the experience for kids in school compared to that of water moving through a hose. Some kids will stay in the middle and cruise on through to the exit while others are going to bump the sides along the way. I don’t know about you but I have always learned more from my mistakes. I fully welcome some bumps along the way as it only makes you stronger.
I work with quite a few creatives as a brand and website designer. Some want me to take the ball and run with it but on occasion I will work with people who like to be more involved in the creative process. Some designers have a set process and hold strong to how they run their projects. That is not to say I do not have boundaries and guidelines in place. I do, for example, I allow 2 rounds of revisions per design concept before I bill for additional rounds. I will do as many rounds as a client requests to get to the desired result but have to account for the extra time it takes.
The other piece to this is being flexible as a designer and project manager. We all work a little differently as humans. I pride myself on being able to meet people where they are and bridge the gap if we work in a different manner. For example, in the design world it is very much a forward moving process based on content when it comes to designing a website. While I do request all content up front from my clients, on occasion I will work with someone who is trying to squiggle their way to what that content should be working “backwards” in terms of how the typical web design process works. While I have to maintain a timeline as a solopreneur, I have found that being flexible is very important. It has been eye opening to see how this can benefit the end result in a powerful way. Only working with 1-2 clients at a time helps me be able to offer this flexibility as we squiggle our way through the process together.
These observations got me thinking about my process/squiggle and that of other business owners and people in life. Some of the most successful people I know squiggled their way to building a successful business. Their path was most definitely not linear. Trials, trip ups and errors mixed with wins all led them to where they are today as successful business owners. Why don’t we celebrate and nurture this squiggle approach more in life? In school, for example, children are taught in a very standard way with standardized tests and systems built for the “average” child. If a child is more of a “squiggler” they have to apply for special services, accommodations etc. moving their way through a system that is very bogged down. What would happen if we began to look at each child for the unique human they are and built classrooms and processes around the squiggle?
I would think the end result would be happier and more fulfilled humans who feel supported which leads to more success. Easier said than done but I truly believe we have a paralyzing mindset issue—in both life and business. I think the same way about grown adults as business owners. We all work a little differently and embracing that difference while finding a way to work together could result in achieving greatness. We must stay curious and ask questions to gain understanding of one another!
Let’s welcome the squiggle and see where it takes us. I have truly enjoyed my ride moving from the rigid world of finance to creative design. I know I am where I am meant to be—helping people creatively using both my business experience and eye for design to help other entrepreneurs squiggle their way to success! I would love to hear your experience and how it has shaped your business. Please share by sending me a DM or email: jlwatrob@north8designs.com. And if you are in need of some help with your brand and/or website, send me a design inquiry and let’s chat!
