🔴 A Career In Design With Elizabeth Carey Smith

[@scotchbudmeister9018]

I started graphic design at age 22. I'm 57 now and still love it!

[@thefutur]

Scotch Budmeister go go go!!

[@MsLovegypt]

i am really glad that there designer up to 40 :D it gives me hope

[@yellagurl5464]

So, inspiring to know! I'm 39, been doing it off & on for awhile, but didn't start taking it seriously until 5 years ago

[@JamieBeau]

@@yellagurl5464 Nice one, I'm in the exact same timeline too!

[@DonnaPellegrino]

Scotch Budmeister what tools do you use?

[@rafiktekari]

She is very honest, I love her confidence. she seriously doesn't care, say her mind without any digging around. She is special

[@MalikDixon]

I am 54 years old and I have just begun to put out my best work. Learn and Grow. It is not for a designer who becomes stagnant in their abilities.

[@Vantdesigns]

Thanks Elizabeth Carey Smith & ChrisD this was very realistic and raw. I am 30+ and a career changing IT professional to now design, I needed to hear this before I take the plunge to go do what I am naturally good at and passionate about.

[@JesseMoffett]

I’ve been a designer since 98....just turned 40 and have zero saved for retirement..your advice is priceless. Thank you both for your wisdom and insight!

[@AlvaroRodriguez-dx9dm]

Bravo Elizabeth and Chris for another amazing, inspiring and motivating video. Always an artist as a child, I joined the military at 18, got in trouble for doodling on military equipment, had 2 children, divorced and juggled careers in design and the military for the past 20 plus years. The military took priority after 9/11 but I never lost my love and passion to create and take in all the beautiful designs around me as I traveled the world. I've been in a rut these past few weeks and this video along with many many many other Futur vids (forget Netflix), have reenergized my creativity and love for selling ideas. Now that I am retired from the military (2014 and all healed up from some boo boos I got), I am devoted and completely focused to give all I have creatively. I started designing a book on dealing with creative stress. I will share once I'm done. Thank you again for the inspiration.

[@thefutur]

Thank you.

[@A000molecules]

This has been the best video for me. I started self teaching myself graphic design at 30. I'm now 35 and have a decent job but I constantly think about how I will survive starting at such an odd age. One where I'm old enough to know better but guess still too young to not care, kind of thing. I really appreciate her candidness and honesty.

[@elladadavtyan]

I'm a young designer, and coming out of school I had to sign up for a job that didn't pay well but solely relied on me for all their design needs from print to web. It was only a year and, although I gained that fast-paced experience, it did take a toll on me plus my health was on the line. I feel like you lose your drive and love for design when you burn yourself out like this. Although I was there for a year, it felt much, much longer. Chris, call me a fool but I don't think I was at the point where I can say I'm a lead designer. I was a lead but why would I do that to myself when there's so much I can learn especially in the business of design. Today, I am on a new journey in my career for a company that actually values this work/life balance! The best part of all is that we have old and new designers - wonderful for collaboration.

[@thefutur]

I wouldn't worry too much about labels. everyone wants to be a leader but few people earn it. during the Bold conference, someone said a leader is someone who empowers others to be their best version of themselves and holds the space for that to happen.

[@insightdesignsolutionsinc.]

Elizabeth is spot-on with regard to seeing globally and feeding our creative souls through world content more than internet content. I also experienced the divide between working at an ad agency vs design as well as choosing between print or digital. Thankfully those chasms are much, much smaller now. Great video...thank you @The Futur for recognizing there are designers and directors out here older than 30. #longliveprint #breathefreshair

[@thefutur]

you're very welcome. thanks for watching.

[@beunlimited7575]

This is the most important episode for me. Everything resonates on all cylinders. I do get a rise out of being more of a branding/marketing consultant, helping others build and reach a level of success that I never could. It's as if I'm living vicariously through their journeys. Suddenly I am reminded how integral I've been through the value of business solutions I provide for my clients. Thank you both for helping me re-discover that "spark".

