Life of a Graphic Designer

I hate Graphic Design. For some context I am a Freelancer.
For many people, being a graphic designer is a dream job that is fun, flexible overflowing with creativity.. but that doesn’t mean you get to make what you want all the time. In this video I talk about many reasons that deter me away from being a graphic artist: stress, communication, creative freedom and more. Should I stop being a graphic designer? What is making me stay, and is graphic design right for you?
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[@AshlieJow]

Hey all! Thanks for all the love on this video so far. I’d like to say creative burnout is real, regardless of experience- and a multitude of factors can contribute. . To those who have resonated with the video: you are validated! Some people can stick with a job forever, some may quit after a few months. Know your worth, take care of yourself mentally, remember your why, and do your best!

[@meteorcat0730]

You know you can pin your comment to the top, right? Sorry just wondering if you forgot

[@lindavel43]

I highly recommend the book How to be a Graphic Designer without Losing your Soul.

[@thegiantbeatmakingandgraph5800]

Where can i have it?

[@Ninopheen]

100% that book is legit.

[@thegiantbeatmakingandgraph5800]

@@Ninopheen Which website pls?

[@lcole6225]

I never heard of that book but it sounds like a good read.

[@CANADIANB3AST]

@@tzutzu4413 that's the one

[@BB-ge9dp]

One day I got advice that told me it's not yours. You don't always have to like it. It's not yours. As a designer this sentence broke my heart so much. I went into a deep depression cause I had to design a logo I hated but the client loved it.

[@denisemayosky1955]

I guess that's the thing to remember...

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

The good thing is that you dont have to put all of them in your portfolio, and can instead include personal projects that you do your very best. But yeah it does give a bad taste in the mouth when you have to do something you hate..

[@lunasbix4338]

The cons of doing commissions.

[@Algurudigitalmarketingchannel]

I am sorry to hear this but as my career growth goes I found myself in a better mental health space when I started looking at work as a part of my life, not as my LIFE and that built a sense of detachment so I can do my best no matter what the project is.

[@harshijain1452]

What can I do if not graphic designing

[@kimlee8796]

Graphic design is so fun when you do your own projects. Although working as a corporate graphic designer will just kill your soul and creativity. I could 100% relate to your video.

[@cndausz2888]

True tho. I also work as GD under corporate. The only thing that we could do is just fulfill what they want. As long as it is completed. Get the job done and get paid. However, creative ability might be affected. We might become less creative like what we were earlier.

[@fabrizioaragon8508]

Factsss

[@davidobrien3669]

100%. I worked on one big project for months during Covid and loved the entire process, now that I have a job I Hate designing.

[@bbbao-zl3bf]

That’s me, I kept switching from different corporate companies / organizations as I got bored with the same branding after a couple years in .. ventured on to the medical side with corporate branding working in a Children’s Hospital, well see how creative I can get here in this environment.

[@SomeNordicMan]

When you do your own projects, you don't set time limits, real goals or leave your own comfort zone, so the progression as a designer is very slow or even non-existence. I understand that view on corporate graphic design, but as a professional graphic designer for about 10 years, I can say that there are tons of paths in the design industry and one day you will find the one where you can be at the top of design choices one way or another, I found that path for myself.

[@MarcCardwell]

I've been a practice graphic designer for 25 plus years, and I'm still not sure I'm in the right profession. I actively try to persuade people not to go into it.

[@suhay1a]

if u don’t mind me asking, how much do u make?

[@MarcCardwell]

​@@suhay1a I don’t really want to talk about that here, you can email me if you want. Sometimes I’ve worked for a full time salary, sometimes I work hourly, sometimes I work for a retainer set amount. My hourly rate depends on how much work from that client. Less for more hours, more for fewer hours.

[@MarcCardwell]

For my own benefit and maybe others, stuff I love about graphic design: even on a boring project, making it look *and communicate* the message as good as well possible. That means I think about the right font, the right pics, how to crop the pics, the right textures, colors, how much leading on the copy, how much white space to let the reader rest, how big the headlines should bee, and how much kerning the headlines need, I enjoy making all that "just so" and hopefully perfect. I enjoy Photoshop work , manipulating an image to fit my needs, creating info-graphics to *communicate clearly*, types of illustration that communicates the story they sit beside, I always fiddle, tweak, move a pixel at a time, everything to get it "just so," and I have a bit of OCD that helps me get it right. Finding the above fun aspects while doing a project that you don't care about helps get me through the contact client edits.

[@astrodzn5314]

Marc Cardwell thanks!

[@ChelsieGregory]

@Alawi Aledrous Study UX. But yes, they’re both related.

