Joseph McCarthy

It is wise to keep in mind that design software is an artist's tool, not the actual artist (with some notable AI exceptions). No matter how nice of a paint brush you may get, it will not produce paintings without a painter. Also, most accomplished designers have their tools of choice and are generally not that interested in having to learn a new tool set. All of that to say, start with your designer(s). Consult with them and allow their experience and expertise to guide your decision about what design software to invest in. With the exponential pace of AI development, capabilities, and availability, this discussion will need to adjust accordingly to remain relevant.

Volunteer Management is uniquely challenging in that the participants are not employees, which means that their participation is not motivated by a paycheck. That generally means working with a group of servant-hearted people who find meaning and purpose in giving of their time, energy, talent, expertise, and attention. However, they are free to quit (or simply not show up) at any time for any reason. Similar to with paid employees, the supervisor is vital to the success of the team! And an exceptional supervisor of volunteers MUST connect with their "staff" on a very personal level. Ultimately, each volunteer is a human being who want/needs to know that they MATTER, that they are making a difference!

How do our brains make sense of the endless terabytes of data constantly bombarding our senses? Through PATTERN RECOGNITION. Generic letters convey information, but typography carries the additional gravity of association. When our eyes see certain type styles, our brains auto-associate them with previous patterns, thus amplifying the power and message of the font style. Alignment with known patterns can reinforce a message. Misalignment can negate (or lessen) a message. And sometimes, a purposeful incongruence can capture attention and invoke imagination, but only when used purposefully.

Often, the BEST way to engage listeners is to ask questions rather than just disseminate information. And keep in mind this John C. Maxwell maxim, "People don't care about what you know until they know you care." Your top two priorities should be as follows: 1. Generate ENTHUSIASM 2. Cultivate TRUST Everything else flows from there!

Popular online tools like Canva make it easy for newbies (and wannabees) to create from templates, but I find the tools are too limiting, and the files are generally low resolution, which may look fine on screens, but will not print well on physical products. A pro graphic artist must take the time to learn "real" design software, such as the Adobe Suite, if they are serious about making a career of it (or even a good side hustle).

After designing for others for more than 30 years, I finally decided to use my skills to create several graphic designs for my own online merch store (Print On Demand). Within a couple weeks, I posted more than 1000 items from mugs to apparel to bedding to prints to stickers. Now I have a virtual store that is open for business 24/7, 365 around the globe! It's still early, but I am hopeful (and prayerful) that it will generate significant side income to supplement my full-time job...and maybe even replace it!