Dear Diary: How can I deal with the Negativity that Comes with Success?

The very first lesson that I had to learn as a new Entrepreneur was how to deal with negativity professionally and personally. No matter what type of business or industry you are in, there will always be criticism. It does not matter how positive you are, or even if your business is dedicated to saving the world - no one is exempt from it. What matters the most is how you receive it and react to it. Here are a few steps that can help you deal with what comes with success:

1. There is no such thing as a HATER. Let this phrase be the 1st thing you remember when you are confronted with negative people. Anyone who takes the time to talk about you, write about you, or even keep up with your activities, can't possibly be a hater. So I like to think of them as FANS. When a fan talks about you to someone else, think of it as free advertisement. The person that is receiving the information will more than likely research you and then build their own opinion from there. You will be surprised at how much business you can gain just from a little negativity. So appreciate your fans because ultimately they are helping you out.

2. Hear No Evil. It's easier to brush off negativity when you don't take in as much. If someone is trying to tell you something that you know will shift your mood, STOP them. Tell them you'd rather not hear it. Keep your positive mood in tact by blocking out the nonsense.

3. Recognize the weak. Have you ever given energy to something and then moments later you were upset with yourself for even responding to it? You my dear did not recognize the weak. Here is a good example. A few months ago I received a rude comment about me in my blog post (Dear Diary, I don't get along with other women), which I thought was ironic. Did I respond to it? NO. Why...because I immediately noticed 2 key things. The first thing was that the writer chose to remain anonymous. And the second thing that stood out was that this person was on my blog and writing the comment at 8:00am. People who rather handle issues anonymously usually don't think highly of themselves, so they rather hide. Why would that type of person be worth a response if they don't feel worthy enough to show who they are? And the fact that the comment was written so early in the morning instantly put them into a FAN category. I hate stink bugs, but I don't wake up thinking about them or researching them. Fans are the opposite. Once you recognize the weak, you will easily have the ability to control who and what you respond to.

4. Starve your critics. In other words, don't feed into the negativity. The one mistake that alot of people make is addressing negativity on a public forum such as Facebook or Twitter. A critic usually has nothing to lose or an image to protect. But as a professional, You DO! A critic's job is to bring you down to their level. A level that consists of unhappiness, incompetency, and jealousy. Are those the characteristics that you want representing your company? As a professional, your actions will be more damaging to your brand than someone who has nothing to lose.

5.Know that you cannot please everybody. Seeking satisfaction can be an emotionally draining task. Have you ever received an overwhelming amount of  positive feedback on a task or project, but later found out that one person thought differently? Somehow the 1% seems to outweigh the 99%. You let it suck the energy out of you and you may even start to doubt how great your project really was. These feelings are built upon false thoughts of being able to please everyone. You cannot please everyone, but realistically you can strive for the majority. And most of all stay true to yourself.

6. Don't become your worst critic. There will be enough people to take that spot in your life. Remain strong and be your own cheerleader. Don't let your critics cause you to doubt your mission. Having critics to begin with is a good indication that you're doing GREAT!

7. Lesson Learned. Some critics can offer you valuable advice. But it is hard to take it in when the delivery is negative. This is why it is a good idea to delay responding to it. There may be a true message there and a response may not be necessary.

8. NEVER Retaliate. There will be many people who will try to slander your brand and ruin your reputation. Will they succeed...? That is determined through your actions. No matter what, you must not retaliate. By doing that you are shifting your universe in the direction against success. A business is not successful just because of your work. Your attitude and energy play a major part in succeeding. Retaliation will eventually cause more damage to yourself and brand, rather than to your critics.

Please feel to share your thoughts and how you deal with negativity.

Viewers Appreciation Contest!!!

Diaryofagraphchic has reached over 3,500 views!!! Woohoo so I'd like to conduct another contest just to show my appreciation. To stay within the theme of one of my most popular post (Magazine Nail tutorial), I will be giving away 2 sets of Bebe Nail Polish Kits.

Contest Guidelines:

1. You MUST be following my blog through Google. Sign-up in the 1st box on the left.

2. Simply list 3 of your favorite nail polish brands and colors in the comments box below.

3. You MUST include your name and email within your comment.

3. Winners will be chosen through a generator.

4. Previous winners and followers outside of the USA are welcome to participate.

The first winner will receive this kit

And the 2nd Winner will receive this color kit

Contest Ends on Thursday, July 14

Thank you for participating & viewing!! Good LUCK :0)

Greetings from Dominique. My last contest winner

Dear Diary: The Misconceptions about Designers...

If you are planning to own or already own a business, then you should know that it is imperative to have a great graphic designer by your side. And the relationship between you and your designer will need to be strong and comfortable. As a professional designer, I have experienced and heard of many scenarios through clients and fellow designers. I thought it would be a good idea to clear up some of the misconceptions that are associated with our profession.