[@themarshallfox]

I felt this in my spirit. What we do is dark, often thankless, it’s soul sucking and mentally exhausting... but it’s the life we chose lol

[@themarshallfox]

Subbed!

[@Butts0hboi]

So true.. lol but this life chose me so I’ll take it.

[@sportsbro2220]

Don’t think about it too much most jobs are like that

[@pj7371]

@@ahmedalgrai every person in every profession literally says that lol. There are videos like this for every career telling everyone not to do it. People don’t like working, it’s nothing new.

[@josephpham9078]

Does it have to be?

[@HardboiledBread]

The “Read my mind” part is so true i hate it. Clients don’t understand how to articulate what they want, they just assume that we have some sort of intuition that can interpret what they really mean even though they can’t communicate it clearly.

[@magalitellez4902]

when I decided to study Graphic Design I was so excited and I used to love drawing but by the end of college I wasI exhausted and now with work it’s not getting better, like sometimes I don’t wanna be around a computer and I definitely don’t wanna draw anything in my free time, I think I wasted so many years in college bc I rarely got to do creative things, and now i’ve only been working for three or two months and the things I do seem so pointless to me, it’s corporate design and tbh I hate it, I hate the work I do for companies that are awful, I hate feeling like i’m wasting my time in stupid changes they make to every design, I hate feeling like i’m wasting my potential but at the same time I don’t know if want to keep doing this at this point I feel likes it’s only for the money, I feel so bored and sad and I think I choose the wrong major and it sucks bc there was a time when I used to enjoyed this

[@cian6151]

Is the money good ?

[@vandanachaudhary8129]

@@cian6151 hahaha!! I'm kinda curious too

[@xay5317]

For me as a Graphic designer, no it’s not :(

[@aprilrosequartz]

I'm a third year college student in graphics designing and I do get burnouts from the amount of projects but I separate them as work and passion. The only time I get motivated is when I keep practicing (doodles, sketches, paintings, just basic drawings with no goal in mind), then it benefits me a lot when I do serious works so I guess I'm okay of where I'm heading off to

[@Red_Rebel]

Try finding a design job in the sector you like, if you like animals, looks for any veterinary or animal shelters and other organizations that relates to animals and offer design. Look for a new career (in UI/Ux for example) and use your design skills. Once you get a new path, you can still be a graphic designer as a side gig.

[@pranavi.s]

YUP. I've been a working graphic designer since my second year at design school till now (5 years) - and it slowly becomes the most daunting job, especially if you do in-house design. It doesn't even matter if the company you work for collaborates with cool big name brands - I promise. Design is something that can pays the bills, but you need to create on your own to feel genuine creative fulfillment at the end of the day!

[@silentnerd69]

Girl I totally agree with you. Im graduating with a degree in Illustration and Graphic Design. I think the most important advice I got ever is DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR DESIGN. It is INTEGRAL that you work on your own projects on the side!

[@babyzyrineenriquez494]

When she said, "I hate graphic design" I immediately subscribed. This woman knows what she's talking about 😂

[@natalieklootwyk4830]

This video just completely summarized the whole career and I love it. This video also helps those who don't know what we go through daily and I love it.

[@isaiahdiego655]

As a graphic designer, i would like to say thank you

[@nevenasterikova3335]

I hate graphic design too. I studied it in uni. I landed an UX internship for few months. Then I tried to find work with graphic design, but only found UX job. They fired me after 5 months, because I couldn't cope and my ideas just weren't flowing. Maybe they expected too much, sunce I was junior position. Then I tried to find job with 3D interior visualisation, because I had 3D courses in the last semester in uni and I completely loved. No success there too. So after 2 years of half-assed success with 3D, I accepted that it simply won't happen and honestly said I don't regret it a lot. I looked for job different than waitress and ended up as a support. Totally love it. Since then I cringe at post of people who "just started graphic design course, because money don't matter and I want to do what I love". Design is everything, but not doing what you like. You are supposed to squeeze yourself and bend your ideas to the client's taste.

[@Ethan-dp1hr]

Watching this after spending 3 years studying graphic design in college is definitely an interesting feeling lmao

[@keylime2366]

R u still doing it?

[@Ethan-dp1hr]

@@keylime2366 Yes, I'll actually be graduating in April. Trying to find a design job is a whole other struggle I've been going through now.

[@SamosIMP]

you're probably still young, not too late to do something else.

[@mounirmulhem3881]

Can we talk about how underpaid graphic designers are! That amount of time and energy we sacrifice for the bare minimum is ridiculous. Extremely undervalued!

[@Lampey22]

When i was a kid, i thought graphic design was so artsy, then i learned the truth and erased it from my dream jobs list. I am not saying it’s a bad job, I’m just saying it wasn’t for me. Love graphic designers, as she said, they are a part of our daily life!

