I feel that as a graphic designer people expect you to be creative all the time. The truth is after doing it 8+ hours every day, the last thing I want to do is create more. I just want to turn off my brain. Art is so rarely excitable for me the past couple of years. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s the lack of community. A community to critique, praise, and just discuss art for arts sake. People that speak my language. People that know the value in what we do. I miss school - not because it was school but because I had peers that were constantly pushing me forward to something better.
When I think to the most inspired I’ve been in life, it’s always when I’ve been surrounded by others pushing for better art. What does it mean? Does it have to mean anything? Is there enough white space? What do the colors say? Why does the same imagery always come out in your art? What do those motifs mean about you?
I followed a career in graphic design because I knew I could use my skills and eye to solve problems, make myself money, and help others make money. What I didn’t expect is for it to zap my creative energy on a subconscious level - more than I am probably even aware of.
So for all you other designers out there that feel drained. You aren’t alone.
Look for something to inspire you to make you WANT to create. For you.
5 years agootoyco
I’ve recently been on a similar pursuit for creativity. Got burned out from working in a team that proposed often innovative goals requiring constant late working hours, and sometimes 24 hour work days to achieve. Had to take a break for a while after a few years of that. I’ve recently found that going out and seeing others make in any form, such as cooking, sports, events, etc is very inspirational and makes me want to make as well. Seeing the process and aspirations of makers, while putting themselves out there is very motivating. Thanks for your post, it was encouraging. I think more artist should talk about igniting creativity since it’s a struggle with many. Also, nice piece and good to see you’re getting back into illustration again! Your college work was awesome. Good to see you striving like that again, best regards.
5 years agosoulysamantha
BRYCE - not only is this stunning, but this caption is amazing too! We need to read your words more! MORE MORE MORE - more writing, more art. And let’s find an art community to dive into here bb. 🖤
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