Work Smarter Not Harder || Lindsay Humes of White Oak Creative

“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” 

I have been looking forward all week to sharing Lindsay Hume’s responses on how she Work’s Smarter Not Harder. Lindsay is a Chicago-based, graphic and web designer, photographer and art director. AKA the genius behind White Oak Creative. She is one of the neatest, detail oriented people I have worked with and her below answers are filled with bookmark worthy advice. She began her own company less than a year ago and the waiting list to work with her is off the charts long. Such an accomplishment for the short amount of time she’s been in business. As a reminder, she did both my blog and professional website. So take notes and if you are in need of a photographer, a media kit or new website, she’s your gal.

1. What time do you typically get up in the morning?

I usually like to get up no later than about 7:30 AM but there are exceptions. I really believe in working when I’m on something. If I have nights where I’m up to 2 or 3 AM coding because I’m enjoying the project, then I’m going to stay up late. As a result, I would say 8:30 AM is the latest I get up. While I start later in the day, I usually work till 8 or 9 PM.

2. How do you take your coffee and what do you typically eat for breakfast?

With SODelicious French Vanilla Coconut Creamer. Breakfast is either two eggs and kale or a packet of instant oatmeal. Anything quick.

3. Quickly walk us through your morning routine:

I take about an hour before I officially get started in the morning. I do a little yoga stretching, cleanup and try to read whatever book I’m reading. As I’m making coffee, I usually check my work emails to ensure that nothing pressing came in over the night.

4. What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks?

One of my favorite developer blogs to read – Zoe Rooney – wrote this blog post on how she schedules projects. I’ve modified it to meet my needs but it definitely helped me budget time and steps with clients. I keep a running paper and to-do list using Apple’s Reminders to keep track of little to dos.

5. What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of?

As a web and blog designer, the biggest thing I see people struggle with is really developing and organizing their content in a way that is not only purposeful but also gives their reader something to expect. I kind of think that “lifestyle blogger” might have been the worst term invented. People want to write about everything instead of focusing on something really meaningful to them. When I’m working with bloggers who are looking to make their website more extensive, I suggest they write a business plan for their blog. Nothing too big but general questions like – What do you provide to your readers? What incentive are you offering your readers to read your blog? What is the difference between your blog and other blogs?
I think the blog, Unfancy is a great example of a blog that started rather recently that is really concrete with the content she presents. She has great resources for her readers too!

6. How do you conquer your inbox?

My inbox is kind of a like a to-do list. I’ve always viewed it like that. I keep my folders very organized (Admin, Clients, Financial, Premades, New Clients) and the subject lines to emails I send out. I also only work with two emails – a personal and a work one. I check email three times a day – morning, mid-day, and evening. I usually check it when I also need to write emails to clients on work I’ve completed. I used to check email throughout the day but I wasn’t getting as much done.

7. How do you format your emails?

This is probably one of my weaknesses. I’m not very warm and welcoming. Everyone has a lot on their plate and I would like to make sure I’m maximizing time of my clients. At the same time, when I’m presenting logo concepts, I need to explain the rational, which I think is important for the client to understand. When I’m communicating with clients via email, I want to make sure that they understand my thought process, any challenges, and next steps.

8. How do you make time for working out and staying healthy?

This is a tough one. One of my goals was to workout regularly for 2014. I think I did a pretty good job, although some weeks are harder than others. My biggest suggestions is don’t be tough on yourself. It creates negative energy, and negative energy is often the most unhealthy thing of all.

9. Any tips for keeping an organized workspace?

Only make accessible what you use everyday. If you don’t use it everyday, don’t have it out.

10. What other pieces of advice would you like to share (if any)?

Stress is something you put on yourself. My boyfriend said that to me all the time and it finally started to sink in. Once I identified and managed things that were causing me to stress, I got a lot more enjoyment out of my day-to-day. Nothing good came from talking about “being stressed” or “being busy”.

11. Favorite Apps, Books, Resources, Gadgets, Programs, Websites, Etc.

Adobe Echosign: For signing Contracts. Life & Time Saver. Makes it so much easier on clients

Lynda.com: If you want to learn anything tech/design related or even photography, this site has the best tutorials by far.

Garance Dore: For inspiration on a fashionable life.

Buffer App: CHANGED MY LIFE. I can schedule all most social media posts for weeks (though I usually do it a week in advanced). That way I’m uninterrupted during the workday to post.

Lindsay, thank you again for your feedback and sharing your helpful resources. I have already incorporated your advice: “Only make accessible what you use everyday. If you don’t use it everyday, don’t have it out.” It’s been implemented in not only me workspace but my bathroom too! And it’s never stayed cleaner.

Next Up?!
I am thrilled to welcome the PR genius and Chicago’s best dressed, Jennifer Lake for next Monday’s #WSNH2015. As the VP of Zapwater Communications, Jenn represents a roster of incredible brands (Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade and Dream Dry to name a few) and a true role model to so many ladies. I first heard of Jennifer Lake here and have had the pleasure of seeing her work first hand. Stop whatever you are doing and follow her on Instagram immediately. Not only will you see beautiful photos and fashion inspiration around Chicago, but first hand sneak peaks of awesome companies coming soon to The Windy City. So mark your calendars and see you right here on C&R next week!

Work Smarter, Not Harder (WSNH) is a weekly column showcasing Chicago’s leading ladies – think CEO’s, entreprenuers, and everyday women making a difference – and how they work smarter, not harder. I chose Monday so we can kick off the week as productive and as motivated as possible. If you loved a particular piece of advice above or have any tips or tricks of your own, please share with everyone by tagging#WSNH2015 on Instagram and Twitter!