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The Design Clarity Weekly

Stop People-Pleasing, Start Leading Your Projects

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Design Clarity Weekly

Helping Design Professionals Streamline, Simplify & Succeed

Hey Lovely!

As women, many of us are wired to be agreeable. We want our clients to feel heard, cared for, and at ease. The challenge? Sometimes that agreeableness slips into people-pleasing. We avoid confrontation, overextend ourselves, and let boundaries slide—leading to frustration, resentment, or messy projects.

The antidote? Boundaries. And the way you uphold those boundaries is through clear and consistent communication. When you set expectations on the front end, reinforce them throughout the project, and close with the same strength you started, you create a professional framework that protects both you and your client—and keeps the work on track.

Tips, Tools & Takeaways for Designers

3 Tips to Strengthen Your Boundaries

✅ Onboarding is Education, Not Just Pretty Assets​
Your welcome guide isn’t about looking polished—it’s about teaching your clients how you work. Spell out timelines, approvals, how you communicate, and what you expect in return. Education builds trust.

✅ Communicate + Document Consistently​
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to over-communicate. Weekly updates, meeting notes, and decisions and approvals in writing protect you and reassure your client that nothing is slipping through the cracks.

✅ Offboarding is as Important as Onboarding​
When the final pillow is fluffed, don’t just wave goodbye. Recap deliverables, review warranties/receipts, and remind them of your process for future projects. A clean close builds credibility and encourages referrals.

2 Resources to Check Out

📌 Client Onboarding Checklist​
A simple framework you can customize to cover education, expectations, and client responsibilities—so nothing gets missed. (Best for: designers who want to stop repeating themselves and start streamlining).

📌 Project Communication Templates​
Email scripts for weekly updates, decisions, and project wrap-ups. (Best for: designers who want to document everything without reinventing the wheel every time).

1 Question for You

🤔 When was the last time you said “no” in your business—and did it make things easier or harder? Send me a question and I'll answer it in next week's newsletter!

Want More Support?

If setting boundaries and building consistent communication feels overwhelming, that’s exactly where I can step in. My Virtual Support Hours are available in 10-hour blocks, so you can offload tasks, get systems in place, and protect your time—without burning out.

Not sure where to start? Reach out and book a call with me here.​

Here’s to more ease, balance, and joy in your business and life! 💛

Warmly,​
Marsha

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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The Design Clarity Weekly

Marsha Sefcik

Sent every Friday, this quick 5-minute read is packed with actionable tips to help you streamline your design business. Written by Marsha Sefcik, a trusted business strategist for design professionals, you'll learn how to simplify workflows, master client onboarding, and improve your design-related copy. Join hundreds of design professionals who already benefit from this free, weekly resource!

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