From bubble writing to brand resonance, tune in to our Design Therapy rerun.
Ahead of next month's shiny new instalment, we wanted to return to this post from last year, an oldie but a goldie. We'd still love to see that bubble writing!
[Q] Trying to nail my bubble writing - any tips?!
Dear Charlie,
Today is your time to shine, take your most beautiful pen and master these bubble letters. Unleash your potential and become THE alphabet’s wizard. Start with N, H and then the O. Try to find your balance, how do you want these letters to be wobbly or not? Are the top of them pointy and the bottom round? Or shall we just drop all of that and go for 2000s RnB style? If you feel like you missed your chance with graffiti and wanna add some 3D with drop shadows or lighting, please do so. We cannot wait for your beautiful sketches, share them asap!
[Q] Pushing for bigger budgets and then getting rejected – what are your tips to win bigger projects?
Ah, the age-old budget battle – not just a freelancer’s headache, but an agency one too. The right clients shouldn’t need persuading, but often it’s an education – showing them that what’s best isn’t always what’s cheapest.
So, when you’re getting down to it, set a price floor you won’t compromise on. Negotiate above it, but never dip below. Don’t just base it on time and deliverables, a more skilled partner can achieve more, faster. So price for expertise and impact. If you can back that up with proof and still get pushback, it’s not the right fit right now. Leave the door open, but move on. It might feel counterintuitive, but holding your ground is the only way to establish yourself in higher-value markets long term.
[Q] Good design from a designer's perspective or good design from an audience's perspective?
Good design should always be rooted in strategic insight, ensuring that every creative decision is intentional and informed. Strong strategic grounding allows for design that is not only visually compelling but also effective in achieving its purpose. From an aesthetic standpoint, design should feel appropriate for the audience it is speaking to and, where applicable, align with brand standards set by the client. Even in cases where a brief allows for more creative self-expression, the priority should always be ensuring the design resonates with the intended audience rather than reflecting personal taste. If the design does not effectively communicate to the consumer, the brand ultimately fails in its role.
