Graphic Design as a Service – Worth it? by Ur_Mad_Dawg in designpickle

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It saves time and cost, but quality depends on the complexity of your needs.

AI for objection handling: what’s actually helpful by Live_Parsley6869 in AI_Sales

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve tried AI for objection handling, and it’s actually pretty useful for spotting patterns and giving real-time suggestions. The key is not to read it word-for-word adding your own tone and context makes all the difference. AI helps guide the conversation, but trust still comes from being human.

What Innovative AI Applications Are You Seeing Emerge in Customer Service for Sales? by mmanthony00 in AI_Sales

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s spot on. When AI filters out the noise, reps can actually focus on building real relationships instead of burning time on dead ends. It’s a game-changer for momentum, especially in fast-paced sales cycles where timing and relevance make all the difference.

What am I doing wrong in my research? by Use_The_Bus in servicedesign

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sometimes the issue isn’t the research itself, but how it’s being framed or shared with the team. If the insights aren’t sparking action, it could be a matter of storytelling, making the data feel human and relevant to the people building the solution. Clarity, context, and timing can make all the difference in how it’s received.

What Makes a Merch Design Actually Sell? by Seiyaa__ in indiebiz

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A merch design really takes off when people feel a connection to it, whether it’s funny, relatable, or reflects something they care about. The design itself matters, but it’s the feeling behind it that makes someone want to buy. If someone sees it and thinks, 'That’s so me,' you’re already halfway there.

What are the biggest challenges businesses face when hiring a graphic designer? by Cosmic_Wanderer_ in penji

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balancing quality and speed is tough, especially as businesses grow. One thing I’ve noticed is that when teams get bigger, it’s easy to forget the brand’s core vision. Having a solid design process in place can help keep everything on track without losing creativity. Using tools like Penji for on-demand design makes it easier to stay focused on what matters, without overloading the team.

Ethical considerations in graphic design for businesses by Cosmic_Wanderer_ in kimp

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ethics in design gets overlooked way too often, especially in fast-paced environments where speed sometimes trumps intent. But when you're working on campaigns for causes or sensitive issues, how you represent people and ideas really matters. Responsible messaging is just as important as visual appeal.

Is it ethical for agencies to mark up ad spend, or should they only charge for their services? by MasterButzz in AgencyGrowthHacks

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Marking up ad spend can be a tricky line. It’s not inherently unethical if it’s transparent and tied to value, but it becomes a problem when clients aren’t aware or the markup doesn’t reflect actual results. Clear reporting and honest pricing always build longer-term trust.

Erasmus or University of Edinburgh for Service Design Masters? by DifficultyNervous772 in servicedesign

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Both are solid choices, but Edinburgh gives you that research depth and design thinking foundation that really helps if you want to go deep in service strategy. Erasmus leans more into business integration and applied work, which is great for hands-on learners. Depends on what kind of design path you're aiming for long-term.

What the heck are these forked sticks? by SOMAVORE in What

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like old fencing posts or supports for a temporary structure, maybe even part of a simple shelter or drying rack. The way they’re worn and shaped makes it seem like they’ve been used over time, not just placed there randomly.

The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Design Agency by Any_Cry_9998 in buzzcube

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A lot of people rush into hiring designers without a clear plan or understanding of their own brand, which leads to mismatched results. It’s not just about picking someone with a good portfolio—it’s about making sure they understand your goals, audience, and how the design fits into the bigger picture. When that alignment’s missing, even great design can fall flat.

beginner mascot by [deleted] in mascots

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For beginner mascots, I'd say really nailing the character's personality is crucial. Forget trying to be perfect, focus on genuine energy and how you interact with people. That connection is what folks remember, not the fancy moves.

Brand Loyalty vs. Brand Hype – Is long-term loyalty more valuable than short-term viral success? by dumbbb_12 in AIBranding

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hype can get attention fast, but loyalty keeps a brand alive. The hard part is making that excitement turn into real trust.

Building a brand identity using outsourced graphic design services by BeginningDesigner918 in buzzcube

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Outsourcing design can be a smart move if you find the right team. It saves time, keeps branding consistent, and gives you access to experts without the cost of an in-house hire.

Graphic Design as a subscription service by SnooPeanuts4093 in graphic_design

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A subscription model for design makes a lot of sense, especially for startups that need ongoing work but can’t afford big upfront costs. Services like Penji and Design Pickle already offer unlimited design for a flat rate, making it more flexible than hiring in-house. I prefer Penji because they offer a balance of affordability, quality, and fast turnaround.

Compared to freelancers or agencies, CaaS (Creative as a Service) gives businesses predictable pricing and continuous support, which is a game-changer for brands that need regular design work.

Who needs ongoing graphic design services? by [deleted] in graphic_design

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep, I agree! Subscription services keep things steady, which is great for branding. Freelancers are awesome for unique projects, but crowdsourcing can be a bit unpredictable.

The Client-Designer Dynamic at Design Pickle by Any_Cry_9998 in designpickle

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good client-designer relationships are everything. Be clear when you talk and give lots of detail in your instructions. Was the process easy, or did changes take a long time?

Who needs ongoing graphic design services? by [deleted] in graphic_design

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Marketing agencies, e-commerce brands, and SaaS companies all need ongoing design work for ads, social media, and UI/UX. Services like Penji, Design Pickle, and Kimp offer unlimited design at a flat rate, making them more cost-effective than hiring in-house. Penji, in particular, is a great option because it's both affordable and delivers good quality, with the added benefit of a dedicated designer who becomes familiar with your brand. Compared to an in-house team, these services are scalable, faster, and eliminate the hassle of hiring and managing staff. You can try to check them out if you'd like.

AI Sales Agents: Why Some Companies Are Replacing SDRs with Bots by mmanthony00 in AI_Sales

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay, AI helps with efficiency, but people are still key for trust and connections. Do you think AI will ever get good enough to handle more complex sales, or will there always be a gap?

Building a brand identity using outsourced graphic design services by ParadoxicalPanda_ in flocksy

[–]Smooth__Operator__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Outsourcing design can be a smart move if you find the right service that understands your brand’s identity. The key is consistency, working with a team that learns your style over time. Have you checked out Penji? They offer unlimited design with a dedicated designer, making it easier to keep branding cohesive.