In the Designing World, Believing is Everything

Most designers love what they do, which is something that a lot of people cannot say about their professions. Most designers become designers because they truly enjoy the work, and are addicted to the creative process.

But being a designer is difficult. It is hard to build a successful career in this field, because there is so much competition. It can sometimes feel like it is impossible to spread the word about your value as a designer. It is at this early, frustrating stage that many people give up, and leave this profession that they love.

How can you avoid that fate? How can you become the successful designer that you desperately want to be? The key is perseverance.

Dale Carnegie said, “The secret of success is constancy of purpose.” By that, he meant that there is value in being stubborn. Even when it seems that you will never make it, you just grit your teeth, put on your best scowl, and keep pushing. Never allow yourself to forget your purpose: becoming a successful designer. Constantly reinforce that thought within yourself.

Of course, being good at designing is important, as well. Take on whatever assignments you can find, and continue to expand your abilities. Try to do a variety of different types of projects, from basic brochure jobs to elaborate color printing work. And do not limit yourself just to the big, commercial printing jobs. Take on work from private customers, and ask them to tell their friends and associates about your skills. No job should be too small for you to do.

Still, no matter how good you become, you will probably encounter road blocks. There will be times when you may consider leaving the industry for something more stable.

David Airey is a successful designer in the United Kingdom. He says of his early struggles, “It’s not easy getting started, but I always knew I’d stick at the graphic design.” In the end, he says, “I kept at it because I’m passionate about design.”

That is exactly the attitude you should adopt. Remind yourself how much you love designing. Pour your passion into every job, and take on a constancy of purpose.

The next time you are staring at your computer screen, working on a “simple” color printing for a small-time customer, think of how that could be the first step to the career that you ultimately want to have. Remember that every bump in the road will be worth it in the end.

You will get there eventually.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit: Commercial Color Printing