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Don't automate everything

Liv Strawbridge

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Min Read

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July 31, 2025

Prompt #1

Don't automate everything

Automation is everywhere. New AI tools designed to help streamline workflows and optimise processes seem to be popping up in my Instagram feed daily.

Don't get me wrong – I'm a fan of automation, it's a part of what I do for my clients and I use it in certain parts of my processes too – it's great for efficiency. But here's what you can't automate: the reason clients choose you over everyone else.

Think back to the most meaningful moments in your creative processes with a client. It probably wasn't hitting a deadline or nailing some technical thing. More likely, it was when you helped a client see their vision clearly, walked them through a hard decision, or even just made them feel heard.

That human connection is your edge. It's what makes clients say 'I want to work with you specifically.'

So don't automate everything – remember to protect the parts of your process where genuine human connection happens.

Prompt #2

Phosphor Icons

I came across Phosphor Icons last week while trying out a new Webflow framework (more on that in the next issue). It's a free, open-source icon library that’s quickly become a go-to for me.

You can tweak each icon's colour, size, fill, and line weight right on their site, then download it as an SVG. No messing around with other apps – just customise and download.

It's made by Helena Zhang and Tobias Fried as a passion project, so if you find it handy you can show your support with a donation.

Check out Phosphor Icons >

(Yep – I’ve added it to my toolkit).

Prompt #3

A simple way to give back

I recently met a real estate agent who donates $300 to charity with every house she sells. It got me thinking – how could I do something similar in my design work?

I decided to try it with my fixed-price projects. Now, for every website or brand package I complete, I donate 2% of the project cost to a charity of my client's choice (from a pre-vetted list I've put together).

I made my first donation this week and it felt great. There's something nice about knowing each project creates a ripple of good beyond just the work itself. And as a bonus – it gives clients a chance to be part of something meaningful – a win-win in my eyes!

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