Strategies for Overcoming Designer’s Block

By: Sarah McKinney

Every graphic designer, no matter how experienced, has encountered the frustrating phenomenon known as designer’s block or creative burnout.  Designer’s block can manifest in various forms – from an absence of fresh ideas to an overwhelming feeling of creative standstill. It often creeps in the presence of impending deadlines, adding an extra layer of stress. For graphic design students, navigating the challenges of academia, while simultaneously overcoming designer’s block is a crucial skill to develop it’s essential to recognize that this is a common hurdle in the creative process, and you’re not alone in facing it. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies to reignite your creative spark and keep the design juices flowing:

1. Embrace the Power of Breaks:

When faced with a creative roadblock, sometimes the best solution is to step away from the project. Take a break, go for a walk, or engage in an unrelated activity. This shift in focus allows your mind to reset and opens the door to new ideas. Consider incorporating the time-blocking technique –  This method involves dividing your workday into distinct blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or set of related activities. For graphic designers, this could mean assigning specific blocks for ideation, design execution, client communication, and even breaks.

Resource: Effective Time Management Tips and Strategies for Graphic Designers

2. Seek Inspiration Beyond the Screen:

In the digital age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking inspiration solely from online platforms. Break free from this cycle by exploring the physical world. Visit art galleries, attend design-related events, or simply take a stroll through nature. Inspiration often appears when you least expect it, the textures, colors, and patterns you encounter can serve as a wellspring of inspiration.

3. Engage in Collaborative Creativity:

Collaboration can be a powerful remedy to a designer’s block. Connect with fellow design students, share your challenges, and brainstorm ideas. Hearing different perspectives can spark new thoughts and approaches. Also, consider collaborating with students from other professions to gain fresh insights that can infuse your designs with unique perspectives.

5. Establish a Design Ritual:

Establishing a design ritual is an effective practice to develop a conducive environment for creativity. For instance, curate a specific playlist that resonates with your design sensibilities – music that energizes, inspires, and helps you focus. 

Designating a specific workspace is another crucial element of your ritual. This could be a dedicated corner of your room, a coffee shop with the right ambiance, or a co-working space. A consistent physical environment helps create a mental association between that space and your creative work, making it easier for your mind to transition into a focused and imaginative state.

One part of a ritual that I frequently use to kickstart my creative process is doodling. Taking a few moments to doodle freely on a notepad or sketchpad can be a liberating exercise. These raw drawings often evolve into original ideas or serve as a visual brainstorming session, allowing your creativity to flow.

Another part of my personal ritual that has proven valuable is the act of writing down all thoughts and ideas. This process not only helps in organizing thoughts but also serves as a visual archive of ideas that you can look back on in the future. By putting pen to paper, you can explore connections between concepts, refine your thinking, and generate new ideas in the process

6. Explore Design Communities:

Engage with online design communities to connect with like-minded individuals. Platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and design-focused forums provide spaces to showcase your work, receive feedback, and become inspired by discovering the work of others. Participating in these communities can reignite your passion for design and expose you to new trends and techniques.

Resources: 

Behance  

Dribbble 

Awwwards 

Savee 

Branding style guides 

Conclusion:

Overcoming designer’s block is an ongoing journey, and each designer discovers what works best for them. By incorporating these strategies into your creative process, you’ll not only conquer moments of stagnation but also develop resilience and a deeper understanding of your creative self.  Designer’s block is a temporary setback, and with the right mindset and tools, you’ll find your way back to a world brimming with design possibilities.

Battling Imposter Syndrome

By Erin Aquilino

As I approach graduation in December, there is an overwhelming anxiety that as I enter the workforce, I will not be qualified. Despite five and a half years of education and working towards a BFA in Communication Design, there is a part of me that feels like somehow I cheated my way to this point, like I am a fraud. 

