Start by anchoring everything in clarity. Nail down the scope early—what's a must-have vs. a nice-to-have. Prioritize tasks based on impact, not noise. Use time blocks to focus—deep work beats constant switching. Communicate early and often—set boundaries with clients and renegotiate timelines when needed. Keep a task board visible for your team and yourself. And most importantly? Build in breathing room. Creativity needs space, not chaos. You’re not just managing time, you’re defending your energy.

🗓️ Time Block: Assign hours for design, admin, and client calls to stay focused. ✅ Prioritize Tasks: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to tackle what’s urgent and important first. 📬 Centralize Communication: Use tools like Notion or HoneyBook to track messages and tasks. 📁 Use Templates: Create repeatable processes for onboarding, presentations, and sourcing. ⏳ Set Clear Timelines: Add buffer time and communicate deadlines to manage expectations. 🙅♀️ Say No or Delay: Politely defer low-priority client requests to protect your schedule.

When client demands come at you like dodgy weather—sunny one minute, torrential the next—here’s how to keep your brolly up and your sanity intact: 1. Prioritise Like a Pro Not every fire needs extinguishing—some just need a firm “not today.” Or a gentle “let’s circle back tomorrow.” Clients, like toddlers, often just need a nap and a snack. Protect the brief—sometimes that means holding the boundary for them. 2. Spot the Storm Before It Hits Ask yourself—are they spiralling from too many “creative thoughts” or unrelated pressure? Prevent the chaos by checking in before they come knocking. It’s not clingy, it’s strategic. Because structure + wiggle room = survival with a smile. Or at the very least, a well-timed eye roll or two. 🙄 😉

I’d prioritize tasks by urgency and impact, set clear timelines, and keep communication open with clients to manage expectations and avoid last-minute chaos.

Set the tone for your process right from the start so the client has a structure to follow. Also create a strong boundary that the design process is a collaborative one and that mutual respect, solid communication and a spirit of curiosity is essential for a sustainable project flow. If anyone is making demands, you’ve lost respect and authority and it’s time to establish some healthy boundaries.