1. Ideas are instantaneous: I believe this is a common misconception with any creative field. Most of the time art comes from inspiration, so it may take a trip to the store or a walk through the park to come up with a solid creation. Our mind doesn't automatically generate a creation instantly. Allow your designer to take in your notes and have a few moments or even a day to think of a concept.

2. We don't take constructive criticism: When a designer disputes a change or a client's idea, most of the time it is seen as he/she is being a "know-it-all." A seasoned designer usually knows what works for your audience. Yes, you are paying for a design and you want what you want, but sometimes your vision or idea may hinder potential business for your company. Your favorite hot pink color on a flyer may not work if you are targeting a male and female audience. A designer passionate about their work will try to persuade you to choose a more logical design. Not only is the person a designer, but they are also thinking as a consumer. It is fine to share your ideas, however allow the designer to do their job as well.

3. We MUST work 24/7 and on your project only: Although most designers (including myself) work more than they sleep, we are still human beings. We like to sleep in on Saturdays, we like to post a Facebook status every now and then, and we like to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner too. In fact some of my clients are probably wondering why and how I took the time to write this lengthy post lol :o) Know your designer's official work hours. If you received an email at 3:00am from him/her one day, it does not mean they MUST work on your project at that time on another day.

4. Simple projects should be cheaper: Design work is normally priced with quotes and some designers have set prices. A simple letter logo may look easy but from what I experience, the simple projects usually take more work and time. Don't associate price with simplicity, when in fact it takes more time to make it look so simple.

5. We overcharge: Like with most hands-on work, you are charged by the time and labor. However, aside from those expenses, we also have charges with photos, fonts, and other designing essentials. Always remember that marketing and branding is a representation of yourself as well as your company, so the investment is definitely worth it. I find that people who go with extremely cheap designers are usually left dissatisfied. They usually have to spend MORE money hiring another designer to redesign what they initially paid for.

6. We are just twiddling our thumbs: The #1 complaint that I hear is that a designer is taking too long. The 1st thing that I ask when I hear that complaint is "Did you give them a deadline?" Most of the time they have not. You cannot expect your designer to know that your project was needed last week if it was not communicated. Also know that projects and project times are unpredictable. The project ahead of yours may have required more time or work. Give yourself and your designer enough time ahead of your deadline to produce a great creation.

Hopefully this post has changed your perception about designers. A positive and comfortable relationship is important for the designer as well as the client. I would love to hear your feedback! Please follow my blog to comment, or email me at davida@oddballdsgn.com.

Another Banger Revealed

I told you all that model Lauren would be featured on a book cover in an earlier post. Well it was only proper that she graced the cover for the FABULOUS 5x Award Winning Author Venesha. Kiss the Boys: Fabulous Guide to Love & Relationships is set to be released this Fall. Venesha's book covers are always a joy to create because her only demand is that they are fun and fabulous.

Kiss the Boys follows her latest best selling book, Mirror Mirror: Sweet 16 Tips To A New and Improved You!

For more information on Venesha, check out her snazzy site at www.urbanbarbiedoll.com.

Habitually Fly Haul

I stumbled across an adorable accessory boutique the other day, www.habituallyfly.com, and I must say I instantly fell in love with a lot of the pieces. I purchased a pair of earrings and a vintage pendant-linked necklace to feed my bow and spike addiction :0) Aside from having uniques pieces, the online store also has great prices and FREE shipping.

HONK if you like Oddball Dsgn & Cartel Publications

Seeing my work on wheels is SO DOPE :0) Van wrap and book cover designs by yours truly (Oddball Dsgn). If you spot this fabulous vehicle around the city, please send me a picture. And be sure to check out the Cartel Publications at www.thecartelpublications.com.

My June Birchbox

Receiving my cute little hot pink Birchbox in the mail this month made my day! And the excitement continued once I saw what was inside.

1. Laura Geller Baked Blush N' Brighten: Normally the Birchboxes contain sample sized items, but the blush came as a full size. This swirled blush was perfect for the start of summer. One side is a
highlighter and the other side is a nice pink shade. (Swatch below)

2. Kate Spade Twirl Perfume: I like the scent. However it is very similar to Escada Tropical Punch or Liz Claiborne's Bora Bora.

3. Pangea Organics Facial Toner for Normal/Oily Skin: I literally have been looking for a great toner for weeks. When this came in I was so anxious to test it out. While my face is slightly damp after washing, I sprayed the toner on and then followed with my moisturizer. After trying it out for a couple of days I didn't notice a major difference, but I did like how it makes my skin feel after each use. I'll continue to use it.  