[@7dollarburrito]

When I was down bad at an old agency I worked for my creative director told me “you’re not an artist, you’re a graphic designer” it always reminds me to look at it from a problem solving perspective instead of putting myself down when I didn’t like the outcome of my work.

[@katakagemusic]

This! I tell this to myself and team all the time to keep morale up. Even created the "Katakage Music" Project as an artistic branding exercise in between projects for the team. It's fun, educational, and productive. Love hearing the squad's stories of how ppl reacted to streaming our music or watching a music video

[@jada340]

I needed to see this cause I feel burnt tf out. I’ve cried twice today because I’ve been in this rut all week.

[@button3734]

i hope you do better soon :D!

[@tigerf10]

Ditto 😔

[@definitelynotreyes]

"Graphic design is my prison" -My friends and I, some time ago in 2019

[@elkiehalley3924]

gonna make quotes from that 😃

[@megaanbruhh]

oh shit that’s my business logo!!! I never realized how hard graphic design really is. Whenever ppl ask me who designed my logo I always put you on 🤗 Rockin on my business cards, stickers and incoming shirts hehe I appreciate you so much friend!

[@emperorliz]

cool

[@robertosierra16]

Literally weeks away from graduating with my degree. And I’m already burnt out from doing my professors work 😂

[@cian6151]

What kind of projects do u do in college

[@Karawoolfe]

I feel you

[@DenaNguyen]

LOVED THIS. Girl you're so underrated! The script, the filming, the editing = on point👌

[@AshlieJow]

Ahh I appreciate it Dena ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@artdesigneverythinglife]

The comments' section has made me feel better considering we all are in the same boat!

[@ayondutta4736]

Now I have realised that I am not the only one who is going through this.

[@PonTran194]

I started as a graphic designer. After 8 years, I become a multimedia person that can do web design (layout, no coding), video editing, motion graphic, and surprisingly, I have a chance to learn some knownledge of marketing, experience in content creative, running ads on Facebook (i did create 2 fanpages got over 10K likes and follows). And then I back to graphic design again parallel w comic artist. I make money from graphic design, and maintain my soul (happiness) with comic/ illustration artist. It is a weird journey for me, but I stop thinking about who am i going to be, I just purely enjoy and glad that I could do something and settle down with peaceful choice. Maybe because I don't want to become someone important or have a large vision in life, tired of chasing and just want to feel happy, safe and steady.

[@marie-bo5il]

Your answer definitely sounds peaceful. Content in life is what I want. I'm also seeing how design profiles are everywhere or needed for businesses and freelancers. I think socials for some people drain them and their creativity.

[@shubhadipdas6964]

I'm a graphic designer. Just few days back, I left my new job. Cause, I was not satisfied with company, they are constantly asking me to complete the job very quickly, which is not possible. There's lockdown happening in my city, in my state. 2nd wave of covid-19 happening right now. So it's very stressful, depressing situation right now.😭

[@greenbillugaming2781]

I would say you made a very bad decision leaving a job in lock down.

[@shubhadipdas6964]

@@greenbillugaming2781 they decreased my salary,which is 4500/- per month, which is very low & risky. it was 8hours shift they were pressuring me to work for 12hours, & they also misbehaved with me, shouting humiliating. & also I can make more with freelancing from home. That's why, I made the right decision.

[@greenbillugaming2781]

@@shubhadipdas6964 sorry did not knew it was that bad :(

[@amc88]

Fuck them.

[@ninjablack4347]

productivity is at an all time high yet wages are shit

[@vanifarron]

Most jobs or career paths make you end up feel like you’re selling your soul to them unfortunately.

[@emilygutierrez9787]

I honestly hope that’s true cause I finally decided to go into graphic design just to see this video

[@diogenesbarrel7350]

@@emilygutierrez9787 as someone who's also aspiring to work in design I think the best thing to do is to work on personal projects we love. And to try as much as possible not to fall in love with our designs because clients do not care about what we love. When they constantly ask for revisions, you'll feel your soul break haha

[@sharonlee3815]

Subjective

[@khosmo7097]

I'm a self-taught graphic designer. I've been doing it since 12, heavily experimenting on my presentations for class. It's really soul-drenching to think up of a design, especially since I'm more of a logical-type person than a creative-type. But still, I love graphic design. I always give it my all when designing because doing any less would feel too cheap. Even though I'm a computer science major, it's my beloved passion and hobby.

