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.
