The year that in March seemed as though it would last forever is finally coming to an end. So long 2020, you were full of surprises. ​Here’s to 2021, ​I’m excited for all the possibilities ​that a new year​ brings.​​​ I’d love to hear about your projects and plans for ​next year​ ​—​ ​​if you’d like to ​get a head start, please​ email me or​ book a call.​

I’m so grateful for the opportunities that came my way this year. Despite being confined to my home office with Zoom, I met a lot of new and wonderful people who I had the privilege of working with. To celebrate, I’m offering bonus hours for Time Blocks purchased before 31 December. You’ll get 1 to 4 bonus hours depending on the Time Block you purchase. This offer is available for new and existing clients.

Upcoming business hours

From 25 January to 25 March I will be in Cape Town, South Africa. That’s seven hours ahead of Toronto. I’ll still be working Mondays to Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM though in Central Africa Time. I’ll keep my hours flexible to best suit your needs. As much as possible, let’s plan ahead with this time difference in mind.

In Toronto time the sweet spot for meetings and live correspondence will be between 7 to 11 AM. Occasionally I’ll make myself available for meetings after 11 AM, but no later than 2 PM as that will be nearing 10 PM for me in South Africa, and I’m usually in bed by then!

Out of office dates from December 2020 to March 2021

I’ll be out of my virtual office on the following days:
January 20-22
February 4-5, 22, 26
March 22, 24-25

Please take note that I won’t be available to perform any tasks on these days, nor will I be able to respond to any messages. So, please don’t panic, I will get back to your requests on the next business day. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

After hours work

As much as I love helping out — being ‘on call’ in the evenings and weekends — starting this January I’ll be a lot stricter about it. ​I put a lot of time and effort into all my projects, and according to my family, I spend way too much time working after hours. Guilty as charged, I have to set some boundaries. ​You can read more on this in the FAQs.

Stay in touch

As always, I want you to be happy working with me — I welcome your questions. If you have time-sensitive work coming up, please email me or book a Client Call so we can plan ahead and be prepared.

Best,

Leelee Macdonell
Creative Director

A Client, whose website I’ve been managing for four years, recently asked, “what do we do if something were to happen to you?” Good question. This enquiry made me realise how much I do for my Clients. Many rely on my services year after year. I take pride in my dependability. Though I have to admit that, uncertain times or not, there is no way to guarantee that 100%. While I don’t plan on “going away” in any sense of the term anytime soon, I want us to be prepared. I’m working on an “in case of emergency” document that’s taking me longer than I’d hoped to complete. Probably due to its sensitive nature that leaves me feeling slightly uncomfortable. It’ll be ready before the end of October.

Changes to the way Leelee Design works

Over the last few months I’ve been streamlining processes to boost my performance. I’m using new tools to help keep your projects and my day-to-day business processes organised. I’ve also been working on establlishing protocols to keep you informed.

For the first time ever I’m using Project Management software. It’s a very simple tool that’s already proven to be highly effective. I also set myself up with accounting software—no more manual spreadsheet invoices! My time tracking software allows me to share a project timesheet with you to keep track of work in real time. And it’s now super easy to book a call with me without having to email me. I’ll keep looking for ways to improve how I work and communicate with you. I welcome any suggestions you have to offer.

Business Hours

A friendly reminder that my business hours are from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern Time US and Canada.

Deadlines

I’m trying to avoid working on weekends, unless I’m making up for lost time—which is often due to a client delay. Please, as much as possible, try to stick to deadlines. When I work 7 days a week I’m prone to burning out much faster and that’ll be no good for either of us. If you want me to meet your deadlines, then you have to meet my deadlines too.

Out of office dates in October

Please take note that I’ll be out of the office the following days this month.

• Monday, 12 October (Canadian Thanksgiving)
• Tuesday, 20 October (everyone deserves to take the day off on their birthday)

Stay in touch

As always, I want you to be comfortable working with me — I welcome your questions. If you have time-sensitive work coming up, please email me or book a Client Call.

Best,

Leelee Macdonell
Creative Director

I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of my business, procedures, and productivity. The Covid-19 pandemic is bringing about new challenges and concerns for everyone. Especially as schools and businesses start to reopen.

Many of you rely on my design and consulting services year after year. I appreciate you, my clients. I love the work I do for you. You’re the reason I’m in business and why I continue doing what I do.

Thank you for your loyalty — it’s an honour and a privilege to continue to be of service to you. I take pride in my dependability and am deeply invested in my craft. I’m taking every possible precaution to keep myself and my family, as well as your work, safe.

Changes for the better

I’m making changes to the way Leelee Design works. I’m streamlining processes to boost my performance. I’m establishing protocols to keep you informed. I’ll continue to work on ways I can adapt to accommodate your needs and concerns in these uncertain times.

Next week I’ll be sending you an update with information about my new business procedures that will take effect on the 1st of October. This email will also include important details about my protocol in case of an emergency.

Business Hours

At the risk of burning out, I’ve made the decision to scale back on the amount of time I spend working after-hours. I do find it difficult to take a break from the work I love, but I need to so that I can continue to perform at my best.

My business hours are from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern Time US and Canada.

Out of office dates in September

Please take note that I’ll be out of the office the following days this month.

• Thursday, 10th September
• Monday 14th to Friday 18th September
• Friday, 25th September

For the week of the 14th to 18th I’ll have limited mobile internet access. For Clients with active projects, I’ll respond within 24 hours. For all other enquiries, I’ll get back to you by Tuesday, 22nd September.

Deadlines established before the 4th of September won’t be affected.

Stay in touch

As always, I want you to be comfortable working with me — I welcome your questions.

If you have time-sensitive work coming up, please get in touch. Email me or book a Client Call.

Best,

Leelee Macdonell
Creative Director