[@opheliaoverit]

Omg Im so relieved!! Im a graphic designer for 3 to almost 4 years and sometimes i feel so lost that it feels like i dont have any idea what im doing. I always thought im the only one feeling this way. Glad to see many people i can relate to

[@emilygutierrez9787]

I’m a high schooler junior rn, would you mind me asking if you are okay the majority of the time tho? I wanted to go into graphic design but I don’t want to suffer emotionally and mentally there

[@ernesto3251]

@@emilygutierrez9787 to be honest... Study something else take a year or two to see what you like. I graduated from design and if I could go back I would choose something else

[@taylorbee4010]

The worst is of that you're freelance you're often... Stuck with people that think that means you're working for free

[@VKIID]

Stomp that boot! You are WORTH IT! Cut out that toxic shit

[@Rach1009]

I am a graphic designer and I love my job. Yes sometimes I have to make things I don't personally like and it erks me a little but every time I get to be creatively free I love it because its fulfilling. And yes I agree with what you are saying, it's disappointing when you put a lot of effort into something and your client doesn't like it and wants you to do something totally different. Also yes communication is a huge part of being good at it. Because if you can listen to what your client wants and make something they love then you know you did your job well :)

[@nicolezaide8210]

This is true even video editing too 😟, sometimes I wanna cry because I'm running out of ideas 😭.

[@martezosunde]

You Made My Day, I've given up but you've given me hope, Graphic design felt like hell scotching in my veins, the brain collapsing... Had Artist block for 3 years and now I'm glad I'm ok... For the first time in my life, I design because it's fun and not because I need people's validation.... Thank You ❤️

[@ishi7036]

This made me worry less now, it’s like i finally found the answers that have been bothering me AND THIS VIDEO HELPED ME. I need this kind of truth. Thank you for this! God bless you 💛

[@jaideepsherrydawar]

Exactly the way i wanted to comment ! God bless us all Struggling through this. But also please suggest some ways to compensate this dilemma. for eg: i used to make Art / Play outdoor Games ,etc.

[@eyeghelemebright6938]

Same here..i am a UX designer but dis is exactly how i feel nd want 2 respond

[@emilygutierrez9787]

@@eyeghelemebright6938 what do you think the differences are between graphic design and UX design? Like salary, level of work & mental health wise

[@SamSam-yb3ls]

So it's not just me! That creative block and burn out is so real, so thanks talking about it in this vlog!

[@yofadhli]

This is 99% of any creative job. Ive worked as an interior designer, a 3d modeller for games and an illustrator and feel the same way as everything she listed.

[@sam_bo4212]

So then which creative job is the best? Pay-wise?

[@yofadhli]

@@sam_bo4212 from the ones ive done? Probably interior designer then illustrator. If you work as an interior designer in a pretty good firm other than your monthly salary they would also offer a percentage of the project that you are working for. So if its a pretty big million dollar project just a 2% of it is p good ontop of the monthly salary. For illustrator most of the time you work independently which means you set your own prices. Working as an external contractor for studios means you get paid pretty high and the leisure of the time you set. But this also means you need to be REALLY good at art. As for 3d modeler most of the time you just work in-studios so you have a base normal wage. But this is just my personal experience.

[@sam_bo4212]

@@yofadhli Oh okay... Thank you for the info! 😃

[@heythere3483]

I was crying so hard because of the pressure that we have as a graphic designers): my university is killing us under all their projects! it is like never ends!!! it seems like a hell to any student! that shit is make me ccccccrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyy!! but fun fact that I love deeply that I'm graphic designer(:

[@emilygutierrez9787]

I’m a high schooler looking for colleges for graphic design, what university do you go to if you wouldn’t mind telling me?

[@heythere3483]

@@emilygutierrez9787 awww sweet heart): am studying in university in the meddle east. i hope that i can help you if you want to come there in Saudi Arabia! and keep your hard working i wish you the best

[@emilygutierrez9787]

@@heythere3483 thank you so much! I hope life gets better for you as a graphic designer, I’ve never been to the Middle East but I hope to visit one day :)

[@heythere3483]

@@emilygutierrez9787 I would like to support you if you visit us! and thank you so much for your lovely words):

[@Ki-lf1wt]

Hi, I was just wondering, what electives did you take for graphic design in uni?

[@foreverleaf]

love the snarky use of comic sans in the intro "i hate graphic design" xD the hatred is really evident here

[@JesseNyberg]

Glad to see how much we all struggle at times. Nobody likes those damn logo revisions. At the end of the day though once you find that solution to a problem it makes it all worth it.

[@steper471]

I'm a graphic & web designer and honestly I've felt all of this and dealt with it as well, I'm just now overcoming a burnout phase. I find myself needing to take like weeks off to regroup and come back to designing, which I think stunts my growth but compared to where I started, I've come a very long way thank God.

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

I hate how lonely i became since i started lol It feels like a trap i fell into.