[@beunlimited7575]

Wow. I needed this SO much. Chris, I'm 38 years old and I came to the realization a week ago that I'm at that space where your friend is in regards to being a 'victim' of the life-long toll. So I've begun focusing on my health and positioning myself more in the strategic thinking role while delegating the creative tasks to a much younger, capable lead designer who I hope will one day stay on as a potential partner. I guess I needed to hear that it's okay because after decades of insomnia and boundless grind, I'm not used to listening to my body. But I'm forced to because not doing so has affected my mind also.

[@sharitolopez5426]

Try keto. I am not joking. I am 34 and I have SO MUCH MORE ENERGY than I ever had.

[@susanacosta8577]

The most realistic episode so far! Such a humble and honest woman. Loved it.

[@thefutur]

She’s amazing

[@noahschelde1]

BEST video made by the Futur! Resonates with all aging creatives - even me, a landscape architect living in Denmark! Have Never heard this topic discussed, even though it is so relevant and affects ALL of us! Great topic choice, great discussion!

[@balescreative3115]

That episode rocked! I'm a designer in my 50's(my second career) I was in biotech research previously. Thanks Chris Do for bringing the best content and teaching so much to so many.

[@thefutur]

Thank you. Good luck with your second career. ;)

[@derekcope3803]

I just completed my FAFSA today to go back to school. I was a fine arts major back in the day (early 90's), but have decided to get into graphic arts. My wife and two sons are my inspiration. We had them in our early twenties, she was able to home school them and earn her associates in graphic design, and is still going. My boys are both in college now majoring in graphic arts. So now, it's a family thing! We joke about starting our own family graphics business. Oh yeah... I am 43, she is 42, and the boys are 21 and 18.

[@KimNguyen-bt4ry]

I absolutely loved Elizabeth! She is so articulate with her thoughts and you can tell she's thought a lot about her answers.

[@thefutur]

Kim Nguyen she’s da bomb.

[@AnaGonzalesArt]

I was in a secure awesome job for 6 years and when I knew what was going to happen to my Art Dtp.in 2009, we all 17 graphic designers started freelancing on the side. With the 2008-9 collapse, everything changed and it was really hard to find clients or a job in the S Florida area taking contracts, temporary project jobs here and there. I can say, I'm up to date with technology until today because tomorrow there is going to be something new to learn and a younger client to understand so I've been a unicorn for a long time. We have to adapt. And you Chris helped me a lot with your channel.

[@sy-lg4ok]

OMG shes only 42! I got news for you Juniors out there, especially the girls... 40 isn't old, you'll see! and you'll remember I've said this. This is the best time for Woman, We are in our Prime!!! in ways I could'nt have imagined. You care so much less about what people think, you do what you like and My Creativity is Bursting! woo hoo Ladies, It only gets better! Gentlemen, pay attention! thanx Ms Smith , You rock! and look about 35 lol

[@jamilgotcher5456]

But in a way she acts bitter which makes her seam old.

[@chelinemagsano6185]

Wow.. I've never admired such woman in design nor tech industry this much. She's amazing! Thank you for sharing this! 🙌

[@thefutur]

she's pretty amazing.

[@DavidMartinezrgb]

Love that Elizabeth mentions Paula Scher, Paula is amazing ... and the working out is crazy important, and reducing meat intake is good for the planet and for your body!

[@archrao2103]

This was by far the best guest talk show at the futur. I was glued without skipping throughout! Thank you guys for putting this out. I want to grow up to be like her.

[@thefutur]

#rolemodel

[@gsalas7]

This talk was hugely inspirational! It's very real and authentic. She's the best!

[@christianharbin7979]

5:25-6:30 Was LIFE! It was completely spot on. I felt that there was no sustainable creative future for me unless I went strictly for graphic design. I know now that that’s not true but it took me a few years to understand that. Thanks for making this statement. Love your show!