While the logical part of my brain knows that I worked hard to get to this point, through personal challenges and setbacks, a global pandemic, and the run-of-the-mill struggles that every college student faces, I can’t help but feel like I subconsciously scammed my way through college. As a graphic designer, I can’t help but feel like I’ve never come up with an original idea. Have I been mistaking infringement for inspiration all of this time? 

Turns out that what I am feeling is not unusual, in fact “up to 70% of people have experienced symptoms of imposter syndrome” (Albanese), the feeling of workplace fraudulency and being unqualified (Giglio), despite actually having worked hard and being equipped for a job. I find that it takes 50 successes to build my confidence in myself as a designer, but only one failure to tear it all down again. With every failure, despite all of the things I’ve done successfully, I can’t help but think “Maybe I don’t know what I’m doing. Maybe I’m not as qualified as I thought I was.” So how do we overcome these feelings of self-doubt? How do we learn to tell ourselves that it’s not just luck that got us here, but dedication, hard work, and talent? 

Here are some ways ground yourself when the imposter syndrome is screaming that you’re #fake: 

  1. Make a list of your accomplishments. 

Whether it is a mental list or physically writing them down, focus on your achievements, no matter how big or small. From graduating college to turning in that one assignment that you thought for sure you were going to fail but actually ended up getting a decent grade on. 

  1. Reassuring yourself that you didn’t get to where you are now purely based on luck.

It sounds simple but it’s helpful. Sometimes we get these negative thoughts because we are failing to look at the bigger picture. It wasn’t luck that got you into college and it wasn’t luck that got you through college either, just like it won’t be luck that gets you a job in your industry. Give yourself the credit you deserve. 

  1. Really think about your failures. 

I know this sounds depressing but hear me out. Why did you fail? What can you do differently next time? Stop thinking about short-comings as failures but as lessons. Apply what you learned when you do that thing again. And don’t be scared to do that thing again because you weren’t successful the first time.

  1. Ask for help.

Being qualified does not mean you have to know everything and asking for help does not make you less good at what you do, in fact it makes you better. Knowing when to ask questions because you can’t accomplish something by figuring it out on your own is a strength, not a weakness.  

  1. Stop comparing yourself to others. 

This is easier said than done and it takes practice. I’ve found that the root of a lot of my self-doubt comes from comparing myself to the people around me. I frequently find myself thinking things like “All my friends graduated in 4 years, why did it take me 5 and a half? Probably because I’m dumb.” Wrong. My timeline was just different. Someone might have more experience or different qualifications than you but that does not diminish your own experience and qualifications. 

Battling imposter syndrome is hard and emotional but it’s not impossible. It’s not going to happen overnight but little by little you’ll wake up feeling like you are where you’re supposed to be. Be patient and gentle with yourself, you’ve achieved amazing things to get yourself where you are now. 

Sources 

Albanese, S. (2019, January 31). Facing impostor syndrome as a new grad. Eyes On Eyecare. https://eyesoneyecare.com/resources/facing-impostor-syndrome-new-grad/ 

Giglio, M. (2022, April 15). Imposter syndrome for newly graduated students. UConn Center for Career Development. https://career.uconn.edu/blog/2022/04/18/imposter-syndrome-for-newly-graduated-students/

Networking is your greatest asset

Networking is your greatest asset

By: Daisy Costilla-Jaimes

Connecting with others and creating chains of networks will be your best asset in the public relations workforce. Creating a database of networks amongst individuals allows you to be involved in new opportunities and allows you to make professional friendships, collaborations, and meet new people not only in your community but also within the professional world locally or globally. 

Sometimes networking with your community will open new opportunities in your career development you wouldn’t think possible. Networking is truly the most important component when becoming a successful public relations professional and progressing in the public relations industry because it allows you to connect with your client’s needs to satisfy their goals and your objectives. 

I am an Assistant Account Executive working with my team to serve our client, the Multicultural Gender Studies Program. Our job is to inform prospective students and their families of the resources and opportunities available on Chico State’s campus. It is an important objective of my client to highlight the diverse minors, programs, and available opportunities for minorities on campus. As an Assistant Account Executive, I am responsible for curating content for the African-American studies minor. Networking with the community has been a key component in establishing connections that are valuable and essential to my client’s objectives.

