A new beginning

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I was never an illustrator, but during my time as an Industrial Design student, there was an artistic drawing course, and the teacher was a Japanese man who had been living in Brazil for several years. He was one of those guys who economized on words and laughter. But he easily spent his talent in the way he taught.

The students would adjust the paper on the easel and begin sketching with charcoal and chalk some object displayed in the room.

Once, when I finished a drawing, he examined it seriously, and after a while, nodded his head: “Good.” Another eternal Oriental pause that lasted a few seconds, and then he said: “Do another one.”

What do you mean? Hours of giving my best at the easel, only to have to start all over again from scratch?

I looked at the Japanese guy with a grumpy face. But I thought he might be some kind of Mr. Miyagi, so I let it go.

Years later, working with infographics at a newspaper’s newsroom, I had a colleague who had an amazing drawing style, with an innate ability that he could use both for cartoons and for elaborate illustrations.

He would make a work of art with an idea in his head and a mouse in his hand. His problem was that, most of the time, after hours of drawing, he would forget to save his work. And that’s when his computer, out of breath, would decide to crash—and he would lose everything.

In desperation and racing against the clock, he would redo everything. But this time, much faster.

What connects these two stories is that, inevitably, the resulting drawings would end up surprisingly better. More interesting than the versions that had been overly worked on before.

Why? Because we end up getting attached to a single idea and blocking out alternatives. And somehow, we don’t erase the previous image. It stays there, visually etched in our memory.

In our professional daily life, it’s also like that: we can start, develop, and present a project, only for it to be discarded. That’s when it’s time to activate visual memory, keep the basics, eliminate the excess, and refine the essentials. And create an even better version.

 

How to Lose Weight with a Sedentary Job

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How to lose weight when you work in an office? It may seem like an uphill battle. Everyone tells me that I am a naturally blessed guy: I can eat anything and not gain weight. I sit in front of my computer for hours and my figure remains like Shaggy Rogers from Scooby Doo. But for many people, the reality is not quite the same. Long hours spent sitting, combined with limited physical activity, often lead to weight gain and decreased energy levels.

However, it is entirely possible to lose weight and stay healthy even if your job requires you to sit most of the day. By adopting intentional habits, you can overcome the challenges of a sedentary lifestyle. Let’s explore practical strategies to help you achieve your weight-loss goals while thriving at your desk job.

Understanding the Challenges of a Sedentary Job. According to doctors, modern office work often involves prolonged sitting, which can slow your metabolism, decrease calorie burn, and lead to muscle imbalances. Common challenges include:

Low Activity Levels: Sitting for extended periods reduces opportunities to burn calories.

Mindless Eating: Office snacks and stress-induced eating contribute to excess calorie intake.

Poor Posture: Slouching can weaken core muscles and hinder physical performance.

Time Constraints: Busy schedules make prioritizing exercise and meal preparation difficult.

Acknowledging these challenges is the first step to overcoming them.

Incorporate Movement into Your Day. Even with a desk job, you can find creative ways to stay active:

Take Micro-Breaks: Stand, stretch, or walk for a few minutes every hour. Set an alarm to remind. For example, I use the Pomodoro technique, which sets up blocks of time with 25 minutes of work and a short five-minute break.

Use the Stairs: My office is on the third floor, and I opt for the stairs instead of the elevator. Why not do the same whenever possible?

Desk Exercises: Try seated leg raises and shoulder rolls. I also like to do chair sit-ups: For a minute or two, with your hands resting behind your head, lean your torso forward while lifting your knees alternately. It’s simple and painless, but consistency is key.

Walking Meetings: Suggest walking meetings for brainstorming sessions or casual discussions. It also works if you are a solo entrepreneur, where you get together with yourself, letting ideas flow during a walk in the fresh air.

Optimize Your Diet. Weight loss is largely influenced by diet. Adopt these tips to manage your calorie intake:

Meal Prep: Prepare healthy meals in advance to avoid relying on fast food or vending machine snacks.

Mindful Eating: Eat slowly, savor your food, and avoid distractions like smartphones while you eat. I’ve learned not to be a hostage to the WhatsApp notifications. If it rings while I’m eating, I ignore it. The message can wait.

Healthy Snacks: Stock up on nutritious options like nuts, yogurt, and fresh fruits. These are particularly important to me, as I come from a tropical country, meaning we love fruits.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes, thirst is mistaken for hunger.

Portion Control: Use smaller plates when eating. If humans are a product of their environment, so is your food. Be mindful of portion sizes, and don’t eat with your eyes.

