How to Overcome a Designer’s 3 Worst Fears

Whether you are a seasoned designer or are just starting out on this career path you've, most likely, experienced some fears and anxieties about your work. It's a completely normal thing. You're not alone. In this article I'm going to explore, what I believe to be, three of the worst fears a designer can have. It's important to not let these fears cripple you. Having doubts about your work is all in your head, and having an understanding of these fears and how to overcome them is easier than you think. Let's take a look.

My Designs will Ultimately be Rejected

This is a common fear of all designers. Especially new designers that are just getting their feet wet in the industry. The thought process goes something like this: "I'm going to spend all of this time on a design, and what if the client rejects it. They won't want to pay me for the work, and word will get around that the client wasn't happy with my design skills." First up, this is the wrong mind set to have going into a project. Let's break this fear down a little bit. "I'm going to spend all this time." No you're not… not if you have a process that includes sharing early concepts, sketches and ideas with the client. If you keep an open line of communication during these early stages of a project you won't even start finalization of a design without a solid grasp of what works and what the client is happy with. "What if the client rejects it?" If you have a solid grasp of the problem that your design is trying to solve, then the client is not going to fully reject any of your early concepts. They may make suggestions or refinements. They may even provide input on how to make it better, but they won't fully reject the solutions your bringing to the table. Make sure you understand the need of the client before you start any concepts. A mechanic wouldn't start working on a car before understanding the problem he/she is trying to fix, right? "They won't pay me for the work." If you're following a process of understanding the client's need, and staying in good communication throughout the project, then this fear should be eliminated. But you could go a step further to avoid this fear by take a down payment on a project before beginning. Especially with new clients, I find that taking a down payment puts you both on the same page, as far as trust is concerned. If a client is unwilling to put a percentage of the payment down to begin work, it might be a red flag as to whether or not you'll get paid in the end. "Word will get around" No it won't. It's about the clients experience with your design process as much as it is the end result. If the client is happy with your process, then they will be happy with the project's outcome. If that's the case, the only word being spread will be "Awesome".

What if I get Designer's Block?

Oh the dreaded designer's block. It's more common that you might think. We've all been there. The thought process goes something like this: "I can't come up with anything good. Everything I try isn't working. I don't have any new ideas. I don't feel creative" It may comes as a surprise, but this is an easy one to solve. Get up, and walk away. That's really it. Step outside, go somewhere… do something else. In my opinion, designer's block comes from the repetitive or routine lives we, as designers, sometimes live. Get up, get coffee, go to computer, start work. When you stay in a bubble like that your outlets for creative inspiration are limited. One of the great things about being designers is that you can find inspiration from anywhere. I've found inspiration for projects while at the supermarket, on a downtown sidewalk, even outside in nature. Get away from your bubble for a little while. If you can't find inspiration, just wait a little bit… It'll find you. Another good cure for designer's block is other designers. Again, we often times work in a bubble. That bubble needs to be broken. Using social media you should be able to create a circle of designer friends and colleagues that you can bounce ideas and concepts off of. You can even use this circle of friends to challenge you and be inspired by. Most designers live similar lives and have the same experiences… It can be incredibly healthy for your career and your overall mindset to have other people to share ideas, successes and failures with.

I Have Nothing New to Offer that Hasn't Already Been Done

I've heard this one before. I'm too afraid to take the leap because there is already so many people doing what I want to do. The thought process looks something like this: "I was interested in XYZ design, but there are so many people out there doing that. The competition will be too high. Besides, what would I have new to offer that hasn't already been done?" The truth is that there are a lot of people in the world. Comparing that to the ratio of XYZ designers, I bet the actual competition is relatively low. Let's break this one down a little bit. "There are so many people out there doing that" Nope, not true. This is simply an excuse that you might tell yourself to keep from doing what you're simply afraid to do. The truth is… There isn't too much competition. Consider this… If you are searching for "XYZ design" then you're going to find people who do it. Just because there are people who do it, doesn't mean there isn't room for you. One of the greatest things about being a designer is that everyone can have a unique approach, a unique style or way of doing things. It's simply how our brains work. Everyone is different. If you gave a project to a room full of 100 designers, you would get 100 unique concepts in return. No two would be exactly alike. What would I have new to offer? The answer here is "everything". Your own voice, skills and unique approach to "XYZ design". If there are people providing XYZ then consider it a challenge to provide your own solutions. If you're not stepping out and making yourself known as a designer of XYZ then you're likely to be missing huge opportunities.

Conclusion

Being a designer often comes with a set of fears and anxieties, but keeping the right mindset about these fears can be the difference in overcoming them or letting them cripple you. Let's take a quick review:

• Avoid the fear of rejection by building a solid design process that allows you to understand the clients need and keeps you in good communication through the life of a project.
• Stay away from designer's block by getting out of your bubble and seeking inspiration from the outside world and/or through your circle of designer friends and colleagues.
• You have something to offer to the world through your own unique voice, skills, and approach to design solutions.

I would love to know what fears you've had as a designer and how you were able to overcome them. Please share your experiences using the comment fields below!