I agree with each of those answers, they are all challenges I’ve had to master in the span of my 24-year career. I’ve found that for me, being methodical and patient are good solutions to the above challenges. Being methodical, I figure out the best way to do a thing, then I do it that way unless and until I learn or develop a better way. Then I am patient with clients and removing my ego and opinion, I listen. I believe that people know more than their fears allow them to show and if I can help my client find their creative voice, they are often able to express their vision more clearly.

For me, the biggest challenge is quantifying the value of my creative energies. When you’re selling a pair of shoes it’s easier to put a dollar amount on that than it is on something as esoteric as one’s creative energies. A mentor once told me to determine my hourly rate, then add 10%. I did and found that he was right. Today I charge $145/hr. which is a rate that the market will bear for my level of experience. Hope this is helpful.