[@ekin100100]

Why lonely? Just curious cos I started uni to become a graphic designer just recently

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

@@ekin100100 oh dont worry too much about it. Its all about how you prioritize stuff. I learned that. If you prioritize being in touch with your friends and hangin out with them, you wont be lonely. But i have a tendency where it's very easy to happen that i just get a lot of work, and then vanish from social life, being hiding in a cave just working all time, so i end up getting very lonely 😂 so i'm trying to change that, but i recognize now that its more due to my personality and how i manage stuff. Go for it and good luck on Uni, enjoy it! :)

[@ekin100100]

@@SeaSerpentLevi thanks that reassuring 😅

[@ltmathis6524]

When you said “Work your magic” = “Read my mind” I fell out because that is absolutely true. I used to be stumped about that, being attached to the work, getting really creative only to find they come back with “Well, what I was reeeeeally thinking....”. I had to learn to really nip as much info in the bud early on in the process. I often use the phrase with them “Sometimes you don’t know what you like and don’t like until you see it” when I explain “mind reading does not work and can waste both our time. They are mostly understanding and are willing to work with me to get the best results. Some are easier than others but as we’ve learned design is problem solving, we just use the necessary tools to work through it.

[@blakeharris9705]

Last week I got a really fun and unique project. I had to design a tshirt for a pro wrestler. I worked my butt off and loved how it came out but I had to redo it in a way I really disliked🥲

[@motas91]

I just left the industry at the start of the year. It had been something on my mind for at least 2 years prior, but the pandemic made things so much worse, sending my depression and anxiety into overdrive to the point of actual chest pains. I'm just thankful my manager was so supportive and actually helped me change career into IT. I got to stay with the company too, which I was really happy about! It's a great and supportive workplace. The career change also helped me redirect my creativity back to my own personal projects and I've been taking up portrait art on the side, which has really helped me get through Sydney's most recent lockdowns 🙂 I do miss my old team and am still interested in what they do, but I'm happy to watch from the sidelines now.

[@motas91]

@@julietteka1161 Hi Juliette! So far much happier. I haven't had any anxiety attacks or felt like I was in the verge of one since I switched over. IT has always been another passion of mine on the side so I'm glad I got given the opportunity to give it a go as a career. I'll always be a creative as well though. I've taken my creativity back for myself and am using it for portrait art now!

[@motas91]

It's mainly the reduced anxiety and I'm enjoying being able to help people

[@motas91]

@@julietteka1161 I totally understand that. That's pretty much how I was feeling towards the end as well. I hope either way things improve for you!

[@Markwinsige]

As a first year graphic design student I find most of what she’s saying to be relatable

[@bclarkphoto]

This video is 100% spot on. It's alot harder to be a designer than people think. The last few years I've fallen into that black hole of not feeling good enough. I decided to finally leave design behind and am on the search for something new now.

[@julietteka1161]

The feeling of not good enough is my daily turmoil working as a designer for a corporate. Constant feedback to "fix" design according to the opinion of others is soul killing...I wonder if it's because of my childhood traumas when I was never good enough for my parents...or that's what it's like to be a creative...

[@Eatmunch]

Feel you girl! XO Feeling overwhelmed and very replaceable is definitely applicable here as well. But the fun projects / pushing boundaries (when sometimes it's definitely unclear) + seeing the work come to life, and having clients / people tell you they love something you've done is one of the best feelings I look forward to!

[@Algurudigitalmarketingchannel]

This is so so relatable! When I started my career as a GD I was under the impression that I will be creating and be free to create all MY LIFE!! But reality hit, so I started working on a side hustle to create the way I WANT. Moreover, I AM MY OWN BOSS in this part of my creations

[@mariet9642]

this is the most relevant video that’s ever popped up in my recommended feed lol

[@ChocolateAsian9000]

Doing you own projects is also extremely important. I get a second wind when I do what I want for myself, and my corporate design job brings home the bacon. I’ve learned a lot about communication and business etc at work, and explore my own ideas on my own

[@MrKezo]

This video is spot on! I started graphic design in 2012 by doing projects for fun then I started taking clients and went through exactly what you went through. I was going to go to college for graphic design, but I knew I would get burned out working for corporate. This led me to major in marketing instead. Now I get to create integrated marketing campaigns with my own creative direction while still using my skills as a graphic designer. Additionally, I design on the side for personal projects, friends, and family. This helps me continue to be creative and lets me love graphic design instead of resent it.

[@husnaliyana8393]

Thank you for helping me reevaluate my interest in graphic design and sharing with me the answer that I've been unknowingly looking for

[@qtippz]

I've been doing Graphic design for the past 20 years and honestly...I'm done with it. This video explained EXACTLY why. Once you've done hundreds/thousands of designs over the years, You just get exhausted, overwhelmed and tend to get this artist block at every design. It's depressing. I love art. I love graphic design. But doing it for other people is a no for me now.

