It’s hard work sticking to the creative field. I think it has to be in your blood.
After speaking to a friend from design college who is now working in real estate I’m reminded that many of my professional colleagues in the creative industry, and even more friends from University, are no longer in the design field.
The first wave dropped out shortly after uni. I must admit it was pretty defeating for me, hounding design studio’s for 6 months before finally being given an amazing opportunity at Billabong. I sometimes wonder if that initial test of endurance created in me a tenacity to stick with the creative industries.
Even with the amazing opportunity that presented itself though, I notice another wave of colleagues change courses when those inital “foot in the door” opportunities didn’t have the prestige that most designers are hungry for. Mine certainly didn’t. I was spending 3 days out of 5 pretty much entering data into sales catalogues. But while I watched colleagues use the other 2 days to read articles online and take long lunch breaks, I found my job satisfaction in practicing my design and illustration techniques.
Perseverance and practice got me into a great art directing role but they also taught me to enjoy the process that has kept me designing and refining as a professional for 20 years. Because unless you love the process you won’t stay long in the design field. And there are definitely parts of the process I have hated and that have worn me down.
The possibilities have only increased as I keep persevering, practicing but the process is something I have learnt to trust. I’m a big believer in the idea that practice, perseverance and a love of the process lead to possibilities. Look at that, alliteration!
So what?
Well I guess if you’re on a creative path I want to encourage you to stick with it. Keep refining it. If you persevere with the practice and process then unexpected possibilities will come. The creative spark that got you started will never die if you find a way to let it keep warming your soul.