For instance, I networked with the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC) which is an environment dedicated to minority students where they are able to connect with one another, develop leadership skills, share cultural values, build relationships within the community and create cultural awareness and social change. Through the CCLC I was able to network with the Black Student Union’s (BSU) president, Khalid Hurst, BSU members and members of the National Society of Black Engineers. I was able to be more informed about African-American studies’ resources on campus using networking and how they help minorities such as African Americans represent themselves at Chico State. 

Another way to expand your network is through social media such as Instagram, LinkedIn and X, formally known as Twitter. Being involved in social media and creating an engaging platform allows the ability to share information, partake in professional development conversations and create awareness of yourself and your abilities in the public relations field. Through networking with other professionals, you can have a deeper understanding of the industry and have access to resources that are at your fingertips. 

By expanding my network within the community, I was able to gain more understanding regarding my client’s needs, objectives, and goals. I not only gained more comprehension of my client’s needs, but I also made professional connections, gained knowledge that will help me better the community, and obtained awareness of the diverse programs that support minorities. 

Networking with your community, various organizations, programs, and individuals allows you to expand your web of connections. By expanding your network of people it will allow you to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable of the resources and growth opportunities available to you. Enlarging one’s network will allow public relations students to prepare themselves for the real world and achieve their career aspirations by enabling students’ understanding of how to succeed in the public relations industry.

What I learned as an AE in TGC

By: Rubi Ha-Hernandez

It’s my first semester in TGC and I am stoked to be working with such a talented team for our amazing clients. 

To my surprise I was assigned to be an Account Executive for my first semester working with Nicole Johansson for the Honeybee Discovery Center. My team is composed of wonderful and strong writers and creatives. Here are a few out of the many things I have learned in TGC.   

Leadership Skills 

Working with my team has helped me improve my leadership skills. Working with our client, we have to collaborate and communicate as a team to make sure our client’s needs are met. Leadership skills have been crucial for effectively managing, motivating my team and making sure everyone is aligned on a common goal. My team makes it easy for me to guide them through our work because of their enthusiasm in working with our client. Their positive energy fuels each other’s creative torch. 

Quick turnarounds and keeping up with PR trends means our team has to be able to adapt. PR is a dynamic field where unexpected challenges or changes arise.

Being in the leadership position, skills like adaptability and resilience help my team navigate these challenges.”

The event the Honeybee Discovery Center is hosting this November has been an example of adaptability. This event sprouted from a casino night idea then evolved into a fundraising opportunity drawing thanks to our dear friend, the IRS. This meant all content prepped for the event had to be changed in language to follow IRS regulations. In order to garner attention and reactions, our team has been creating more opportunities of exposure through local advertisements and media visibility to increase ticket sales. 

Communication

Coming into TGC as an Account Executive means that the connection between you and the client is crucial. Communication is part of being an effective leader in order to deliver clear and concise information. Before our work began I had a conversation with our client. There were clear and concise expectations from Nicole based on her previous experiences. It was my responsibility to assure her our team would deliver on communication and adaptability. It is also my responsibility to relay that with our team as well. A good flow of information helps the entire process sail smoothly towards success. 

Connect with Your Team

I believe one of the most important leadership skills to have is relationship building. Building and maintaining relationships with my team and our client fosters brand growth. Demonstrating interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to connect with my team is the reason why we have been successful. Our client has given us the opportunity to create a team bond over the love of bees and nature. Taking a work trip to their learning center feels more like a fun outing rather than a task. Of course, we take our work seriously. Refreshing our brains with fun ideas was a bonus!

