Just When You Think You've Got Your Act Together...

by Eric Hancsak
September 19, 2005

I had a bit of an epiphany today.

No matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, there will always be something about me that is totally and completely uncool.

Don't get me wrong though. I don't strive to be cool. I don't spend every waking moment trying to be trendy or in-the-know. It's taken me 32 years, but at this point I am pretty content with who I am. Let's just say I know what I know, and I know what I don't know.

All that being said, this valuable lesson, that smacked me in the head like an angry big brother, came this morning just after one of the most important meetings of my professional life. The meeting was with a new client who I am trying very hard to impress. I like this client. And, I think they like me. They are sharp and sophisticated and understand the benefits of good graphic design - the service I provide.

Over the last week and a half I have been working diligently on some design concepts for their marketing materials. I went through several self-imposed rounds of revisions before I got what I was looking for. I spent many tedious hours refining my designs and assembling my presentation boards. I was focused on the details.

This morning, I awoke, my presentation well rehearsed and my attire picked out. Navy suit. Pinstriped shirt. Italian shoes. Pink, Ike Behar tie. "Hello? Oh, hi GQ! Sure, you can put me on your cover."

Everything about me said confidence. I went into the meeting ready, but with a few butterflies...

"Eric, we are impressed. Nice work." says the client at the conclusion of my presentation.

I was thrilled that all my hard work had been appreciated and accepted.

I barely remember the drive home. I was hypnotized by the combination of lack of sleep, and unbridled optimism. I think I may have seen a unicorn.

Walking through the door, "Django," our greyhound, greeted me with the usual smiles (yes, he smiles), sniffs and tail wagging. Hard not to be happy in the presence of such affirmation.

I dropped my portfolio and headed upstairs to change, and enjoy the rest of my day.

As I walked past the mirror, I glanced over at myself. "OH SHIT!" I said aloud. "NO!"

Yeah, that's right, I had bled onto my freshly starched collar from an old shaving wound.

"When did this happen?" I thought. "I checked myself before I left the house!"

"Had the client noticed?"

After a few frustrating and nervous moments. I realized it didn't matter if the client noticed or not. It didn't affect the quality or outcome of my presentation. Thankfully.

But, it reaffirmed to me that we all have our own quirks, and idiosyncrasies that make us individuals. It takes all kinds.

So even if there will always be that one thing about me that is off-center or uncool, I am cool with that.