Thursday, January 29, 2009

Graphic Design?

I don't know if everyone has moments in their life/career where we question what we're doing with ourselves, and if what we're doing is really what we want to do? Are you confused yet? The other day, I didn't really have the best day, if you know what I mean. things just seem to go wrong and as the day went on, it only seem to pile on. Quite a few of these things had to do with being a graphic designer. For those of you who don't know, I'm a graphic designer at a Baptist Church, and I own my own side business as a graphic designer. Talk about getting burnt out on graphic design. So basically that day I was questioning if this is the life I wanted to have from now on. I mean, I like doing graphic design. I really do. It's fun, it's creative, you work with computers and every now and then get the chance to sketch out some work. But I guess the artist side of me sometimes comes out too much. It's like, what if Leonardo DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa, then when was finished and satisfied with it, people came in and we like, "Let's do this to it instead, and maybe change this color, and move this here". I mean, would it be his artwork still? Would he still love that piece that he once created? Sometimes I really feel that way. As a graphic designer, and being in this industry for almost 5 years, I know what the job comes with. Criticism, changes, rejection, disappointed and ever now and then the occaisional praise and thank you. Sometimes it feels that one outweighs the other. Maybe it's just as humans we always let the negative stand out like a sore thumb. I told my wife a little bit of what I was feeling, and she responded back, "Well, what would you want to do besides graphic design?". Honestly, I truly don't know. I don't even know why I'm feeling this way. It's really nothing to do with my job, I love where I work. I guess most of that is because I work with some really awesome people and they make each day so much fun. Of course, it doesn't help to be so far away from them during the day, as the graphic designers are set so far apart from the rest of the team. Sometimes, that doesn't help me feel connected. Like we're the bottom of the barrell. I don't know, maybe I'm just venting. I guess either way, God is in control and in the end, no matter what, he's going to put me exactly where he needs me to be.

2 comments:

Alan Varah said...

Hey Bro, I've been there and done that! But look at it this way you're probably on the other side of burned out...

I mean, it happens even though you love where you work and what you do but sometimes you're like: "Dude, what in the world? Do I really want to be doing this till I retire???" Hopefully you're answer is always yes but sometimes it's like heck with this I'm gonna join the circus!!!

I worked with a graphic artist who did the brochures with us when we were at Sallie Mae and he got burned out with all the changes our sales guys were asking too (wrong color, can you make that lady less homely looking... LOL). So, I think that's kinda the nature of the beast for you graphic boys!

I look at it this way, God usually puts us where he wants us... May not be where you wanted to be, I'd like to think he makes sure good people live good lives... With some exceptions of course... LOL

Al

Silly Monkey said...

Yeah, it's just times that I feel like we get dragged through the mud. But like you said, it's the nature of the beast. You have great days were you get praised for your work, and other days when it's like nothing seems to work at all. Like you hit a brick wall. Just like writers block, but except with design.