a linework figure with a black hat and a thin red tie slides in from the left

*clapping*

The linework Simon gesticulates with emphasis

Welcome to my TEDTalk...

What Even Is A Professional

The linework Simon adopts a neutral pose, looking pensive and poignant

Now... Being a professional doesn't always mean working in your field for a long time.

A silly blocky looking linework Simon delivers a bad joke and twists sideways

Unless you're a farmer! Haha~

*the crowd chuckles politely*

Linework Simon returns to their neutral stance

Hehe... No.

Neutral linework Simon faces the other way

Though experience helps, being a professional is about holding yourself to a standard.

Linework Simon emphasises the pointSilhouetted linework people are in the background.

You might be making a product for a client, but you're also making it for every single user that might interact with that product.

Linework Simon punches the air to really drive this point home.A linework dog with a hat and red tie stands in the background.

You're making something that will pass through the hands of your colleagues, contractors, your future self...

*several people in the crowd feel called out, chuckling nervously*

Linework Simon delivers the following point weightily.

You even have to have an awareness of the laws affecting your product.

*several people in the crowd grow silent, even more nervously*

Linework Simon is now the previously mentioned dog, with a hat and red tie.

Being a professional is about understanding that you have the power to make something good if you present your skills well.

Linework Simon the Dog .

You take responsibility for scoping, fulfil requirements, and fight for quality within any known limitations.

Linework Simon the Dog has an open mouth to bark and bounces up and down.

You do your best to plan ahead, you execute, you evaluate, refactor, maintain, and you remain open to criticism and growth throughout.

Regular Linework Simon emphasises this new point.

Some people consider professionalism as an aesthetic.

Linework Simon in a neutral pose in black and white.

Simon W

Web Developer

simonw.xyz

A suit and tie, clean cut business cards.

Linework Simon delivers this point sincerely, hands clasped across his chest.

Hopefully that's been less important to you since 2022.

*a tiny tear falls from a micromanager's eye in the audience*

Linework Simon punches the air playfully. As if striking a pose.

Granted, I look good in a suit.

*the crowd chuckles agreeably, one person whoops then coughs sheepishly*

Linework Simon the Dog returns. We're not sure why.

Thanks... But if you take one thing away today, it's that professionalism is approaching your craft with integrity and following through.

Linework Simon the Dog woofs their final acknowledgement.

Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk.

Simon the Linework Dog leaves to the left.

*clapping, whooping, a standing ovation*

*the audience particularly liked the parts where he became a dog*