Prioritize Regular Exercise. A sedentary job doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Schedule workouts to boost your metabolism and build strength:

Morning or Evening Workouts: Dedicate 20-30 minutes to jogging, cycling, or strength training activities. If you ask me if I like it, I’ll say no. It’s like taking bitter medicine. Just hold your nose and do what needs to be done.

Home Workouts: Follow online fitness videos if you’re short on time or prefer staying home

Weekend Activities: Use weekends to engage in longer workouts or outdoor activities.

Strength Training: Focus on building muscle, which helps burn calories even at rest.

Leverage Technology. Modern tools can support your weight-loss journey:

Fitness Trackers: Use devices to monitor steps, calories burned, and activity levels.

Apps: Explore nutrition and workout apps to track progress and stay motivated.

Standing Desks: Invest in a standing desk or an adjustable desk converter to alternate between sitting and standing.

Manage Stress and Sleep. Stress and inadequate sleep can derail your weight-loss efforts by affecting hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism:

Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to manage stress.

Sleep Hygiene: Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep each night. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment.

Other Tips

Avoid snacking mindlessly: Keep unhealthy snacks out of reach and replace them with pre-portioned healthy options. Drinking water and chewing gum can also curb cravings.

Short bursts of exercise can make a difference: Even 10-minute physical activity sessions, such as brisk walking or stretching, can boost your overall calorie burn and improve your health. Additionally, as a designer, they also help stimulate my creativity.

No time to cook? Focus on simple, nutritious meals with minimal preparation, like salads, wraps, or smoothies. Meal delivery services offering healthy options can also be helpful.

Ultimately, losing weight with a sedentary job is far from impossible, but achievable with the right strategies. You can create a sustainable lifestyle that supports weight loss by integrating more movement into your day, making healthier food choices, prioritizing exercise, leveraging technology, and managing stress and sleep. Remember: small, consistent changes often lead to the best results. Start today, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more energetic you.



Win Over Your Client by Reversing Their Image

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In the 1970s, three researchers conducted a fascinating study on how familiarity influences our preferences. Published in a scientific journal, their work revealed an essential truth about human nature: we are drawn to what feels familiar. To demonstrate this, they devised an experiment with a simple yet profound design.

The researchers gathered a group of women and asked them to compare two versions of the same photograph: one that showed the subject as they appeared in reality and another that presented a mirrored version of the same image.

Back then, they used photo negatives—a now-obsolete medium—but the principle remains relevant today. Since you may have never seen a film negative, let me update this example to modern terms. Imagine taking an old photo of yourself, scanning it, and printing two versions: one in its original form and the other flipped horizontally.

Now, picture this scenario. You’re asked to choose which version you find more appealing. Simultaneously, someone else evaluates the same two versions and picks their favorite. What happens? You’ll likely prefer the mirrored version, the one that matches what you see every day in the mirror. Meanwhile, the other person, accustomed to seeing your face as it naturally appears, will prefer the unaltered version.

Why Familiarity Matters
This phenomenon occurs because our preferences are deeply tied to familiarity. Your friend gravitates toward the version of you that they’ve seen countless times in the real world. You, however, are most familiar with your reflection, as mirrors dominate your personal experience of your face.

This subtle yet powerful bias demonstrates how deeply ingrained familiarity is in our psyche. It’s not just about faces—it’s about everything we encounter, from the brands we trust to the designs we find appealing. We are wired to feel comforted and reassured by what we already know.

Design, at its core, is about communication. It’s about conveying ideas, emotions, and solutions in a way that resonates with your audience. But here’s the catch: when creating something new for a client, you’re effectively showing them a “reversed photo” of themselves. They’re not yet familiar with your vision or how it reflects their identity, needs, or values.

This disconnect can lead to challenges. As designers, marketers, or creators, we often fall in love with our ideas. We imagine clients seeing the brilliance of our work immediately. Yet, when they don’t respond as expected, it’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged. The truth is, their hesitation isn’t a rejection of your skills—it’s a natural reaction to the unfamiliar.

How to Align Your Vision with Theirs
To win over a client, you need to bridge the gap between their current perspective and the new ideas you’re introducing. Here are some strategies to foster that connection:

Start with Empathy. Before diving into solutions, take time to understand your client’s world. What are their priorities, challenges, and aspirations? Familiarize yourself with their brand, audience, and personal preferences. The more you understand their perspective, the better you can align your designs with what feels “right” to them.