Who doesn’t want to have their hard work noticed? Complimenting your team members gives them a boost. In difficult or stressful assignments, it’s the validation we need even if we do have to edit our work. Being in a career that always has to be on top of trends, it is easy to get stuck in a rut. I always try to compliment my team members for their hard work whether or not there is constructive criticism. Bouncing ideas off one another can elevate the quality of work our client is able to have. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

We’re all in this together. As a Wildcat, that line stays heavy in my mind whenever I think about reaching out to my team for advice. I have always struggled with asking for help. In my mind, as a leader I should be able to make decisions and problem solve for my team. However, that is not how TGC works. Our leadership team consists of three amazing seasoned TGC staff and our extraordinary advisor who are always willing to help. Asking for help is not a weakness but rather a strength. It promotes collaboration and sets a positive example for the rest of the team by demonstrating that it is okay to ask for input or expertise from others. The outcome often leads to a better solution or result than originally offered. I have relied on our leadership team on multiple occasions for advice or revisions. Not only do I have a better product for our clients, I have created that relationship with my peers and mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, chances are someone else is also struggling with the same thing you are. 

In just one semester, my role as an Account Executive at TGC has provided me with a valuable glimpse into the world of PR. Initially, I was nervous, but thanks to the unwavering support and positivity of the staff, my apprehension turned into genuine enjoyment. 

Being part of TGC has not only allowed me to witness first hand what a career in PR entails, but has also placed me in a leadership position, preparing me for the realities of the PR industry. I embrace every opportunity to learn and grow with the goal of applying these experiences and knowledge to my future career as a PR professional. 

One Foot in Front of the Other

Eve Miller’s tips on the job hunting process. 

By: Lucy Ventura

As a senior, thinking about what’s next post-graduation can be frustrating. It can also be a burden on your self-esteem going through many interviews and not hearing back quickly. I spoke with Eve Miller about what her job hunting process was like and how she adjusted from being in TGC to working at Global Results Communications agency. 

What was the job hunt like for you?

“It was long and tedious. I think I started looking for post-grad jobs over Thanksgiving break and applying not long after,”

How did you manage to stay encouraged throughout the job hunting process ?

“I had to keep reminding myself that I didn’t need to find the perfect job straight away. I stressed a lot over what part of public relations I wanted to focus on when I didn’t even need to think about it. Even just finding a job that furthers your skills in any aspect is great and will benefit you in,”

What tips would you give to those who are nervous for the interview process?

“Practice over and over with friends, family or mentors. Even apply for jobs you know you don’t want but are qualified for and go through the interview process – you can always say no and it gives you practice for what types of questions people typically ask and how to answer them depending on the position,”

“I did this a lot throughout college and probably had tons of interviews I did just because I could. I didn’t realize its impact until a recruiter told me after an interview that I was the first candidate to answer their questions rather than push for what I wanted to tell them.”

What role did personal branding and online presence, such as LinkedIn, play in your job search success?

“The biggest part. I was fairly active on LinkedIn and still am since I use it for work every day. 

LinkedIn is your best friend. If you have the money to spend on getting premium, do it. They have a student discount –  I’m still riding on this currently- which helps so much during the application process.

I would constantly go on the page of organizations I loved and look at the people working there in the positions I hope to have one day and I’d just try to message them or connect with them. People want to help you if you’re friendly and it doesn’t hurt to ask. I got my current job by contacting the company’s owner.”

Can you offer advice to seniors who are currently job hunting in the PR field based on your experiences?

“Your professors want to help you! Ask them for help but understand that they have other things to do so plan ahead.”

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your job hunt, or any lessons learned that you can share?

“I started to work the day I got back from graduation and I wish I had taken a break, even if it was for a week. Going from a classroom setting one day to working with clients and full-grown adults the next was shocking. Have fun when you have the time because summers don’t exist after college…

Was it hard adapting straight from college to the workforce and how did you prepare to start your job fresh out of graduating college?

Extremely – I’m still adjusting. It’s not something people really prepare you for, they just prepare you for how to get a job. I had a bit of imposter syndrome the first couple of weeks and I still get it from time to time. The most important thing that has helped me is asking questions.

“Be the annoying person who asks too many questions because it’s better to look curious and get it right the first time than stay quiet and have to do it over again a million times.”

