Oops

It doesn’t matter what happens, but what you do with it.
You can (and are allowed to) be bummed out when you make a mistake, but focus your energy on what you do with it instead of getting stuck in negative thoughts.

DID YOU MAKE A MISTAKE?
Ok, that sucks. If your client is suffering from that mistake, apologize and if necessary explain the situation and look for a solution (together). I make mistakes too, but I always try to fix them as soon as possible. A client once wrote this review: ’One thing went wrong, but this was corrected quickly, in a good way, so I didn’t experience it as annoying.’ That great to hear, right?

IS THE PROJECT CANCELLED?
If you were really looking forward to it, that really sucks. But it happens. I can’t tell you how many email I get from potential clients who I give all the information they asked for and then never hear back from them. It’s not very polite, but happens quite often. Check if you did everything right to get a yes and than just accept the situation, there’s nothing you can do about it. Did you already make some designs? No problem, maybe you can use them for something else!

CLIENT WON'T PAY?
Did you send the designs before receiving payment? Not smart! Always wait. I’ve learned that the hard way too. Sometimes you’re so excited about the end result, the client too, and it just feels right. Still: don’t do it! This is to protect yourself and the client. Communicatie this (before you start) to the client. Did it anyways, decide for yourself if it’s worth it to get the help from a lawyer. If not, let it go. Lesson learned.

SOMETHING WENT WRONG AT THE PRINTERS?
It can happen. Where did it go wrong, at the printers? Contact them and try to fix it together. Did you make a mistake? Crap, well, that can be an expensive lesson, correct the files and have the design printed again. Don’t throw away the misprints, maybe you can use them for something else?

ETCETERA
What I’m trying to say is that where there’s people, there are going to be mistakes, even by you. We creatives are problem-solvers, so basically you are the perfect person for the situation. And also keep in mind that you’re always learning, unfortunately usually by making mistakes.