Big Nerdy Design has gone Green 2.0!

Since our recent move to Halifax, Nova Scotia we've started doing our part to better the environment. 

Global warming has been such a major issue that many people have started thinking green. And we too, have a particular fondness for the earth and want it to last a long long time, so we've begun practicing habits that will allow it to stick around. 

In Halifax, there is a recycling program in place and this is where we started doing our part. With recycling the paper that we use, to sorting our waste and compost. We've found that in doing this, that we don't have to take the trash out as often... and we feel better about ourselves as well. 

We've also started to replace all of our light bulbs with energy saver light bulbs hoping that this will in time, reduce our carbon footprint. Also, we do not own a car but take the bus or walk on occasion. At the grocery store, we've purchased the reusable bags that they have for sale. I quite like these as they are sturdy and hold more than your typical plastic grocery bag. I've actually heard that some grocery stores will be abolishing the plastic bag. This is a good thing! 

Finally, we use a 4 colour ink jet printer here and have started refilling the ink cartridges. Less waste and less money, I don't mind that at all.

So, if I was to make a guess, I would probably have to say that we are 60% - 70% green right now. We are going to continue to look for other ways that we can implement to make ourselves and Big Nerdy Design greener. 

The customer is always (sometimes) right.

So, everyone has heard the age old phrase, "The customer is always right." right? Well this may sound completely ludicrous but I disagree with whoever it was that coined that phrase. 

I mean, think about it. No one person is always right. The only reason why the customer is always right is because they have the money and many business owners will do anything to please the customer in order sell business. That is just the way the world works. 

I on the other hand, as a designer, and a business owner want the best for my business and I want to provide the best original designs for any particular project. The best designs=more business. And also, by providing the best of my design knowledge, I will ultimately increase the client's business as well. However, some will argue that by pleasing the customer, this will as well equal more business (but chances are, only from that one client). But, by doing whatever the client tells me to do, I'm not being fair to myself, my business or my education.  

I couldn't very well invite a plumber into my home and then tell him how I want it done. He brings with him an expertise, and so I leave him to do his job. However, with design, some clients have ideas, and they want you to make their ideas happen visually. In some cases this works, but when they have their hands and ideas in every aspect of what I do, it's not really a good thing. I know the software but I also know the elements of design and how to employ them. The client may very well have some bang-on ideas, and I will try those out, but if they don't work, he or she should consider alternative ideas.

Now, I'm not saying that the customer is always wrong—I'm not saying that at all. I'm just saying that sometimes they are right and sometimes they are wrong and the same goes for the business owner. We are all human after all. 

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The phrase “The customer is always right” was originally coined by Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of Selfridge’s department store in London in 1909...

From the blog, Chief Happiness Officer

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