In what ways has TGC prepared you for the job you are working at now?

“It helped me know how to work on multiple accounts at once and manage time. Having that public relations firm under your belt, even if it is student-run, helps you more than you know when looking for jobs and when you’ve got a job. I know how to work well in teams of different people and communicate people’s needs. TGC helped me grow a lot of my skills in different aspects, more than I realized. In every interview I had, people were impressed with the experience I had gained through TGC. It’s not something that people should underplay and say “Oh it’s a class” because it’s definitely more than that depending on how much you put into the program. It’s a full internship which I know not a lot of other universities offer. It’s a huge leg up in the job process and as long as you position it right on your resume and during interviews, it could be the difference between whether you’re picked for a position or not.”

Connections are key.

Women standing in front of Kendall Hall

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

 

By Jeremiah Guzman

As a college student and intern on campus, I’ve struggled with Imposter Syndrome in class and the workplace. Despite my academic accomplishments and the positive feedback I’ve received from my supervisors and colleagues, I often feel like I don’t deserve my position and that I’m not qualified for the work I’m doing. I have always been able to handle whatever work has been thrown my way, however, these feelings of self-doubt and insecurity can be overwhelming and at times it makes it hard for me to focus or try to perform at my best.

Imposter Syndrome as defined by the dictionary is, “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” In other words, it is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external ways. This condition often results in people feeling like “a fraud” or “a phony” and doubting their abilities.

If you can relate to these experiences, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects people from all backgrounds and industries, and it can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with imposter syndrome in the workplace and provide tips and strategies for overcoming it.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding when you make mistakes or face challenges. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that failures are opportunities for growth and learning. Try to be kind and gentle with yourself, just as you would with a friend who is struggling.

To practice this, try doing things like writing yourself a supportive note, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Personally, I enjoy writing music as it has been really helpful in getting my thoughts out in a healthy way.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can be a major contributor to Imposter Syndrome. When you tell yourself that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve success, it reinforces feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. To combat these negative thoughts, try reframing them in a more positive light. For example, instead of telling yourself “I’m not good enough for this job,” say “I may be new to this role, but I have the skills and qualifications to succeed.”

You can also try using positive affirmations to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your strengths. Repeat phrases like “I am capable and competent,” “I deserve to be here” and “I am enough” to help counteract negative self-talk.

Don’t be Afraid to Seek Support: 

Having a support system can be incredibly helpful in overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Those closest to you can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of your job. They may also offer valuable feedback and perspective to your experiences. 

You can also seek support from a peer or support group. This can be a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and to share tips and strategies for overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome can be a challenging process. It may take time to develop the mindset and strategies necessary to build confidence and feel secure in your abilities. However, it’s important to remember that overcoming Imposter Syndrome is possible and many people have been able to succeed in spite of their doubts and insecurities.

By taking these steps and persisting through the self-doubt that comes with Imposter Syndrome, you can build the confidence and resilience necessary to succeed in your career or personal life. Remember that everyone experiences insecurities at times, but with the right mindset and support you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.

3 Easy Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Two rounded frames with neutral colored clothing over a neutral background saying dressing professionally on a budget

By Abbie Lee

I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “First impressions last a lifetime.” Though it’s a classic cliche, it’s rather true. Your style represents an aspect of who you are and may be something others notice immediately. Your outfit can play a large role in the impression you make, especially when you’re in a professional setting. 

Whether you’re giving a presentation, taking headshots or joining a meeting, it’s essential to ensure that your attire is appropriate. In a social psychology study, they found that participants who were told to wear formal clothing before taking a cognitive test showed “increased abstract thinking.” What you wear actually impacts how you think! 

As a college student who never had to worry about business attire until joining TGC, I picked up a few tips that helped me find my own cost-friendly professional style. 

  1. Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Every influencer on the planet will tell you that basics are important– and they’re right. Having staple, timeless and basic pieces can take you far. Being able to rotate items in your closet will allow you to rearrange and create outfits with items you have already worn. 

