as i progress in my career as a graphic designer, and into adulthood in general, speaking in definite terms, which i will break down into two categories of absolutes and imperatives, has become essential to the way i work, and really the way i live. now, that being said, to be able to communicate as such, i must have confidence in my work to begin with, but communicating in definite terms is cyclical in that it actually increases my own confidence in my work, as well as those i’m communicating to. my clients and collaborators need to be confident that the design that they’re getting from me is top-notch, and the most appropriate for their project.

speaking in absolutes means to declare that something is what it is independent of opinion. it is again important though, that you have solid reasons for your absolute statements. for example, rather than saying something like, “i think this version has better rhythm,” say “this version has better rhythm BECAUSE…” this will force you to be deliberate about your design decision making, and it will also demonstrate to those with whom you’re working that you have thought about what you’ve done, and made deliberate, definite decisions.

speaking in imperatives means to give a specific call to action. if you head up a team, will you get more results if say, “someone should get a quote from the vendor for…” or “bob, please call the vendor today and get a quote.”? or if you want to meet up with someone, will that meeting more likely happen if you say “i would love to meet with you sometime,” or if you say, “let’s meet. how does monday lunch work for you?”

i think that while there are a good many things in life and in graphic design that are relative, relativism has done us a great disservice in many ways. it’s made us all so sensitive that we don’t see great ideas happen for fear of stepping on someone’s toes or offending someone’s delicate sensibilities. i’m not advocating being rude or pushy by any means. i am, however, advocating knowing that you’re ideas are good, and you’re reasoning is solid, and having and expressing confidence in your process. you’ll go much further.