The beauty of design is that it is part of our natural environment – living, breathing within social, cultural and psychological parts of our being. Trying to define yourself within these parameters proves to be impossible, since our industry tends to advance at dizzying speeds. So what does it mean to really become successful and how can we define it?
Definition of your message and purpose
I merely feel like I’m dipping my toes into the ever growing ocean of the design community. It’s overwhelming to being to even fathom my options, opportunities I’ve seized and burned and where it will all take me in the future. The future right now seems like a dark and scary black hole – I’m about to be sucked in regardless of whether I’m ready or not. My definition of myself as a designer is somewhat uncertain and blurry, feeling lost within the voices and thoughts of others who are more seasoned and experienced. Characterizing your message takes time, hard work and patience.
Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations
My advice for students just starting out like me, is to do things that make you uncomfortable. That sweaty palm, light-headed, butterflies in your stomach type of uncomfortable. Whether this be even something as simple as talking to your first client on the phone or going to a job interview, do it. You won’t be able to avoid these later on in your career, so start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. I still get nervous when I talk to clients for the first time, but over time these uncertainties will subside. My internship this past summer was a perfect example. I was thrown into meetings, handling multiple clients and new work environments that would of made me weak at the knees a year ago. Looking back, I would not of had it any other way because it forced me to experience these situations first hand.
Keep things simple and be happy with your work, clients, friends and family and life and just keep going.
Related note: Meagan Fisher just posted a wonderful interview about fear, awkwardness and public speaking. Take a listen here.
I think that’s true of any skilled profession, not just design. You start off being a complete novice just feeling your way around with no idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Then you get some more experience and you think you can do this. Once you get a little more experience you realize that there is so much to do and learn and so little time and this can be really daunting. I’m just starting to push myself past that point now.
“The future seems like a dark and scary black hole”. Really? I wouldn’t think of it in that way Janna. Yes, things can be a bit scary at the start but we’re pretty lucky that we can do what we love for a living! :-)
I agree that designers should get out there and give it a go. Any experience is good experience.
Get uncomfortable? Couldn’t agree more. Ten years into it, I’m finding that is still key and regretting the years where I didn’t do that enough. Charge onward.
I do strongly agree with you that one should always get comfortable in the uncomfortable. This should apply in all fields and industries. Anyone serious should get out there and give it a go.