The ego of the self drives us.
As a designer, I believe we tend to create from a place where our ego can thrive and become validated. With the ever growing places to post online, gain attention, gather feedback and validation, visual design has been an ego-serving industry. But, I believe the only way to truly grow and survive as a designer in the current landscape of work is to check your ego and refrain (or thoughtfully consider) what work and how much work we are sharing. Feedback is great and community is important, but the validation is not. Consider why you post, share an…
In no way am I being reductive. I am merely trying to highlight that we need to prod deeper into our own work and find out why we create for ourselves. Why do we share our work?
Some designers would say because:
They get new clients
They get contacted for future work
They raise their own work
I think humility and empathy will take anyone, no matter what field they are in, much further in life than to be driven by ego in their career decision making. I have seen this play out first-hand by designers and non-designers throughout my life. The ego is a powerful tool, but can also be the downfall of many if not harnessed. Self-awareness is key to checking your ego along every step of your creative journey and knowing how it affects your decision making. The ego, if not harnessed, can lead to pride and pride leads before the fall. Ask yourself along the way, how is this serving myself and others? And I think this applies not just to the work, but also the decisions and paths we take throughout life. The ego will absolutely destroy your career, and if used at the right time, can catapult you to the next level indefinitely.
The ego, in a creative space, should be a backseat driver in your consciousness – you acknowledge it’s presence, you hear it begging you to take certain turns and directions along the journey; but ultimately it is not in total control of where you are headed.
Photo credit: Souillac-Marine-Graveyard-1950