Involve Them Early. Don’t wait until the final presentation to unveil your ideas. Share sketches, mood boards, or prototypes early in the process. This allows clients to see how their input shapes the project, fostering a sense of ownership and familiarity with the evolving design.

Tell the Story Behind Your Design. Help clients understand the rationale behind your choices. Explain how each element connects to their goals, values, or audience. When they see the thoughtfulness behind your work, they’re more likely to embrace it.

Incorporate Familiar Elements. While innovation is crucial, anchoring new ideas in familiar elements can ease the transition. For example, use colors, shapes, or fonts that reflect their existing brand identity while introducing fresh twists.

Be Patient and Open to Feedback. Reactions to unfamiliar designs aren’t final judgments—they’re opportunities for dialogue. Listen to your client’s concerns without defensiveness and be willing to adapt. Often, these conversations lead to stronger, more aligned solutions.

The Science of Familiarity in Consumer Behavior
The concept of familiarity extends beyond client relationships. In consumer psychology, it’s known as the mere-exposure effect—the idea that people tend to develop a preference for things simply because they’re exposed to them repeatedly. This principle is why successful brands invest heavily in consistent messaging, visual identity, and advertising. Familiarity breeds trust, which ultimately drives loyalty.

As a designer or creator, you can leverage this insight by ensuring that your work resonates not just with your client but also with their audience. Think about the emotions and associations your design evokes. Does it feel approachable, trustworthy, or aspirational? These elements contribute to a sense of familiarity and connection.

When Familiarity Meets Innovation
While familiarity is essential, it’s not the whole story. Innovation—offering something new and exciting—is equally important. The challenge lies in balancing the two. Too much familiarity can feel boring; too much innovation can feel alienating.

The sweet spot is familiar novelty—designs that feel fresh yet grounded. Consider how successful brands introduce change. When Apple redesigns its iPhone, the updates are incremental, ensuring the product remains instantly recognizable. This balance allows them to push boundaries without alienating their loyal customers.

A Lesson for Creators: Design for the Consumer
Ultimately, the key takeaway is this: design isn’t about the creator’s preferences—it’s about the consumer’s experience. Whether you’re crafting a logo, developing a product, or curating a marketing campaign, the goal is to evoke a sense of connection and recognition. When people see themselves—whether literally or metaphorically—in your work, they’re more likely to embrace it.

So, the next time you present an idea to a client, remember the reversed photo experiment. Their initial reaction might reflect unfamiliarity, not dissatisfaction. By understanding their perspective, involving them in the process, and finding ways to connect your vision to their identity, you can create something they’ll not only accept but truly cherish.

The Best Time to Post on Instagram

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I once read about a storm in 2020 in the US, which created a “mega-flash” of lightning spanning an area almost 500 miles long and 100 miles wide. It set a new world record. And it lasted for over 15 seconds. In other words, the people in Mississippi who saw that flash didn’t realize it wouldn’t end until it reached Texas.

It’s one of those phenomena that, for it to happen, requires extraordinarily perfect conditions.

Just like a video, a photo, or a text we post on social media, it’s just a spark. But depending on the moment, it can spread — just like that lightning in Mississippi did.

Instagram, for example, is one of the most influential platforms in the digital age, boasting over 1.4 billion active users worldwide. For businesses, influencers, and content creators, reaching the right audience is critical—and timing plays a major role in maximizing engagement. Posting at the right time can mean the difference between your content thriving or disappearing in the sea of posts.

And that’s because Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that it believes users will engage with. Factors like likes, comments, shares, and saves influence what content is shown first in users’ feeds. If you post when your audience is most active, the chances of engagement are higher, signaling the algorithm to promote your post further.

Here’s why timing is crucial:

a) Higher Engagement Rates: Posting when your audience is online increases the likelihood of immediate interaction.
b) Boosted Visibility: Early engagement signals Instagram to push your post to more people.
c) Optimized Resource Use: Tailoring your posting schedule ensures you’re putting effort where it matters most.

And what would be the best times to post on Instagram? While optimal posting times can vary depending on your audience and niche, studies have provided general guidelines:

Best Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays are considered the best days to post.
Best Time Slots:
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM. Users often check their phones first thing in the morning.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Lunchtime browsing is common.
(7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. People unwind and scroll through social media after work.
Avoid: Late-night posts (10:00 PM – 4:00 AM) when engagement tends to be the lowest.

These general patterns serve as a starting point, but you’ll need to dive deeper into your specific audience data for tailored success.

