That's a bit of a broader topic. Since I'm a Designer, I'm going to focus on my area, but feel free to comment and say what you think about your work area.

Countless times we come across people who don't respect our work. People who think that anyone can do what you do, because there are several “designers” who also do what you do for a smaller amount. I can't say that because of these people (which people generally call nephews or Micreiros) is that our work is undervalued, not least because there are many trained designers who also devalue themselves.

Design is investment. This is true for both the professional and the client. You invest in design and it brings you a return, either financially or through personal/professional recognition. Many don't realize how important the value of a brand is for the company/individual, for example, how important it is to have a visual identity and strategy of branding intact and well prepared. And therein lies the problem.

By not realizing the importance of design, you lose opportunities; by losing opportunities and realizing the error up front, you lose money.

It's better to invest well now so that later you don't have to redo it from scratch and end up spending more.

Many times we run/will be faced with clients who want to pay very little for our work and, because we need to pay the bills, we agree to do it for less. The problem is that down the line, every time that client wants to do another project with you, they will find that you always have to charge less. Which is unfair and we cannot accept. Not because of the money itself, but because we need to value our work and charge a fair price. It's painful, I know, because many times we'll have to say “no” to a client, but if you don't value your work now and show that you're a professional, act like a professional, it's hard to be valued up front. Of course, nothing prevents you from doing a job Pro Bono from time to time for some clients, because that helps you yes, but when they start to think that everything has to be Cheap or free, it doesn't work. After all, we don't live on photosynthesis Isn't it really? hahaha.

Saying “no” is difficult... very difficult and we learned this at some stage in our professional life. We generally learn this when we are stagnant with our work, we don't see professional progress, and then the fear of taking risks corrupts us. We stood there, standing still and accepting a precarious situation for fear of not being able to pay the bills. We accept doing what we don't like for fear of starting over or If you play into something new... or sometimes we even do what we like, but out of fear we decided not to risk saying the dreaded “no”.

In fact, I pause here to indicate a podcast that will open your mind. Is Sean McCabe a Hand Letterist sensational and who is fully dedicated to his work. In addition, it gives wonderful tips not only in the area (for those interested in Hand Lettering), but also for those interested in improving their interaction with the customer, to have tips on how to charge, how to act more professionally in the matter Business. In addition to podcast weekly (twice a week), he blogs and posts videos with numerous valuable tips. I highly recommend it. Here is the link for those who are interested: www.seanwes.com.

(OBS: in English)

I remembered him because of the “no”. He posted something very interesting on Facebook regarding this topic and that he also adheres to content for This post I wrote weeks ago:

You Need to Stop Saying Yes to Many Things - Saying “no” is your tool for creating time. You need to say no to yourself because you need to think about the quality of your “yes”. What does it mean when you say “yes” to something? The more things you say “yes” to, your “yes” will carry less weight (quality). It's hard to say no. We generally feel obligated and don't want to offend anyone, or because we feel bad. We don't want to disappoint people. While “no” may be a difficult word to say, it's the only tool we have to create time. “Yes” fills time. “No” creates time. No matter what you do, you're going to disappoint someone. Would you rather disappoint other people, or would you rather disappoint the future version of yourself? (Sean McCabe - Source: Seanwes)

Coming back: it's difficult to make people understand the value of Design and this is a task that is up to us. And let's face it, not just Design, I'm sure that there are several professions out there that are not valued as they should! To be valued, we need to value ourselves. You can't be the best if you don't strive to really be the best. Show your difference, interact with people inside and outside your area, seek new opinions and expand your repertoire. Work well on your brand, take time to dedicate to personal projects, keep your portfolio updated and impeccable... show that you are professional and that you know what you are doing. Dedicate yourself fully, because that makes all the difference. Oh, say “no” whenever necessary!

Overcome the bridge of fear to achieve professionalism...

... because if you don't, others will. You will miss opportunities and be left behind. Don't let fear stop you from being a better professional!