For Insecure Graphic Designers
A lot of people have been telling me things like "I wish I could graphic design as well as you" or "I am not good enough." I usually reply with a "practice makes perfect" or something that will help them feel better, but I decided that since I've been getting so many messages like this, I will make a simple post.
People tell me that I am a talented graphic designer, but let me tell you something. I'm not! Talent is something you are born with—it is something natural. It is a natural gift. Graphic designing is not something I developed when I popped out of my mom's belly. Hell to the no! Graphic designing is a skill I developed. It is a skill I try to improve on every week. 5 years ago, I was just like you guys. I looked up to graphic designers and was very insecure about my designs because I just simply wasn't good enough. I constantly tried to improve. It tooks years and years to just get at least one of them to notice me.
But then I realized, why am I trying to impress them?
I decided that I wanted to improve for me. I decided that I didn't want designing to be a competitive field in my life. I am not trying to win a game. I graphic design because it is fun, and I want to cherish that. Don't try to force people's attention your way, EARN that attention by practicing and working hard. Don't wish to be as good as others. Aim for improvement for YOU and only you. Don't base graphic designing as something competitive because it is not. It is an art and a form of skill and practice. Earn your compliments, earn your experience, and earn your own satisfaction. Do not make it a goal to be like someone else. BE YOU. Graphic designing should be something fun and something you can use your creativity and imagination on. Cherish that.
Some people think that having a tablet makes you a better designer. Again, hell to the no. It took me like 2 years just to get used to my tablet, and at the moment, I am still trying to get used to it! I usually only use photoshop for most of my stuff and my finger mouse. Having a tablet will not automatically make you better. You can design just as well without one. Do not make excuses saying that "I don't have a tablet. That means I can't be a good designer." Never make excuses! Excuses are what make you degrade yourself.
I practiced basically every day for a whole summer one year and I also practice every weekend in order to get better. I want you to set a standard for yourself and aim for your goals. Stop degrading yourself. When you look at other people's artwork, don't say "I wish I was that good." Say, "How can I reach that level?" "Where can I improve?" "How can I better my designs?" Never say, "I wish I was her/him." "I can never design that good." "I will never reach that level."
Practice will help you. The one thing you should make your goal is getting better little by little each design you make. Finding new techniques. And trying to become better. This will not be a trip of rainbows and sunny skies. This will require your mental strength and your willingness.
I am planning to do graphic reviews in the future in order to give you tips and advice. But not like those review shops that use rubrics and a criteria. I am just going to give you words that will help you improve and that will actually HELP you, not spread negativity. I don't like it when I see someone degrades their own skill. Graphic designing is not something people are bound to do without hard work. You need to push yourself sometimes. I am speaking from experience. We all start from somewhere! It is how dedicated and determined you are that makes your designs beautiful and admirable.
I have no idea if what I am saying is really that relevant to any of you, but I don't want anyone to ever be insecure about his or her artwork because it truly does take wild practice and it does take you to a trip through hell and back. It really just depends on you and how you deal with it. I can't tell you to stop being insecure because it is something that is you can't prevent. It is something natural. But I am asking that you use that insecurity as a tool to become a better designer. Use it as a seeking of improvement. Use it as an advantage. Even the best designers in the world seek for more than what they have. You deserve to be happy about yourself, so make yourself happy. :)
- Mizu
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