What Design School Didn’t Teach Me: Lessons from Burn Your Portfolio
If you’re anything like me, navigating the wild world of art and design feels like a mix of exhilaration and chaos. You’re trying to master your craft, run a business, and not lose your mind in the process. Recently, I stumbled upon a book that I wish someone had handed me years ago: Burn Your Portfolio: Stuff They Don’t Teach You in Design School, But Should by Michael Janda.
This book is packed with the kind of real-world advice you don’t get in school, and as an artist running a small business, it hit me like a ton of bricks (in the best way). Let me give you the lowdown on the book, the key takeaways, and why you absolutely need to add it to your bookshelf.
What's It All About?
Michael Janda, an experienced designer and creative director, wrote Burn Your Portfolio as a no-BS guide for creatives navigating the professional world. The premise? Design school teaches you how to make things look great, but it rarely prepares you for the realities of running a business, dealing with clients, or managing projects.
This book isn’t just for designers, it’s for anyone in the creative industry who wants to level up their career or business. Janda covers everything from pricing your work to building client relationships, time management, and avoiding burnout. It’s like having a mentor who’s been through it all, dishing out advice with humor, honesty, and a ton of practical examples.
Key Takeaways
1. Your Work Isn’t Just About Talent
One of the biggest lessons I took from this book is that being a great artist or designer isn’t enough. Your work might speak for itself, but if you can’t communicate, set boundaries, or deliver a killer client experience, you’re going to struggle.
Janda emphasizes the importance of being a great communicator. Whether it’s presenting your ideas to a client or setting clear expectations in a project proposal, your ability to talk about your work is as important as the work itself.
2. Pricing Your Work: Know Your Worth
Let’s be real, figuring out what to charge for your art or design services can feel like throwing darts at a board in the dark. Janda breaks it down in a way that finally makes sense. He shares practical tips on pricing based on your time, the value you bring to the client, and the scope of the project.
One golden nugget: Don’t just charge for time spent creating. Factor in your expertise, the value you’re providing, and the long-term impact of your work for the client.
3. Clients Are People Too
Okay, this might sound obvious, but hear me out. Janda’s advice on building relationships with clients is a game-changer. He encourages creatives to go beyond transactional relationships and genuinely care about their clients’ success.
This doesn’t mean bending over backward or letting clients walk all over you. Instead, it’s about creating win-win partnerships where both sides feel valued. Janda even includes templates for handling tricky client conversations, like pushing back on unrealistic deadlines or scope creep.
4. “Burn Your Portfolio” Isn’t Just a Catchy Title
The title of the book refers to the outdated idea that your portfolio is the only thing that matters in your career. Janda argues that while having a solid portfolio is important, your ability to network, market yourself, and deliver a seamless client experience will take you further.
This really resonated with me as an artist. I used to think, If my work is good enough, clients will come. Spoiler alert: That’s not how it works. Janda’s advice on branding and self-promotion helped me see the bigger picture.
5. Processes Save Your Sanity
As someone who runs a small art business, this chapter was a lifesaver. Janda breaks down the importance of creating systems for everything—onboarding clients, managing projects, invoicing, and even handling revisions.
Before reading this book, I was constantly scrambling to stay on top of things. Now, I’ve started implementing a few simple processes, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer.
My Personal Insights
Reading Burn Your Portfolio felt like a wake-up call. I realized how many mistakes I’ve made in my art business simply because I didn’t know any better. For example, I used to undercharge for my work because I felt guilty about asking for more. Janda’s advice on pricing gave me the confidence to set rates that reflect my worth—and stick to them.
Another thing that hit home was the importance of creating a personal brand. I’ve always been focused on my art, but Janda made me realize that building a recognizable brand is just as important as creating good work. Now, I’m working on refining my online presence and making sure my messaging is consistent across platforms.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re an artist, designer, or creative professional, Burn Your Portfolio is a must-read. It’s packed with practical advice, actionable tips, and real-world examples that will help you navigate the ups and downs of the creative industry.
This book isn’t just about surviving as a creative—it’s about thriving. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, there’s something here for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Michael Janda’s Burn Your Portfolio is like having a brutally honest mentor who wants you to succeed. It’s practical, relatable, and filled with insights that will change the way you approach your creative career.
If you’re ready to take your art or design business to the next level, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. And when you’re done, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear how this book impacts your journey.
Happy creating,
Lily