[@ChrisEllinas]

Awesome video, great points, and editing! I totally get the feeling of making the client always the priority. When the client says you're the expert work your magic, I think we need to stop and ask more questions if we are not satisfied with the answers, we shouldn't start working on anything, and ask again. I love the flying papers in the intro by the way 😊

[@we1n1ng]

After being retrenched twice, I ask myself if this is really what I’m meant to be doing. Thanks for the vid

[@southpawh]

You totally justified the reason why I walked away from graphic design after the first year of school! Art is personal and I’m not build for that kind of burn out.

[@sam_bo4212]

And then what did you decide to do? Which career?

[@B_27]

A lot of the problems you described come from a lack of experience and it seems you are pretty new into your career. I've found that as I gain more experience I become better at understanding what the client wants from the beginning which often avoids excessive rounds of revision. I've also become better at "selling" my design to the client and I work for an agency so I get payed a salary regardless. I will say though that pretty much any job within the creative industries is very underpaid.

[@mchlle94]

As in many creative or artistic jobs, the issue is that most people do not have a good (trained) eye/ear/etc or sense of what's good/bad, but at the same time refuse to accept that you are an expert, because they think it's something "easy that everyone can do". And most organizations are also so afraid to do something new and think outside of the box, while at the same time having insane expections and requirements, that everything just becomes the same, and your job's more about pleasing and constantly adjusting than it is about anything remotely creative. I think it's because of my own experience working in creative and artistic fields (as a freelancder) that the times I worked with a graphic designer, I've really given them full creative freedom to create. They always came up with really cool stuff that in turn inspired me again!

[@hemedia7082]

Having been a design specialist in a number of areas, for the past 20 years, I still say to new clients, without their input, I could design their idea as a spoken word 1 billion ways and still get it wrong. But the idea of creating that breakthrough moment when a clients likes are met, makes all the troubling times of getting it right, all seem worth while.

[@incredibleIndia8]

I have been doing graphic design for 2 years now. I haven't been able to make any income. Most of the time I work for free, now I have zero confidence in what I do. This year I have decided to quit graphic designing.

[@mariakrylova2266]

Oh, this is so fucking relatable! I've been working in this field a little bit over 4 years now, and I feel like shit. I am underappreciated, burnt out, exausted and sometimes my mind just go all foggy because of all the stress and I can't concentrate. It feels a little bit like abusive relationships to be honest. You feel like shit, and you want to go away, but once in a while you see your project somewhere and think "Well, maybe it's not so bad! And anyway, the outside world and other jobs are probably so much worse, and I'm gonna die hungry and miserable if I quit". I think this is not normal and this is bullshit! I hope me and all of us who struggles will find a way to change things for the better. Sending hugs to all of us!

[@CGingerbreadman]

I feel like 50% of the work I’m given at my corporate job isn’t even a graphic designer’s job. I’m the head graphic designer, but also an IT guy (even though we already have an IT guy), a PowerPoint maker (even though it’s all internal presentations that our sales team should be able to do themselves), a handyman (no, I don’t want to be responsible for hanging stuff on our walls), and the mailman (you can send those 50 page catalogs I designed and had printed yourself thank you). I swear no one knows what I do, and every task is a last minute request. It’s the worst. I’ve even had to paste some guy’s letter into a letterhead template for him ‘cause he doesn’t know how to use Word.

[@Its.justChad]

Thanks for the video! I needed to watch this as I'm choosing this as my major so I know what to expect when graduating.

[@pinktypewritter5380]

Not just graphic designers tho anything that relates to creative fields is exhausting. I was a student of graphic designs and jump to landscape architects. Itis crazy like a roller coaster.creative people always have similar problem. I have the same problem in both fields

[@vikram4746]

May I also recommend that designers should also take time to design their own thoughts (which also distracts from getting stuck), which can then be placed on things like t-shirts, mugs etc. via Print on Demand service providers and then sold on platforms like Etsy etc. So we may enjoy our own design thinking and also may make some profit out of it. And thanks for putting out the honest truth.

[@diegomercier8864]

i love graphic design, specially Logo design, i see a poster outside in i evaluate the design and get inspiration or i see a packaging of a product i bought and trash talk about how wrong they made it😂 i love it and i've had times where i was lost and lost the motivation to continue with personal projects and took month for me to start again but i never gave up, ever. and something i learned was " just sit down and start creating"

[@Sophia-cy5pm]

What I found fun is working in the board game industry. I’ve worked on board games with big licenses like Disney, Steven Universe, Rick and Morty, DC Comics etc. It’s fun so far ☺️ and it’s very cool to go into a store and see something I worked on.

