Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451376
3 4 G R A P H I C S P R O J U L Y 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M 3 4 G R A P H I C S P R O J U L Y 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M S I G N A G E & P R I N T I N G S I G N D E S I G N | M A T T C H A R B O N E A U CHECK YOUR EGO THE IMPORTANCE OF DOUBLE-CHECKING YOUR WORK M ake no mistake about it, your creative drive is driven by your self-confidence, which is part of your ego. And a well-managed, balanced ego is critical to the success of every creative. I don't mean "ego" in a bad way. I am referring to the drive, passion, and confidence in what we do that is reinforced by customers who continue to share our work with their friends, who are calling for the same type of work. e ego is rein- forced by positive feedback from happy customers that fuels the levels of inner creative self-confidence. How could you not come away with an elevated ego when your work solicits such accolades? However, you are overlooking things (and it's not a good reflection on the company). Simple mistakes are being missed, while other mistakes are burned into the brain like a red-hot cattle brand. With every new project, you are reminded of what was missed the last time, yet you find the process fall- ing back into the same pattern of "not paying attention" and simple mistakes are overlooked, again and again. Why is that? So, what is it about some of the lessons learned on double-checking your work that stick better than others? Why can't we find our mistakes? MANAGEMENT VS MANAGMENT Yes, that is the word that tripped me up like a major league baseball bat upside my head. It forced me to look at my own process and analyze the reasons why I missed such a basic spelling error on the cover of the brochure. is hurt my ego, my pride, my self-confidence in a huge way that changed my quality checking process, and I had to learn to put my ego back in the box and accept the fact that I am only human, and I can't catch everything. I'm not perfect and I had to If you happen to be one of the few who are absolutely accurate 100% of the time, then the least you can do is to offer to proof your associate's work. Helping another creative double-check their work (with the inference that they will help you out similarly in the future) is one of the best ways to share your skills and knowledge with those who may really appreciate the help and guidance.