2 answers
Chantel
Student
Livonia, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How do you deal with self-doubt as a future graphic designer?
I'm currently working on my bachelor's degree in Graphic design, and there are moments when I feel my artwork isn't up to par, and whether my work will be received well. How do I get past this mindset?
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2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Chantel. One way to deal with self-doubt is to keep practicing and trying new things. The more you create, the more your skills improve and your personal style develops. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, every project helps you learn.
Sharing your work with classmates, friends, or teachers can help too. Feedback isn't about judging you, it's about helping you get better and seeing the strengths in your work that you might not notice.
It's also important to separate your self-worth from your designs. If a project doesn't turn out the way you wanted, or someone prefers a different style, it doesn't mean you aren't talented. Design is subjective, and even professional designers face criticism.
Furthermore, you can find inspiration by looking at work from designers you admire or exploring other creative things. Self-doubt usually comes from comparing yourself to others or wanting everything to be perfect. By focusing on learning, experimenting, and recognizing your progress, you can turn self-doubt into motivation. All the best.
Sharing your work with classmates, friends, or teachers can help too. Feedback isn't about judging you, it's about helping you get better and seeing the strengths in your work that you might not notice.
It's also important to separate your self-worth from your designs. If a project doesn't turn out the way you wanted, or someone prefers a different style, it doesn't mean you aren't talented. Design is subjective, and even professional designers face criticism.
Furthermore, you can find inspiration by looking at work from designers you admire or exploring other creative things. Self-doubt usually comes from comparing yourself to others or wanting everything to be perfect. By focusing on learning, experimenting, and recognizing your progress, you can turn self-doubt into motivation. All the best.
Thank you for the advice.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Chantel !
In a way, it's good that you can evaluate your own work and see what needs improvements, but sometimes, we're our own worst critic. Perhaps taking it up a step could ease your worry and help you realize that as an artist, you are unique and no one can do the same art you can do.
Something that will help will be to step into the artist community in Livonia. You just may need a show of your work. Graphic artists can have gallery showings, although the nature of the work and the types of galleries they are represented by may differ from those of traditional painters or sculptors.
Your first step is to create a large body of work. Next, build a website to show your art. Then, you will need to reach out to galleries that show Graphic Art. Galleries can give your art work credibility and marketability ! Something that can take doubt away. If you type into the Brave search "galleries that show graphic art in or near Livonia, Michigan" there is a huge list of galleries that you can start interacting with. Also explore how to get your work hung in any on campus gallery that your Graphic Art or the Art Department may operate.
Being an artist requires exploring, trying and trying again and most of all never comparing yourself to others, ever. It's fine to self evaluate, but never be too hard on yourself. If you find something that needs improvement, make the necessary change. Artists do it all the time. You're in charge as an artist and it's perfectly okay to be in charge. Doubt can be a barrier that interferes with inspiration and productivity, so keep creating and become more actively involved with the art community on and off campus.
With me being a performing artist, I think you just may be going through a phase right now. Worrying about a future career can bring forth doubt, but you've come this far so it's worth going all the way. You can do this !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Live in the moment and enjoy every minute of it and your unique art !
In a way, it's good that you can evaluate your own work and see what needs improvements, but sometimes, we're our own worst critic. Perhaps taking it up a step could ease your worry and help you realize that as an artist, you are unique and no one can do the same art you can do.
Something that will help will be to step into the artist community in Livonia. You just may need a show of your work. Graphic artists can have gallery showings, although the nature of the work and the types of galleries they are represented by may differ from those of traditional painters or sculptors.
Your first step is to create a large body of work. Next, build a website to show your art. Then, you will need to reach out to galleries that show Graphic Art. Galleries can give your art work credibility and marketability ! Something that can take doubt away. If you type into the Brave search "galleries that show graphic art in or near Livonia, Michigan" there is a huge list of galleries that you can start interacting with. Also explore how to get your work hung in any on campus gallery that your Graphic Art or the Art Department may operate.
Being an artist requires exploring, trying and trying again and most of all never comparing yourself to others, ever. It's fine to self evaluate, but never be too hard on yourself. If you find something that needs improvement, make the necessary change. Artists do it all the time. You're in charge as an artist and it's perfectly okay to be in charge. Doubt can be a barrier that interferes with inspiration and productivity, so keep creating and become more actively involved with the art community on and off campus.
With me being a performing artist, I think you just may be going through a phase right now. Worrying about a future career can bring forth doubt, but you've come this far so it's worth going all the way. You can do this !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Live in the moment and enjoy every minute of it and your unique art !