If I’m ever in quick need of a basic top, I head to Target. I’ve bought multiple basic tank tops and shirts that range from $5-$7. If I’m ever in need of some cute, basic and affordable trousers, I head to H&M. The color palette is neutral, the price is reasonable and the pants are timeless. 

Many trends nowadays can give off a professional look such as blazers, leather jackets, trousers, long skirts, sweater vests,  etc. There are many ways in which you can incorporate professional attire in your everyday wardrobe.

“You can still dress to impress while keeping it profesh!

When building a capsule wardrobe, keep it simple. Buy items that have a neutral color palette, as rotating and mixing up the pieces will make your mornings easier.

  1. Shopping Second-Hand

Buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t cheap. As someone who loves to dress to impress, I’m still a college student. Finding professional attire that won’t break the bank can be rather tricky. I’ve had to think of cheaper options when looking for professional clothing. It’s safe to say that thrifting and consignment stores have changed the game. Over half of my professional wardrobe consists of items that were found at a thrift store. 

Chico has a range of hidden gems when it comes to thrift stores. Show Love Thrift has different deals every day where you can find clothes at an even cheaper price. Late Bloomer Vintage Boutique is a new thrift store in Chico where you can “Shop all eras of vintage.” The shop is colorful, bright and fun making the shopping experience even better.

Shopping can take a lot of time out of your day and if there’s one thing I’ve learned as I am wrapping up my junior year, it’s that time really is of the essence. On days that I may be too busy, I often lean on online second-hand stores like Depop and Poshmark. These are great options as you can shop for sustainable and cost effective options from the comfort of your home. Not to mention, the range of items is even greater! 

Not only does shopping second-hand mean that you are helping the Earth, you’re also helping your wallet. The clothes provided in thrift stores are endless and some items are timeless. You are able to find a range of professional attire, such as blazers, button-ups, blouses, trousers and coats, for a fraction of the original price. I found the cutest blazer from Goodwill once and it was $4. Talk about a steal!

P.S. If you are in need of some accessories, thrift stores always have some hidden gems. 

  1. Getting Creative!

Accessorizing an outfit can add a lot to your look without costing a lot of money. 

Influencer Hannah Harrell pairs tights to her black top, black mini skirt outfit.

You’re in the mood to wear a mini skirt to a meeting? No problem– just add tights!

You’re wearing a monochromatic outfit that you feel is kind of boring? Easy fix– throw on some cool jewelry or wear a cute purse!

Influencer Hannah Harrell and friend in Milan, Italy accessorize monochromatic outfits with chic purses.
Brenden Ellis, student at SBCC, spruces up his outfit with a thrifted belt.

Your shirt is tucked into your pants but it looks bland? Add a belt and call it a day!

Dressing professionally doesn’t have to be expensive. Finding affordable, realistic options for yourself will help you and your wallet in the long run. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you unconsciously unleash a positive cycle that reflects on how well and how confidently you complete tasks and communicate with others. Gathering these tips have changed how I dress for my internship and how I think about my path to success. 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Teamwork makes the dream work graphic

What makes a good team member? Tools and advice from a first-time Account Executive.

By Arya Patel

As PR professionals, teamwork is a crucial part of the job. Employers look for collaboration and leadership skills when hiring. Through my time in the Journalism and Public Relations Department at Chico State, I have collaborated with many different people. Here are tips I try to integrate while working with teams to become an effective member. 

Communication

Communication is the most important tool to becoming a great team member. Even if you are unsure or confused about what needs to be done, communication with your fellow members and management can clear the fog for everyone involved in a project. It can also be used as a tool to reach out for help when you are overwhelmed or faced with stress and burnout. Communicate early and often for the best chance of success.