[@alexcortez3007]

It's especially challenging for graphic designers working in the corporate world where you work with people who know nothing about the creative process. Not only do they expect great work every time, but they expect it FAST. Sometimes asking you come up with multiple design studies in an afternoon or so.

[@acnelson75]

I feel everything mentioned in this video more than you will ever know. The phrase “make it pop” is pretty much the equivalent of Bucky Barnes trigger words to me. That said, the end result of a project that I loved combined with the ability to work on my own projects has been what’s kept me going all this time.

[@LunaGuinevereStudio]

I am currently a graphic designer, working 9-6, and I got this job by accident last year haha. So I applied for a VA position but I didn't have the skills they were looking for, but they thought of offering me a graphic designer job since I draw and paint. I happily and excitedly accepted the job, only to find out later that it is like a prison and not creative at all! I hate it now but it pays my bills and I am still very thankful for the opportunity. I am about to hit the 6th-month mark and already super exhausted. But when I do work for myself, getting my own clients or people coming to me that's more rewarding than working in a corporate. So I hope I will be able to switch to being a freelancer in the near future. I will only get commissions then so that I can turn down anything that does not excite me or make me happy. Anyway thank you for the video, this is really an eye-opener.

[@CRUZEOO]

13 years in graphic design, i can somewhat agree, by then any designer would come out with their own formula on how to deal with what client wants or somehow read their minds by reading them. deductive reasoning is the key you also will become a master manipulator, in a creative sense, i can conclude that graphic designing are more of a problem solving than designing it self

[@marie-bo5il]

I think this is what leads me to freelancing too. If a client is already not abiding by my.methods and process irs best they look somewhere else, etc. And definitely only working with certain people who love your specific aesthetic and ethics. I do know this burnout very well as someone who freelance just doing minor freelance stuff. I put up more boundaries and not afraid to say no. I haven't worked on a corporate position or agency. I can only imagine how wild that could be with endless revisions and clients who aren't appreciative 😢

[@steventelfer8186]

I can relate to everything you said. I don't hate Graphic design but I have making unnecessary and unending changes. This can really be stressful! 🤦‍♂️

[@jenydiasoto6068]

I can soooo relate to this video. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! Thank you for also mentioning the things you do like about graphic design, that's basically how I view the pros of this career :)

[@bidishadey8391]

I discovered this video just now...and I want you know how much I needed to hear this!...being a graphic designer i face this on a daily basis. I even loose my shit on some days!.. it's like am i even a creator?...am i even capable of designing something?..I'm still going through this..but this gave me some clarity and peace...so thank you for that 🥺💖

[@xiiixviiiw]

What you mentioned in the beginning is why I quit working for clients (@$$H%LE$ ).Then I adopted a cat and now I design my own stuff to my liking and sell it to the people of my liking !

[@ShortGirlsClimbCounters]

Is this a full time job for you?

[@FutileGrief]

Please teach us your ways

[@cndausz2888]

I feel you sis. Creative block is REAL. Those exhausting moments are real. But the moment you realized that we managed to benefit other people out there, it can make you smile. Cheers! All the best to all graphic designers all around the world!!! ☺️... and YES we deserved to be appreciated. #graphicdesigner

[@dezign4everr]

Everything you have said is so true. I’m a graphic designer/ fine artist and been doing it for over 15 years and that rabbit hole of creativity and unrealistic expectations from clients can get really dark. However, the rewards come when you see your work out in the world.

[@boopei]

Oh wow, I related to this 100%! I worked for a corporation for 13/16 years I've been a designer and I feel like it killed my creativity. We were all laid off, and I'm just now starting to get a little creativity back. And you're right, burnout is real even when you have phenomenal clients. But I keep doing it for the same reasons you stated. There's a whole lot of love and pride that goes into seeing your work 'out in the world'.

[@oceanies]

I love making things for other people which is why I want to be a graphic designer 😂❤️

[@juliand2108]

I recently graduated with a graphic design degree and I genuinely think I chose the wrong path. I haven't even gone out in the industry yet but from my experiences in school the thought of spending my entire career in such a grinding, mentally draining and honestly soul-sucking profession is honestly such a depressing thought. Great video though, I can definitely appreciate someone being honest about their experiences ✌

[@b69astro]

Therein lies the ultimate challenge in being a Graphic Designer. It's being self-challenged in looking for new alternatives when many designers have already created a lot of good stuff. The answer to seeking to create something different is simply to take something that already exists from various points and opinions and create a new one.

[@naveenmanjhi5776]

Before this video even ended. You earned a new subscriber!

