People assume that people starting out on their graphic design career are full of passion and are bright-eyed about entering the workforce. For some, that might be true. But realistically, it is hard work getting your career off the ground. This is especially true considering the current economy and job market. There are times when the process of becoming a graphic designer makes you question if this is the path for you, if all of this hard work is paying off, or if you’re even inspired anymore. Here are 10 tips to stay inspired if you are a junior graphic designer:
1. Go on a walk
Aside from the physical benefits of taking a walk, walking also has mental health benefits. Sometimes getting inspired is as simple as taking the time away from your computer. It might seem counterintuitive to stop creating, but it helps to take meaningful, restorative breaks.
2. Go to your local library or bookstore
They say knowledge is power. So empower yourself! You don’t have to necessarily read about graphic design or art. Browse the bookshelves and listen to what interests you. In this environment, you have the information right in front of you. Don’t forget to engage with the stuff that makes you excited! A book about frogs? Yes! A book about the Renaissance? Sure! If it gets you going, absorb more of that! Moreover, take notes or pictures–engage!
3. Go to an art gallery
There is something sacred about going to an art gallery. Maybe it’s the quiet reverence. Or maybe it’s the fact that everyone is there for the same purpose: to look at art. Nevertheless, there are many ways to interpret art and many ways to approach your visit to a gallery. Be open to what you see. Jot down the details of your favorite pieces while you engage with the art by reading the text on the wall. Look it up when you get home and read about the time period or the artist herself.
4. Socialize
Sometimes when we’re working, we don’t realize how much we’ve isolated ourselves. It is way too easy to get lost in the daily grind. Maybe you’re too tired after a long day of work. Or maybe you quite literally finish late at night. Be aware of how much you’re seeing (or not seeing) other people and having a chance to relate and connect with the outside world. Go grab a drink with that friend you keep flaking on. Or catch a late night showing of that movie you’ve been meaning to watch with your roommate. Grab a coffee with your coworker away from the office.
5. Reach out to a mentor to catch up
It is really helpful to have relationships with designers of all levels, especially when you are starting out in your career, because they have experience and may have advice to impart on you. It’s always nice catching up with old friends. In any case, don’t forget about your mentors.
6. Read or do something new
For example, read that article your friend sent you…finally. Take a new route to work. When you do something outside of your routine, you allow yourself to change your perspective.
7. Discover new music
Don’t underestimate the power of listening to music. In other words, it’s time to refresh your playlists.
8. Revisit something that you used to be obsessed with
It’s not just a phase, mom! Remember when you were obsessed with that thing in high school? Maybe it was baking or maybe it was Martin Scorsese or maybe it was horses. Whatever it was, reignite your fire for that topic. You’ll remember what it feels like to be obsessed with something.
9. Doodle
Doodling is not the same as drawing. It is passive. Doodling is for yourself and it’s low-stakes. Doodle whatever you want. It can be as simple and basic or as detailed and grand as you want.
10. Assess how seriously you’re taking yourself
When you’re first launching your career as a junior graphic designer, you might be under the impression that you need to be serious to be taken seriously. However, here’s your reminder to not take yourself too seriously. Let yourself make mistakes, be human, and learn from the world and experiences around you.
As a junior graphic designer, it’s easy to get caught up on “making it” in the design industry. It is also easy to lose sight of the passion and joy that brought you to the profession in the first place. Before you run for the hills, consider trying one of these steps and getting unstuck and out of your head. You can carry these with you into your career for years to come.