If your followers are global, consider time zones. Use Instagram Insights to see where your audience is located and adjust your schedule. Instagram Insights is a powerful tool that helps to determine when your followers are most active. Here’s how to use it:

a) Switch to a professional account (if you haven’t already).
b) Navigate to the Insights section in your profile.
c) Go to the “Audience” tab and scroll to “Most Active Times” to analyze your audience activity.
d) Review data for the days and hours when your audience is online.
e) Use this information to test and adjust different posting times.
f) Monitor the performance of posts published during peak activity hours.

The best time to post on Instagram isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, consistency, high-quality content, and timely posting are the pillars of Instagram’s success. By leveraging these strategies, you’ll increase engagement and build stronger connections with your audience.

Finally, once the spark has been created and the “weather conditions” on the web have been verified, it’s time to see (or not) how far the value of your content can go.

How to Tell Someone You Like Them (Through Graphic Design)

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If you’re a solo designer with someone special on your mind 24/7, expressing your feelings can feel intimidating. Sometimes, words simply fall short.

So, why not let your design skills speak for you? With a spark of creativity and a touch of artistic flair, you can create a graphic design masterpiece to confess your good feelings..

  1. Every design starts with a big idea.
    Are you aiming for something playful, heartfelt, or dramatic? Your approach will guide your choices. For instance, if your crush loves nature, a design inspired by vibrant florals or lush greenery could subtly suggest how they make your world bloom. If they’re into tech, a pixelated heart could be your starting point. The idea is to personalize your design to resonate with them.

  2. Pick the Right Medium
    Graphic design offers countless mediums to communicate. Choose one that’s most natural for your style and the recipient’s taste. For instance:
    Infographic: A funny and clever “statistical breakdown” of why you’re into them.
    Animated GIF: Perfect for conveying playful energy with movement and sparkle.
    Custom Card Design: A classic, heartfelt approach that never goes out of style

  3. Craft the Perfect Message
    Design is only part of the equation; the words matter too. Whether it’s a witty tagline, a heartfelt confession, or a clever pun, your text needs to complement your visuals.Make sure the typography and color scheme match the tone. A lighthearted message might benefit from bright colors and quirky fonts, while a romantic one might lean on elegant scripts and muted hues. Remember: Keep it short and sweet. Less is more when the design speaks volumes.

  4. Design Principles
    While the sentiment is key, good design principles will ensure your message is clear and visually appealing. Here’s how to apply some classic design rules to your love confession:
    Balance: Avoid overwhelming the canvas. Ensure your design has visual harmony, just like you’re hoping your relationship will.
    Contrast: Use contrasting colors and fonts to draw attention to the most important parts—like your confession.
    Hierarchy: Ensure the eye naturally gravitates to your central message. Whether it’s a giant heart or bold text, make the focus obvious.
    Whitespace: Give your design breathing room. Good feelings need space to flourish, and so does your design!

  5. Add a Personal Touch
    What sets your design apart is its personal touch. Think of details that only you and the recipient will understand:
    – Incorporate inside jokes or shared experiences.
    – Use their favorite colors, patterns, or imagery.
    – Include a subtle nod to their hobbies or interests. For example, if they’re a book lover, your design might feature a heart made of book spines or a message hidden within a book cover illustration.

  6. Don’t Forget Humor (Optional but Powerful)
    A little humor can go a long way, especially if you’re nervous about baring your soul. Humor keeps things lighthearted and reduces the risk of your message feeling too heavy. Maybe you can include quirky illustrations like a stick figure version of yourself presenting them a heart.

  7. Polish Your Work: Love Deserves Effort
    Before hitting send (or printing), take time to review your design. Double-check your:
    – Spelling and grammar (a typo could be awkward).
    – Alignment, spacing, and proportions.
    – Overall tone: Does it match your intended message?
    – Show your work to a trusted friend for feedback if you’re unsure.

  8. Deliver the Design with Confidence and Brace For the Response
    Here’s the thing: no matter how impressive your design is, the response might not be exactly what you hope for. And that’s okay! The effort you put into your creation will show that you’re thoughtful and sincere. Plus, even if the feelings aren’t mutual, you’ll still walk away with a brilliant piece for your portfolio.

Yes, I know: telling someone you like them can be nerve-wracking, but using graphic design adds a creative, memorable twist that sets you apart. By combining thoughtful design principles, a personal touch, and a sprinkle of humor, you can create a confession that’s as unique as your feelings.