Ah, the humble Teams call. A modern masterpiece of communication, confusion and camera-related anxiety. Essential for modern business, but still… awkward, especially in the wonderfully pixelated world of digital and web design.
We’ve all been there. That familiar “ding” as the meeting starts. The inevitable scramble to find the unmute button. The subtle panic as you realise your camera is on and you’re mid-sip of coffee, giving everyone an unexpected close-up of your left nostril. Or, worse still, the camera’s off… and now you’re faced with that unspoken question: Should I turn it on?
Let’s be honest: being on camera during a call can feel a bit weird. It’s like inviting someone into your office, but only a very specific rectangle of it. The carefully curated corner with a bit of branded artwork, a carefully tidied desk (just out of shot: biscuit crumbs and charging cables), and lighting that never quite makes you look like someone who builds beautiful websites all day.
Here at Eldo, a web design agency that lives and breathes the digital world, you might assume we’re all about showing off on screens, but the truth is, we rarely use our cameras. Not because we’re camera-shy but because we find most calls just don’t need it. We’re normally sharing a website screen anyway – talking through live designs, reviewing progress, or tweaking layouts in real time. It’s the work that needs to be front and centre, not our faces. That said, if turning on the camera helps build a better connection, we’re always happy to.
One thing we’ve definitely learned: Teams calls haven’t replaced face-to-face meetings. In fact, many of our lovely local clients still love popping into the office to review their projects in person. And we get it, there’s something about gathering around a screen, pointing at pixels, sketching ideas on paper (yes, paper), and hearing those lightbulb moments land in real time. It’s a bit of design magic you don’t quite get over video.
Some folks look polished and professional on video – like they’re about to present the 10 o’clock news. The rest of us are still trying to work out which angle hides the double chin and what “Touch up my appearance” in Teams actually does.
The truth is, there’s no right or wrong. We’re web designers. We’re flexible, digital, adaptable types. Sometimes, video helps a conversation feel more human. Sometimes, it’s just one more distraction when you’re in the flow. Either way – it’s fine.
So go on camera if you fancy it. Don’t if you don’t.
As long as we keep producing amazing quality work and our clients love what we do… it’s all good with Eldo!
