The Mark of a Successful Designer

Recently some questions on measuring success were reflected on by Lauren Marie, a new designer who expressed some frustration with her skill-set compared to those who have been in the business for years. Inspired by her questions, Tara wrote a meme about considerations on success, and tagged a few others to do the same. Interestingly enough, I think a couple of these are repeatedly asked of ourselves throughout our careers…

1. How did you get started in the business?

When my first child was born in ‘99, I had just returned to the U.S. after living in Germany for two years, working in the Armed Forces. My son really changed my priorities, and I began searching for a career which might offer the flexibility of working from home. I’d already been working with computers on some level for a few years, and art was something I was interested in as well. The two worlds collided in the form of Web Design, and when I discovered I could make make a living doing something so fun, and possibly do it from home, I knew that’s what I was meant to do. I enrolled in college courses right away and I’ve never looked back.

2. What kept you going in those early years?

At first, just the thrill of learning something new. Later, it was the feeling of accomplishment every time I started with a blank canvas in Photoshop, and watched it take shape into a full-fledged website.

3a. Did you ever feel like you weren’t good enough or you would never make it in this industry?

Definitely. I think anyone who doesn’t must be the exception rather than the rule.

3b. How did you work through that?

I still have to work through it at times, but I remember my mom telling me once long ago - there will always be someone better, and someone worse. Her words stayed with me, and I’ve learned over the years to be satisfied with doing my best. It’s also been my experience that most clients are pleased with what I produce in comparison to how I feel about it. I have been, and continue to be, my own worst critic.

4. Do you look at others today and think “Wow, I wish I were that good”?

Oh yeah. I see design work all the time that I admire. Not just websites, but illustration too. Every time I get my copy of Photoshop User magazine in the mail, or browse through a CSS gallery online, I’m reminded of how much I still have to learn. While it’s important to look around once in a while at what others are doing, and experiment with ideas, or get inspired, I also think it can be damaging to make comparisons or dwell on others’ work too often, so I try not to give in to that line of thinking.

5. How do you measure success?

For me, two strong indicators are money and happiness. Often in life it seems one is sacrificed for the other, but I don’t think it has to be that way. Finding a balance between the two is tough, but critical to achieving success in my mind. Although… if I had to choose between them, I’d pick happiness every time. There’s also something to be said for happy clients. :)

6. By your standard, do you think you are successful?

The short answer - not yet, but I’m working toward it and I’m satisfied with my life and the career choices I’ve made.

On a final note, I thought this was a fun meme to participate in because I do work at home, and sometimes I miss the office conversations and regular exposure to other designers. Thanks goes out to Tara for including me, and I’d like to extend an invitation to Asgeir Hoem, Jessica Field and Aaron Russell to share their thoughts as well. And what about you? What do you consider the mark of a successful designer?