MATH
This morning I did the math! For some graphic designers this isn’t the most exciting prospect. Math, unless it has to do with converting fractions into decimals for brochure mailers, it isn’t how I like to spend my time.
However, while doing a little housekeeping to this website, and looking back at projects, thinking about all the clients I’ve worked with, and the creative work made…I’ve been doing this for 25 YEARS! This doesn’t include the internship years. This is the since I’ve graduated college with my degree, and got that first real paying job, years.
Here’s the best part of reflecting on 25 years, by now I’ve learned my ways. I’ve learned how to use my tools well. I’ve learned how to listen to clients, while silently organizing the images and plans in my head. I’ve learned so much!
Oh dear, here comes the story of the olden days….
When I first got started, photoshop just came on the scene. QuarkXpress was the layout program of choice, and the Mac was big, clunky, and slow, and I was excited! We didn’t have email capabilities, per se. File transfer meant putting a behemoth file on a zip disk and running it to the print shop – so you could turn around and ran your paper proofs to the client for approval.
This was the beginning of the digital age, and its been quite the learning curve for all of us. It was also the beginning of on-demand “desktop publishing”. Any office assistant or CEO could jump on this Microsoft Word and create a “designed” presentation or brochure, using a template. The prospect of someone doing design without any formal design education made the educated ones a little heated, let’s just say. But really, we were just worried we wouldn’t get the design jobs because Microsoft made it too easy. Then things changed again. Adobe took over everything! It was tailored to people who were serious, and this opened to door to yet another craft. The craft of digital know-how.
Without going into more histrionics, if you stick around, and see what happens, you’ll inevitably figure it out, and change with the times. I’ve asked myself many times, is it worth it? Is is worth the constant changes in the digital landscape? Is it worth the income? Is it worth the critiquing of your work with clients? Is it worth pounding the pavement for introductions? Is it worth the self criticism everyday and with every project?
HELL, YES!
I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to live in my artistic bubble and create. I wanted to conjure up campaign slogans, and pair them with images and colors. I wanted every bit of this. What I never expected was how what I wanted, would turn into how I’ve helped so many people get what they want too. I’ve helped people interrupt their needs for their business, into a visual mirror. I’ve help clients organize their messaging and branding. I’ve helped them be consistent and cohesive. I’ve been a helper and a creator this whole time, and that feels good.
When a design student leaves the confines of college, all they have is their portfolio. Albeit, I know portfolios look and feel miles different than when I left school, but the portfolio is the only thing that either helps you or hinders you from getting that first job. You’ve got to work hard at putting yourself out there, especially after rejection. You have to be open to developing interpersonal skills and relationships. You’ve got to learn how business works! You provide a service to a business, that business provides service to its customers, and you’re the one that tells, and shows, people that business exists. What an amazing position to be in, and what an amazing skill-set to offer people!
I’m having the time of my life and career. I’m no longer relying on the push to prove myself. I’m relying on, who looks like they need some help, and I go after it.
If your a designer and you stay true to your passion, keep refining your skills, learn about business, learn how relationships work, and master making these all part of your craft, you’ll be just fine…just stay, and see what happens.