Shoutlouder

journey's into design… now my brain hurts!

// July 31st, 2008 // Inspiration, Leadership, Self-Development

I’ve just spent the best part of two days now working on the soon to be launched website for my Senior Pastor – the beige destroyer himself – Dave Gilpin. (I’ll afford a link here to the ‘not-yet-launched’ site for anyone reading this after about one week from now – otherwise you’ll currently only get the Hope City Church site).

I decided that I’d be incredibly geeky and try my hand at building the site on a Wordpress platform – as is this blog – as it seems everyone is suggesting these days that Wordpress is the latest CMS of choice.

Well for a basic novice who knows how to manipulate the odd-style sheet – I have to say its been a labour of ‘almost’ love. But really pleased at the result – even more so since Dave actually like it!

My designing days have been an interesting development of trial and error since the only design qualifications to my name is a solitary A-Level in Art and Design. It all started with a desktop PC in the church office that had a programme called Corel Draw (version 2 I think – that’s how long ago it was) and some Student Posters that needed making. Before long I was created a few flyers for the church, then a brochure for our training academy, then a website and before you know it I’m a freelance graphic designer earning my own living.

Well – maybe it wasn’t as simple as all that!

The hardest part of all this is presenting the final draft to Dave – as he’s not exactly known for the ‘pastoral put-down’. If he thinks its rubbish then he’ll say it… which I have to say has led to many frustrating and de-motivating moments in my graphic design journey. But – there’s always been a sharpening edge from Dave that doesn’t leave you gasping for air – but instead seems to propel you forward to do better, to excel where you thought you’d reached a dead end.

Most people take criticism falling down – one negative word and you’re out for the count. But I’ve chosen to accept that often my first work isn’t always my best. Whether its a website, a flyer or even a message for preaching on Sunday – my first draft is only the starting point. If you’re involved in any kind of project or task – don’t settle for just ‘winging-it’ on your first attempt. Do your best – then step back and determine to improve on what you’ve just done. 9 out of 10 times you can come up with something better!

So next time you’re feeling the sharpening edge of a mentor or leader – make a decision to allow the sharpening to proceed because it only leads to greater experience and success in your life.