On Being a Designer
by thepapergnome
via: David Airey
Are you still a designer if you’re not designing? I’ve asked myself that a lot this year. I recently mentioned that I had a job interview for a design position that I was really excited about. The company decided they were not able to fill the position at this time and instead approached me for freelance opportunities. Our negotiations fell through and I am left without the job or the client. So I ask myself again, am I still a designer when I’m not designing? For the last year, I’ve been supporting myself at a temp job doing what is basically data entry. Only recently, I got a promotion. Now instead of being a temp, I’m a full time employee of the company with all the benefits that entails. While it is nice to get a raise and not have to worry about getting laid off, I can’t help but feel like I’m going in the wrong direction. I saw this book art on Pinterest and it resonated with me. I may not have my dream job, but I am happy to have a job. I work for money. I design because I love it. Until the day that I can support myself with design, that’s going to have to be enough.
[...] that inspire me on the internet, and adding little bits of design to help convince myself that I’m still a designer even if I don’t have my dream job, and brief glimpses of my work. I feel like I’m just [...]
I am currently experiencing exactly the same thing. When I graduated from my product design degree, I decided to myself that I was only going to apply for jobs that I really wanted, i.e. design/creative jobs. I didn’t want to somehow get sucked into a job that I didn’t see myself staying in. I had posted my CV online through a jobs site as well as on my own website, and I received a call from a recruitment company.
The next thing I know I\’ve been with the company in a technical sales role for a year and a half now, feeling oh-so stuck because I\’ve taken on financial responsibilities for both myself and my boyfriend who lives with me. While I fill all my free time outside of work with creativity, it’s just not the same, is it?
I\’ve not posted here before, but I just wanted to say that I know exactly how you feel and what you\’re going through. Big hugs!!
Thanks for the support!