 “Good team players understand what the team needs and why.” –Cisco

As a first-time AE, I have seen how crucial understanding those around you is. Making sure your team has measurable goals and ways to track them is a great tool to reference in times of uncertainty. It also creates a space for assistant account executives to tap into what they are interested in. There’s a sense of work accountability when evaluating your team’s needs. Another tool that has been very helpful is creating a timeline. Timelines help keep the team on track and “physically” see the process and its deadlines. Delegate work early and create an easy-to-follow timeline and your AAEs will have somewhere to refer back to. My favorite thing about timelines is being able to check off the boxes- it is such a satisfying moment. 

A strong work ethic

Being able to push yourself without other people telling you what to do is something any person in charge loves. Observe people you look up to and try to mimic their work ethic, take notes and listen– especially in a new position. Self-discipline is also key to creating a strong work ethic. Make a list of things you want to accomplish [during the day, week, specific activity] that way you can visualize your goals. Remember, focus on what you can control, not what is outside of your control.  

Flexibility/ Reliability

Being flexible is like being able to play any position on the field. Your coach can put you in left field, third base or shortstop and you can be an all-star at any of those positions.

Being a reliable person is someone an AE or team lead needs on their team.

Half of the work is to show up, if you show up you can ask questions, clarify and collaborate on things. If you don’t, your team will be resentful toward you during future projects. This semester for my client Krood, I took the initiative with a creative idea, which gave both my AE and client a sense of reliability. During our second client meeting, I pitched the idea of implementing filler posts through her feed. Filler posts are a “breathing space” on an Instagram feed that separates busy posts with lighter content. Our client loved the idea and gave me full creative range, my work is now published on her website and social channels!  

A positive attitude can go a long way in every aspect of your life, especially in work life. Encourage your team members to do their best every step of the way. Positivity creates a healthy, collaborative environment where all will feel welcome. Even if you feel confused, understanding those emotions and looking for the positives during tough situations can make all the difference. 

Non-Profit PR: Gaining Visibility Through Storytelling

Image of a typewriter with an orange background, text that says “Non-profit PR: Gaining Visibility Through Storytelling”

By Stephen Taylor

The non-profit industry is full of selfless people. Some common attributes in non-profit workers are passion, kindness and activism. The goal of non-profit companies is for the benefit of society. As a public relations major, I can contribute to this goal through storytelling.

Storytelling humanizes a brand. By giving your company personality, you make it easier for people to connect with you emotionally.

A story is a combination of facts and emotions. Companies tend to focus on factual elements to be effective storytellers in the business sense, but you must also find a way to weave emotion into the narrative and bring your story to life. Any goal where the right message and content might make a difference is an opportunity for storytelling.

Storytelling is an extremely important basis for any company, but especially for non-profits. Non-profit organizations can evoke large amounts of empathy from their target audiences because of the nature of their work yet they may have very limited resources. 

According to a public relations website, Wild Apricot, “In the U.S., just over 2% of non-profits account for 90% of all revenue in the sector.” 

Not having the funds to run large marketing campaigns is largely due to poor storytelling. This leads to lower engagement and lower donor rates. An important way to combat this is to develop a storytelling strategy that aligns with the values of your brand. 

“Any goal where the right message and content might make a difference is an opportunity for storytelling.”

The first step to developing a storytelling strategy is creating guidelines to determine the story you want to tell. It is important to use language that describes what you want your company to be known for. 

For example:

Are you a loving and tender non-profit that helps save the bees?

Or

Are you a stern and progressive non-profit that fights to save the bees?

Both of these address the issue of saving the bees, but the language used is entirely different. This is an opportunity to separate yourself from other companies. 

Brand Guidelines

The next step is building your brand identity statement. This is a company’s agreed upon way of how they present itself across all platforms. At its core, a brand guideline will outline what colors and fonts to use, as well as when to use assets such as logos or other art. An example is Asana, who fit their entire brand guide on one webpage.

A great brand guideline will outline how the company talks about itself. Think of it as the key message that will be woven into your storytelling piece. An example here is Urban Outfitters, who crafted a brand book detailing their mission and exemplifying their brand.