[@nelg_adnarim7319]

This was an absolutely great show and topic. Who says once you reach your so called arch, that’s it? 20 years into it and I’m still making. Enjoying what you do is the key. Be a life learner. Find a hobby. Exercise and eat well. Spend and save your money. Remember, you’ve earned it! And finally, travel if possible and be nice. We all play in the same sandbox called life...

[@LeChakaraka]

This lady is my new hero of design, wow.

[@maimohamed3590]

i'm 26 senior designer, wow this is so encouraging for me as a woman too, thank you for sharing :D

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome.

[@kristie3300]

I'm 31 and I have 2 children. I graduated in March of 2018 and everyone really does want experience. I have found that I didn't learn enough about the business side of design. So, when I started freelancing is has become difficult knowing all of the business side. Then if I want to find a job everyone wants experience.

[@chloeistre4992]

I can totally relate to the comment that as you get older, it gets harder to learn things you don't feel like learning. I can still learn things I am passionate about very quickly, even when the subject is difficult. I think it might have something to do with the realization of how valuable your time is as you get older. When you're young it feels like you have all the time in the world. The older you get, the more selective you become about life experiences.

[@Cozy_Rach]

Thank you for posting this. I graduated later on and I can see how that has given me some disadvantages. I'm going to try to diversify my activities in order to create better work in the future.

[@kwackkwack78]

I’m turning 40 this year and am pursuing Motion Graphics and am extremely excited.

[@thefutur]

Steve Ramirez good for you!

[@AnaGonzalesArt]

The greatest advice of a woman design professional. Thank you so much to all of you guys for making this video.

[@thefutur]

ECS is pretty awesome.

[@alaindubois7552]

It took me 4 nights to watch the whole interview and it made me feel great. I wish I could record and loop this as podcast ! Thank you again .

[@zeroalpha_nz6674]

Rip the audio and you'll have a podcast version ;)

[@d2k0bler]

This is a real topic. thanks for tackling this! I left a Pharma Ad agency after 4 years with some bitterness and anger.

[@arthur1022]

2 charming people on screen! (Elizabeth wins this round though haha). You're right, her energy was great and infectious! I watched this before I had a meeting and the energy followed me in there! Not sure if I'm just inclined towards the ladies lol, but my fav guests so far have been Rebecca, Melinda and now Elizabeth... Lads.. step your game up!!

[@thefutur]

she definitely has great energy.

[@andreamarchi309]

Hey guys, I don't know if it is happening to me only, but the audio here is not in sync. Anyway, I love you taking on this conversation. It was very interesting to listen to your point of views. It gave me occasion to think for a minute about how my path went (and is still going). When I was young(er), working in Italy, I couldn't get independent projects because of my age, but it was easier to get employed for the same reason (and tax reduction for the employer). Now working in the UK, it is easier for me to get independent projects because people value my age as experience, but it is more difficult to get hired as an employee because younger people are cheaper to hire here. Still, I consider myself lucky because I am in that situation where I am covering both positions at the same time and you are helping me to understand where I want to bring this thing next..Thanks.

[@Irulien]

You always manage to address the important issues! So useful!

[@thefutur]

Thank you

[@annafischer4470]

This is GOLD! Thank you @thefutur & Elizabeth for sharing your knowledge

[@Phil_Scott]

I am 78 years old I do my own spectacular engineering servies web site... 40 years ago I used to race motorcycles on the dirt ovals... meantime the japanese have come on the scene and all that charisma vanished as horse power went out the roof... now 40 years later, the move is back to flat trackers... it is a great great life. I think I am a great designer even though lately I need a short step stool to swing my leg over the flat tracker.

[@ChritsianBucic]

As I am concerned by this topic in a certain point of view, I was really appreciate those approach you were developed between the beautiful mind from Elisabeth and you Chris it was a good feeling and very great answers.

[@thefutur]

thanks Christian.

[@ewanwhite7326]

Talent is timeless.

[@thefutur]

but making a living on talent is a challenge.

[@artmaknev3738]

many talented poor people out there

[@jarmelo2006]

Well I'm 36 years old. And I have sorta always been on the low level of design business. So this episode should be great for me. I hope its not to late to claim glory...