4. Deborah Lippman Stripper to Go Nail Laquer Removers: The packet contains one finger mitt and it promises to remove the polish of all 10 toes or nails. I used both packets to remove the triple coats of polish on both my hands and feet and it delivered its promise.

5. Oscar Blandi Olio Ji Jasmine Hair Serum: I haven't tried this serum yet but I like that it's a heat protectant. I will use it with my next washing and give an update.

Deborah Lippman Stripper to Go Nail Laquer Removers

(left to right: Laura Geller Baked Blush N' Brighten, highlight; blush)

Overall I think this was the best Birchbox so far!

Please Excuse My Hiatus...

Hello Viewers, I want to quickly apologize for my hiatus with the blog updates. This is a pet-peeve of mine on some of the blogs I follow, so I understand the concern. I have been super duper busy, but you better believe I think about blogging every second of the day :0) I have so much to update you all on. With my line I work I easily get sucked into robot mode and forget that I am human. Blogging has been a way for me to stay involved with things that I love, so I must remember that!

I would also love to hear from YOU. If there are any topics, tutorials, or product reviews that you would like for me to do, please feel free to send those requests to davida@oddballdsgn.com. Thank you!

Love Vida

My Favorite Drugstore and Department Store Facial Products

Finding the right facial care products can be a win/lose situation. You shouldn't stick with a product that gives you mediocre results. With facial products try to find the BEST! After extensive researching and reading tons of reviews, I believe I've found the perfect products for my combination skin.


The Neutrogena line can be found at any drugstore and the Philosophy & Kiehl's lines can be found at Nordstrom, Ulta, or Sephora. Here is a list of the products that I use to keep nice glowing skin. 
Neutrogena DEEP CLEAN Invigorating Foaming Scrub: This product exfoliates, removes makeup, and deep cleans the pores. I usually use this daily to exfoliate.

Neutrogena DEEP CLEAN Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask: This product deep cleans the pores and controls shine. This can be used as a daily cleanser or as a mask. I use this as a mask on days when I plan to wear full face makeup. It really does help to control the shine.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment: I don't get much acne, in fact I may get 1-2 small pimples a month. This acne cream is great for making them disappear without drying your skin.

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Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Wash: I simply love this wash. Its smooth and creamy mixture is great for my facial massages. And it is also good for removing makeup. I've been using this product consistently for 5 years.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturizer: This award-winning moisturizer definitely lives up to its name. This product leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized without the greasy feel.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer: I use this moisturizer before I apply my makeup. It's thick mixture is great for smoothing out the dry areas. And it is also great for the winter/fall months.

Behind the Scenes @ OBD Studios

I had the pleasure of shooting Puerto Rican beauty, Angel Perez, for an upcoming book cover. Angel's lipstick is Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick, In Vogue.

Summerize your Foundation

As the seasons change so should some of your skincare routines and products. Winter skin can bare more products. With heat and sweat from the summer, the skin is more prone to irritation. So your products and applications should be much lighter. If you've ever noticed, a lot of makeup lines advertise tinted moisturizer more in the spring and summer. That is much better than wearing foundation in it's regular form. It's much lighter and healthier. I usually make my own when the hot months hit. Here is what I do:

(left to right: MAC Fix+ Spray, Revlon ColorStay in #400 Caramel, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer)

I mix a small amount of foundation with an equal amount of facial moisturizer. The moisturizer won't change the foundation tint, it's just changing the coverage. Usually when I apply my moisturizer my face is still damp from the shower or washing it. But since I'm treating this as makeup, I wait until I have taken care of my body and dress, etc. By the time I'm ready for makeup my face is no longer damp. First I lightly spray my face with MAC's Fix+ Spray, which is a skin refresher and finisher. And then I proceed with the tinted moisturizer, and apply a finishing powder in my T-Zone. The moisturizer added will give off a beautiful summer dewy look. Be sure to travel with blot paper and/or powder if you have oily skin.  

**IMPORTANT: If you are shopping for a moisturizer or foundation during the spring/summer I suggest getting one that contains SPF.

**You can make your own facial refresher by boiling a couple of pure green tea bags, refrigerate and place in a spray bottle. Or if you insist on buying a spray, Sephora sells a much cheaper product than MAC. Evian Mineral Spray for $10 here.

The foundation (left) in it's regular form is clearly thick and will provide a heavy coverage. The tinted moisturizer (right) still provides coverage, as well as a nice glow.

Upcoming MAC Collection: OBSESSIONS

9 lucky beauty bloggers had the opportunity to collaborate with MAC to create a lipglass and eyeshadow of their choice. How DOPE is that! This collection will be online only and sold on the MAC website between June 21-August 21. I am loving every single lipglass color.