There is one common thread that connects all successful experts.

In a study looking at over 1,300 examples of successful experts, the only consistent trait was that they were risk-takers. Not introverted or extroverted, not quick to change or steady and reliable, not entrepreneurs or ivy-league consultants. Being a risk-taker was the only common thread.

In his book “The Business of Expertise,” author David Baker explains how taking risks can be uncomfortable but is something all experts must do:

"That means they were wrong a lot — but that they were usually right about the important things. It also means that they always made decisions. They weren't so afraid of being wrong that they froze, unable to risk the consequences that come from making a decision and then being responsible for it."

When a client hires an expert, the expert is responsible for making a clear decision. Even if it’s hard. Even if the advice goes against what the client was hoping for. By taking risks, you have to let go of the reins of “being right.” In a world that values certainty, that is difficult to do. And it’s why being an expert is not for everyone.

So for any creative expert or expert-in-the-making, this is your call: take the risk. Make the decision. Say the thing that’s hard to say. Own the choice, knowing you might be wrong. In turn, you will build your expertise.

Seize the day,

Creative Director

L I N K   R O U N D   U P

1. Kingdom Gold SW 6698 is 2024’s Loneliest Color
There’s a Color of the Year (a light “breezy” blue, if you ask Sherwin-Williams), but have you heard of The Loneliest Color? Harlem’s illustrious designer Dapper Dan is collaborating with Sherwin-Williams to create a collection featuring the least popular color, “Kingdom Gold,” in a celebration of “embracing personal choices over popular ones.”
 
2. Kerning Type: The Game
An oldie but a goodie, if you want to test your typographic kerning skills over a coffee break.
 
3. Arabic Designed to Accommodate Dyslexic Readers
Although design usually touts the importance of consistency, research found inconsistencies in a font make it more readable for dyslexic individuals. Maqroo, which translates to “readable,” is a new Arabic font designed by Leo Burnett Dubai to better accommodate dyslexic readers.

4. “Grace Among the Ferns” by Analicia Sotelo
A poem about “a dog greeting the sun” to remind us that there’s poetry in the small moments.
 
5. Art of the Title
Unique design inspiration from title sequences in film and television, like the classic North by Northwest or The Last of Us, which won this year’s Emmy for Main Title Design. 

6. The Bureau Rebranded(ish) Live

A live event with our friends at the Bureau of Digital that will pull back the curtain on our process with a real life brand audit discussion. It's happening tomorrow! Hope to see you there.

C R E A T I V E   S P O T L I G H T

youbringfire

Step inside youbringfire, the creative studio of Scott Biersack, a designer, illustrator, and Game Boy enthusiast based in Phoenix, Arizona. He playfully states “NO WORK, ALL PLAY” to capture the unapologetic fun he brings to every project. Biersack’s portfolio boasts not only top-notch client work, but also his other creative pursuits, such as stained glass and VHS tapes.

N O W   H I R I N G

I N   C A S E   Y O U   M I S S E D   I T

1. Designing Brand Identity with Rob Meyerson and Robin Goffman
Bill Kenney chats with Rob and Robin about their work on the 6th edition of Designing Brand Identity, a branding classic created and authored by the late Alina Wheeler, and their predictions about the future of design.
 
2. A Cleaner Creative Future
We’ve signed the Clean Creatives pledge, a commitment made by more than 1,000 agencies in 38 countries who’ve promised to stop working with fossil fuel clients. Our creative director, Natalie Kent discusses why and shares our hopes for the future.

F O L L O W   U S