[@thefutur]

as long as you are above ground, you can claim glory.

[@jarmelo2006]

The Futur Like in the lyrics from the academy award winning "Shaft" Theme song . "You Damn Right"! ☺️ Thank you for time and sacrifices.

[@noname_nod]

Fantastic livestream! Truly disruptive, anticipating our unstated and future needs, uneasy and provoking at the same time! For some reason creative burnout is a taboo topic in our industry. Thank you for sharing ♥️

[@thefutur]

Ania Drozd Appreciate it!

[@happymelonch]

This is awesome content, she’s the most relatable speaker so far for me

[@khandramayorga4870]

I loved this conversation right on . That’s what I want to hear . I love it and want some more of it ✨

[@nat7x7]

I'll soon be turning 50. I've been designing and maintaining websites and print graphics for many years as a small part of my job, (but by far the most enjoyable part). I've also done it for a charity I support, family and friends. I am now seriously considering launching as a freelance web designer - partly because of a looming redundancy, but partly because I need to challenge and push myself at this stage in life. The other alternative would be going for somethig safe and stale, and ride it out until retirement, yikes. I'm an ok designer, not amazing but not too bad either, good enough I guess. I'm under no illusion of becoming a ground-breaking award -winning hot newcomer lol, but someone my age doesn't need that anyway. What I can offer instead is lots of experience, from different perspectives, in various diverse areas of business, non-profit, academia ... experience of gaining and keeping clients and funding bodies, in writing and creating content and tweaking it for SEO. In 50 years you get lots of opportunities to make many mistakes, and to learn from them too :D I recently met with some friends to chat about creating a new website they'd need to grow their business, and our talk unexpectedly turned into a three hour business consultancy meeting. I sent them off with a long list of homework items and a roadmap :) Few days later I came across Futur vids, and have been binge watching them ever since. It all resonate so closely (no such thing as a coincidence ;-) ... Chris often talks about a designer being someone who is able to listen, ask the right questions, analyse and figure out clients needs and come up with ways of meeting them through functional design. Otherwise one is merely a decorator. Anyways, sorry so long, and thank you for being there!

[@thefutur]

thanks Nat!

[@WDChristFollower]

Probably one of the best videos you’ve put out. I loved the part about recovering from burn out because that’s what I’m facing at this very moment. Lastly, I feel very sorry for the 4 people the gave this video a thumbs down. If you’re one of those four people (or anyone else who dislikes this video in the future) then it’s all good because the Futur Community still loves you 🤷🏾‍♂️👌🏾😎

[@jessienunez7863]

I know quite a few older designers. Most of them are freelancers. They don’t want to feel Iike they have to compete with young hotshots that are the darlings of the design agencies and studios. I am over 50 and I feel unemployable. I hate politics, I don’t want to rush myself and end up producing crap, I find lots of meetings unproductive. I’m a good designer and I love it. I don’t want to invest huge amounts of time, money and precious energy totally changing careers. I draw inspiration from cultures (I’m mulitculutural), spirituality, I am an avid reader and a deep, well-informed, introspective person constantly brimming with ideas. My father (who passed away recently) remained creative and resourceful right up until the end. If you are an older person, find a way to make this business work for you. Play to your strengths and this will inform how you learn and add skills. You cannot and should not try to perform as you did in your 20s. But you are a heck of a lot wiser and a lot more mindful about how you approach your craft and life in general. Your perspective has great value to your work and the industry in general. The richer your life is, the more creative your solutions will be. One thing Chris is doing to teaching and sharing liberally. I am starting to teach and share more. I feel like I need to share the things I wish I knew when I started with those junior and mid-career designers. We’ll see what the future brings, but I will do this for as long as my hands and brain will let me.

[@ajeana2004]

My response to your comment about why graphic designers go into real estate is because it is a very visual field. People by with their eyes and emotions.

[@thefutur]

must be. also a good way to make money fast and have free time.

[@valterfriafilho7774]

man I'm 40 designer and dad, I really understand her!