Gaining Visibility

After you have your key messages and brand cemented, getting your mission out to your target audiences is the next step. It is important to utilize the press. For newsworthy events or releases, having a good relationship with your local news stations can only benefit you. 

Prepare a pitch of what your company stands for so journalists get clear facts and information. Demonstrate a vision of how your organization benefits the public, and why it is important enough to be covered. Passion begets passion. If you are able to convince the journalist you are contacting to care about your cause, then you can develop a lasting relationship.

There are many opportunities to bolster your relationship with the media. Small actions such as sending a calendar of events or meeting for a meal can be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Once you establish a strong relationship, it becomes much easier to generate visibility for your organization.

The non-profit industry needs more public relations assistance. Helping to connect passionate people to great stories is a public service. I hope to use storytelling and the public relations skills I have developed at Chico State to help heal the earth.

Battling Student Burnout

Battling Student Burnout graphic

By Paris Auerweck

As an overwhelmed college student staring down multiple mental health diagnoses, I have felt stuck in a hole more times than not. It can feel like there’s so much to do but nowhere to begin my thoughts.

The mental health crisis for teens and young adults has been increasing during high school and college years. The Healthy Minds Study during the 2020-2021 school year of 373 college campuses found that over 60% of students met the bill for at least one mental health issue. 

I tend to overlook how much work it takes to be a full-time student. The pressures and responsibilities that come with it are heavy. It’s very easy to fall into a long spiral of I don’t know what to do.

While these feelings of hopelessness and depressive burnout may seem irreversible, there are ways to work on slowing down your thoughts to a less alarming level. Being a full-time student will always be hard work but, here’s what I have found helps me the most.

Don’t look at the big picture.

Although this may seem like bad advice, those with mental struggles find navigating countless deadlines, class schedules, extracurriculars and family life to feel utterly suffocating. There are hours I have wasted trying to calm down my anxiety but still repeating I have so much to do in my head. Taking your days one step at a time makes a huge difference. When I am feeling particularly overworked, I like to write down what I need to do only for that day. By the time the day is over, I’m at ease knowing I completed what I intended to. 

Communicate your thoughts aloud.

Mental illness can make communication with others a challenge. 

“Asking for help seems as easy as picking up a phone, but that phone can sometimes feel like it weighs a thousand pounds. It may be a simple notion but it takes practice.”

 Speaking my thoughts verbally alone or in front of others helps me put things into perspective; I am not drowning and alone. There are others that will listen to and support me, as some may be going through the same feelings. Sharing your struggles with faculty, peers and friends can be uncomfortable but, leaving things unspoken proves worse for intrusive thoughts. When I say things out loud, they seem less intimidating and more achievable. 

Listen to your body.

Even with a full schedule, I can often feel as though I am never doing enough. Sometimes it feels as though there is a voice in your head telling you to do more, what you are doing now is not quite good enough. When thoughts like this spiral around in your mind, your physical well-being can take a toll. This creates excess fatigue, worse sleep and much lower energy. If you take a step back and listen to what your body is saying, you realize that your thoughts are not telling you the truth, you are in fact doing enough. Pay attention to what your body is telling you; constant headaches, sore body, fatigue, changing eating habits and nausea could all be part of a bigger problem. It can be hard to make time for self-care but it’s important you do. Eliminate your distractions completely and give yourself the space to reflect on what you have done recently to make yourself feel good. If you fall short, start prioritizing your needs. 

Change your environment

Being outside is a perfect reminder that things are constantly moving. When I am in a space of hopelessness or burnout, taking a walk alone helps me think clearer and doubt myself less. If you are stuck sitting in a place with nowhere to start, get out of your environment and see what perspectives change. 

Balancing life as a student while trying to preserve your mental state can be done. It takes time and patience but, you have to acknowledge the problem openly and make it a priority. Mental well-being is integral to self-improvement and one’s overall health. 

If you are struggling, you do not have to do it alone. Asking for help can put you in a great position to improve and grow as a person. Visit the California Department of Education’s Mental Health Resources page for more resources on where to start.