Here we are in 2021. Unfortunately, none of the terrible things from 2020 have gone away, and there are plenty of new horrors already.

Right now, we’re reminded that it’s so important to take care of ourselves. How are you doing that? We’d love to hear from you, and if you’re open to it, we’ll share some of those things in our next newsletter.

There are more than 800 of you out there, and we’re so grateful for the connection we all share over doing this work and wanting to do it responsibly. Every time we get a chance to talk with you at meetups, on Twitter, in LinkedIn messages, and in workshops, it’s a bright spot in what’s otherwise a difficult time. The community of content professionals is such a lovely one.

Those workshops have been particularly meaningful. We’re gearing up for two more in February and March, and there are spots left in each. One of these is designed for folks in the Asia Pacific, and we’ve planned the time to be during the day for folks in places like Singapore, Australia, and Japan.

We love teaching about this topic, and we care about creating an environment where folks can practice UX writing, facilitation, and other core skills without fear of getting it wrong. People who meet each other in these workshops develop relationships afterward, with us and with each other. If you need a break from everything that’s happening, this is a nice one.

We’re so grateful for your support, so we want to give you and anyone you know a deal: Use the code SAVE100 to get $100 off your registration.

Here’s what Dulce, a recent attendee, said about it:

It was hands down the best workshop I’ve ever attended. It had the right mix of theory and practice. It was also a very inclusive space which made it easier to share and learn from others. I’ve recommended the workshop to friends and colleagues, including a few product designers!

Thanks, Dulce! It was great having you.

What we’re doing

Both of us: 

February and March 2021 “Writing is designing” workshops →

Get $100 off with the promo code SAVE100!

• Our February 10-12 workshop features times that are more friendly to those in Asia/Pacific timezones — 9AM to 1PM Singapore time

• Our March 10-12 workshop is more friendly for Africa, Europe, and the Americas 

We’d be most grateful if you could share this with your friends in the industry who are looking for learning like this. Hope to see you there!

Andy:

404 Magazine: an analog zine about UX writing →

I’ve been trying to find a way to combine two passions for a while: UX writing and analog print publications. This may be the answer! We take messages from apps and interfaces, and refactor them to traditional poem forms to see if we can find a deeper meaning. Get yourself a copy at the link.

What we’re reading

Andy: 

Presenting Design Work by Donna Spencer →

This new brief by A Book Apart is short, concise, and packed full of useful information about presenting your designs(and writings) for feedback. As someone who has traditionally struggled with this, it’s a great guide for how you can manage stakeholder expectations and communicate your work.

The Collected Angers: Essays About Design for an Unwilling Audience by Mike Monteiro →

Mike is someone I’ve looked up to for a long time for his thoughts voice, and actions regarding design ethics and design career advice, and this book of collected essays really gives you a sense of how his voice, moral compass, and message has evolved over the years as tech companies became bigger and more powerful.

Michael:

The Mothers by Brit Bennett →

My second Brit Bennett novel this year, and I would just like to permanently subscribe to everything this author writes. The story swept me up. Bennett writes about difficult situations and people at the limits of their emotions in a way that shows each character so much respect and care. Incredible, and highly recommended.

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud →

I read this for a book club at work, and couldn’t get enough of it. It goes far beyond comics delves into the very concepts that make comics possible. For me, it was impossible not to see the connection to what I do everyday: Combining words and visuals to create experiences. It made me think of all the things writers use to create an experience, things like metaphor, conversation, timing, voice, and tone. Incredible read, and something I’ll likely reference back to again and again.

Pencil of the month

Mitsubishi 9000 → 

We’ve been telling you how amazing Japanese pencils are for months. Well this is one of the greatest hits.

In addition to the amazing graphite quality that leads to an amazing balance of smoothness, darkness, and point retention, this pencils has the most amazing slogan you’ll find: MADE BY ELABORATE PROCESS.

While most people are trying to simplify their processes or keep them under wraps, the Mitsubishi 9000 reminds us that you should be proud of who you are.

Get them from Jet Pens for $1.05 each.