[@thefutur]

yes. me too.

[@DavidMartinezrgb]

At 1:15:24 ECS states she designs in her mind while doing all the other things, I do exaclty the same. The reason I do yard and wood work is because it helps me tremendously when I'm in front of the computer...

[@maartjevancaspel]

Darn this was good! Wished I watched it like 20 years ago 🤣 But I will find my way back. Not in the least by watching what you all put out. Thanks 🙏

[@maartjevancaspel]

And Elizabeth just rocks.

[@thefutur]

Thanks

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Thank you for discussing this topic.

[@CaliKrazyTV]

We got Scarlette Johansson nice.⚘ I think we always get a shot to reinvent ourselfs with every project. Daft Punk still produces timeless music and you only know they're old when they pull the mask off..lol But the impact of there work exceed t

[@gabrielleschenk121]

Thanks for this great video with helpful advice and some real life issues.

[@darrelcheong8369]

very interesting topic, thank you for this talk.

[@DavidMartinezrgb]

46 and doing more strategy and executing on digital design/product/mobile : ) - I do have Peter Pan syndrome though, haha!

[@jb00ty]

Thank you so much for sharing this video!!!!

[@yoyoz333]

Chris, I dont know if you will see this...but lately I have been hearing lots of people talk about how design and advertising is for young people just like you mentioned at 5:00 . I am in my early 30s so I am still fairly young but my question is how to feel relevant as a designer who is in their 50s or 60s?

[@thefutur]

you can feel relevant by keeping on top of what what's going on with technology and design. you can demonstrate this in your work and your ideas. this might influence people's perception of you. lastly, i would focus on learning, thinking, communicating, management and leadership as you get older.

[@urbanvinyl]

I'm in a similar situation in my career as a 41yo UX Designer.

[@gabrielehohne9525]

absolutely cool and open talk - thank you

[@jakubkuik10]

Great conversation!

[@meyplaylists5705]

Such a great artist and person!

[@thechisensei]

SHE IS SUPER!! love this episode! :) :) tnx guys! :) :)

[@dearartms]

Can´t wait for video about Chris named "40 years old married dad is still crushing it in design! Here is how!" (not sure about that age lol sorry if it´s a mistake)

[@thefutur]

It will be 50 yr old father of two still crushing it on KZbin. Here’s how.

[@TMBLBEE]

my new heroine!!!

[@mitigiant5328]

She looks like a Rockstar

[@thefutur]

She is a rockstar!

[@gabivallu8436]

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP. THANK YOU. put out all words I've been holding/worrying about since I graduated in 2012 from my mouth.

[@gustavoh.8634]

amazing stream!

[@guillermoecheverria26]

Great stuff, very different topic!

[@CaptainGraphics-sHertogenbosch]

I am not judging, but this is an interesting discussion

[@hugobertiepickles3372]

Love it! Keep inspiring & be well x ta

[@stinkyjames6909]

My mom is 46 and she is still designing

[@thefutur]

yay!

[@chrsbll]

she's awesome

[@StarvEgoFeedSoul]

great talk ! I find this inspirational 33:37 nice ! ^^/

[@michaelstancato6057]

She's a Goddess!

[@alaindubois7552]

How about after 60 ?

[@thefutur]

Alain Dubois why not?

[@alaindubois7552]

I guess! One would never question the ability of a 60 years old lawyer, notary, surgeon or even a painter. But it's been for a while a challenge for me to remain in this business. A long time ago I edited my resumé removing my earlier job. But I'm hanging on because it is a passion more than a job. Thank for your publication you are truly an inspiration. French being my first language please excuse the mistake i make when writing.

[@mitigiant5328]

In this case , your experience is priceless

[@DonnaPellegrino]

Alain Dubois what tools do you use. I am over 60 re-entering the field. I loved learning the tools and even know basics of code. What stops me from getting work?

[@szef6702]

What is that font you're using in your channel logo?? "the futur"

[@thefutur]

Szef Futura. We even tell you in the description.

