As a graphic designer, it's easy to feel pressured to work quickly and produce results on tight deadlines. However, taking the time to work slowly and ask for more time when needed can benefit your design process in the long run. Because of the fast paced world we live in today, expectations for productivity are burning out artists, designers, basically anyone creative at alarming rates. On top of that, designers struggle to explain how much time or how little time parts of their process take and expressing the value of that in their work. More than anything though, gaining the confidence to ask for more time has to become a critical reflex in any creative process because it puts value back on ourselves as well as the work.

‍

Here are a few things to think about and why you should consider asking for more time:

1. Better Quality Work

When you allow yourself more time to work on a project, you have the opportunity to focus on the details and refine your designs. Rushing through a project can lead to mistakes and oversights that can affect the overall quality of what you create. Taking the time to work slowly and carefully can ensure that your designs are polished and well-executed. Even if you've completed the work, or feel you are on the right track after a burst of inspiration hits, giving yourself time to look at something with fresh eyes in a day or two is important.

2. More Creative Solutions

When you're working under pressure, it's easy to fall back on familiar design solutions and ideas. However, taking the time to work slowly and thoughtfully can lead to more creative and innovative design solutions. By exploring different ideas and approaches, you may come up with a solution that you wouldn't have considered if you were rushing through the project.

3. Better Work-Life Balance

Working quickly and under pressure can lead to burnout and stress. By asking for more time and working slowly, you can create a healthier work-life balance. Taking breaks and stepping away from the project can help you avoid burnout and maintain your creativity and motivation.

So, how do you ask for more time in your design process?

1. Be Honest: Explain to your client or manager that you want to produce the best possible work and that you need more time to do so.
2. Set Realistic Expectations: Let your client or manager know how much time you need and when you can realistically deliver the project.
3. Communicate Clearly: Keep your client or manager updated on your progress and let them know if you're running into any challenges or delays.
4. Offer Solutions: If you're asking for more time, offer suggestions for how you can use that time to produce better work or explore more creative solutions.

4. Their Crisis is not Your Emergency

It is important to remember that when a design client requests a quick turnaround, it is not necessarily your responsibility to accommodate their lack of planning or foresight. While it may be tempting to rush your process to meet their needs (especially if you are a people pleaser or want to impress the client), it is crucial to prioritize your own workflow and ensure that the quality of your work is not compromised. This does not mean that you should not be flexible or willing to work with your clients to find a solution that works for everyone, but rather that you should approach each project with a clear understanding of your own capabilities and limitations. By setting realistic expectations and communicating effectively with your clients, you can help to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts and ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.

‍

In the end asking for more time and working slowly can benefit save your design process, creative wellbeing, client relationships, and even career. By producing better quality work, exploring more creative solutions, and maintaining a healthier work-life balance, you can become a more effective and fulfilled designer. Don't be afraid to ask for more time when you need it, and take the time to work slowly and thoughtfully when you can. Your work (and your mental health) will thank you for it.

‍