This may sting a little

If things feel harder than they should right now, it's not because you need to work more.

You don't need more clients.
You need to stop playing the wrong role in the room.

I've seen this pattern again and again.
I've lived it myself.

If you're an experienced designer or creative, this might sting a little.

You have the skills.
You've worked with real clients.
You know good work when you see it.

Yet somehow, you're still being hired like a pair of hands.

Selling time instead of thinking.
Execution instead of leadership.

That's the old game.

Design as decoration.
Strategy trapped in decks.
"More clients" treated as the fix.

Here's what I’m seeing right now...

Clients don't pay for files anymore.
They pay well for clarity, direction, and decisions.

Execution keeps getting faster.
Templates are everywhere.
Design is being commoditized.

The people who will thrive next are not the fastest makers.
They're the clearest thinkers.

If things feel harder than they should, it's a role problem.

Ask yourself this.

If a client introduced you in a meeting, would they say

"designer"

or

"strategic partner"?

That answer will explain a lot.

Something to sit with as you move into 2026.

Have a great flocking week!

--

PS. I'm building a resource for creatives who are tired of being treated like hired hands.

If you're ready to step into the strategic partner role, reply “PARTNER” and I'll send it to you first.