[@szef6702]

thanks!

[@YTAldoaz]

Tense!

[@aat10Kyoko]

Question that I see- do graphic designers have to encompass everything? I see job posts asking for html5, css scripting, to print, packaging, video editing to even freaking sound engineering... I think this is crazy! Asking for a whole department in one person, so that “graphic designer” might have a grasp for each of these tasks but expert of none. I see job descriptions from what seems like start ups or companies that have their own definition of what a graphic designer should be. Maybe I should just work at Target after all. #frustratedgraphicdesigner

[@evtonic3]

I've always thought that eventually, I would leave the sexy graphic design jobs at firms or agencies, even in-house QSR cushy job with benefits. But don't the "boring" jobs like hospitals, legal firms, insurance companies, tax companies need graphic designers too? Where do they get their forms? Not a high priced ad or graphic agency I'm sure.

[@teragram8006]

I thought 40 was a pretty normal age to be in design? Most art directors are older while the twenty-somethings are still interns.

[@rukanmalas]

Love here

[@amanitam1141]

“Yes, they do grow fast” how do you know, Chris? Haha

[@thefutur]

amanita m I have 2 boys. 14 & 12.

[@PhillipeGrishin]

1:28:00 - summary

[@davidp5341]

She is considered someone who is aging? Lol. She must moisturize!

[@thefutur]

clean living.

[@gabrielleanderson8540]

We are all aging technically

[@RomyMacias]

And exercise...vital for aging gracefully!

[@happyfuntimeadventurehours6897]

Of course she is still crushing it. WTF? Was she supposed to quit being an artist at age 40 and become a Walmart greeter? Friggin' kids, think they invented everything. She is a monster in her field, an elder in her tribe, a master at her craft.....if you are amazed that she is still chugging along over 40, then you are still just a kid with a long way to go.....

[@thefutur]

It’s an attention grabbing headline so people watch. I’m older than her btw.

[@jessicabrownless3306]

5 hours sleep per night? That is not healthy, and brings risk in later life! (Unless Elizabeth is part of the 1% of the population who are short sleepers) In that case, she's very lucky.

[@thefutur]

when you love what you do and your life is in balance, you can perform at a very high rate w/ less sleep than most people.

[@associationcue8334]

You all should interview Elliott Sharp - super interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpyTYoSBpdaAZ6c

[@NJ-vk1dg]

I do not understand. If the person is experienced, creative, talented, productive, able to adapt, what is the problem. Is not creating great design main goal, or is it a fashion show.

[@leonstrydom1]

So, to reiterate, is 33 still in the green for starting out, or is it on the more ambitious end of the spectrum?...or is it even worse than that?

[@thefutur]

Start at any age. Just follow your heart.

[@leonstrydom1]

Thanks for NOT letting me know that someone responded to my comment, KZbin!! Anyway, thanks for responding. Man, I hope it's as simple as that...Let's find out!

[@JEFF102974]

This video's tittle... -_-

[@one234569and10]

Are you saying that you are no longer relevant after a certain age?

[@thefutur]

not at all. it's the career arc that I'm concerned about when it comes to the aging designer. learn the business aspect so that you can continue to thrive. plan so you don't wind up broke when you're ready to retire.

[@XomB]

Where'd you hear the average motion designer lifespan is 7 years? Definitely not in my experience

[@thefutur]

it's what i noticed back in the early 2000s. just watching people get burned out.

[@XomB]

Fair enough. I think that with motion design, to be on the cutting edge anyway, you have to be cool with picking up a new program/plugin and learn. Knowing that maybe in two years the style will become redundant or the software will be discontinued. You have to be software agnostic if you don't want to go insane. Great episode Chris!

[@thefutur]

thanks. just keep in mind, like all rules, they are broad and not meant to be gospel. it was a way to make a point.

[@NsXy]

Put money in IRA so your money depreciates by the time you retire lol. Better advice is to buy physical gold in grams and hold it

[@meowmeow4201]

The title of this video is so tacky.