[@colbyr.adamson4427]

A lot of what your say about communication is spot on in my opinion. Ive drawn my whole life, everytime i seek to design something for someone i get "just draw something". This is usually when i seeking to understand what appeals to them. Simplely they themselves dont know and dont want to be patent for 5-10mins while i show them a few things to see whats appealing to them.

[@nazirinkhrddn]

Watching this video after being given "you can do this in less than an hour" or "i can do better on canva / powerpoint" statement really is heartwarming & a sigh of relief

[@Boytok2012]

I totally agree on this. Being a ui/ux designer, we’re also given graphic design(from logo to infographics) tasks from time to time. And it’s totally exhausting and frustrating at the same time. Sometimes, you just tend to “pixel push”, just to get things done. Not all the time, or even most of the time, you can’t please your client. Before it starts, I think they already know what they want. They just need some sort of validation. And that is through your designs.lol

[@gabrieladelgado2172]

I legit almost quit design this year bc of how burnt out I was. I've had to deal with the more corporate side of design and it felt like me creativity was being spread thin more and more. I just started a full time job for more stability and I just hope it a goes well.

[@roliolupitan7099]

I like how I’m seeing this video right after my mom told me to pursue graphic design instead of photography.

[@husnaliyana8393]

How cool! My parents support neither 😕

[@nicolezaide8210]

awww I have a mom like you

[@jessicamarcille8062]

As a freelance graphic designer and seeing all of these comments, I get why I don’t get bored compare to other designers : I never studied art or even been into artistic things. However I’ve been studying and learning about business strategies, marketing and development my all life. So now when I do designs, I don’t do it to fulfill my artistic side, but only with the aim to build a business strategy behind it and solve problems. I think people who want to get a career into that field need to know about everything that you said and take it into consideration. Graphic Design (as a job) is way more business oriented than art oriented and it can be frustrating for all of those amazing artists... thanks for that great video ! (I’m French, sorry if my grammar isn’t perfect)

[@shashankdangwal3010]

Hello , I read many comments . Like really , I felt like i was stuck on a job . But now I feel like just do ur stuff and don't give a fuck what else think.❤️ I'm really really grateful for your video . I searched ur whole playlist you're damm awesome your vlogs are lit❤️

[@loluh2880]

hiii!! im going into graphic design in college hopefully next year and i just wanted to say i absolutely LOVE this video!! :)

[@yse2010]

Yea, Corporate Design is a creative drained when dealing with clients and bosses. It still has its good side, but not most of it. Just happened to be last week, doing a small folding card designs for 3 days straight, all designs rejected. Just like most bosses, are hard to deal with when comes approval. All my boss could says is "I don't like any of these designs." Then changing and changing on the 4th day, and I wasn't the only designer doing the same task together. Lastly, my boss dropped all his requirements and took a like on a senior designer's design, ignoring the rest. I was totally upset and burnt out, but another side, I admitted the 3rd designer's was better than ours.. I can see how far my level is and what I lack in our designs. Some do think our designs is good, but not from the one's design taste who give the green lights.

[@priteshpandya9514]

Thanks i am not alone ❤

[@simonebernacchia]

I hear you, i have been a web designer for several years in the past and the way people first want new stuff then cut your legs because is too new can suck your soul :(

[@guntheroberholster3311]

Creative burnout is real! I am at that point. Edit: Freelancers and I guess all remote workers, have any of you found a network of creatives to inspire you? Bounce ideas off of?

[@kurosenpai]

im a part time graphic designer my self, i mainly do logo, banners and stuff. About the you have to read the clients mind is so on point. Its like a battle of how much you can read so that you can deliver the final design that really actually what your client wants. this is taxing. What i learn is that once ive done with a design, i will present it with a portfolio, design goal, why i chose this colour, why this round, why this one is pointy, what inspires me, what is the connection with the clients company. If i can make a convincing portfolio, most of the time the client would be like, oh you got a point there.

[@Lorenzo12089]

I also don't like graphic design but I want to improve it. The thing is I can make the design but I don't have any good idea for the design. Also, sometimes choosing the right colours can be very frustrating. Some colours just hit hard on the eyes, some don't make the text visible, some just look ugly etc. I hate this feeling of not being able to get the design right. It makes me feel worthless sometimes. Anyways good job on the video.

[@artengage4084]

That's exactly my thoughts on making graphic designs for clients too. ♥️

[@LunaVeau]

spent a lot of time and money to get a BFA in graphic design, then got a job as an inhouse designer at a marketing firm. After a year I quit design all together. To this day the idea of meeting with another snotty client gives me cold chills lol. I still LOVE good design and the craft but yea, it just was not for me personally.

[@ReeSyncs]

"but only YOU know what you want"

[@jnojules397]

Don't give up my brother💪💪