A dash of pride, a pinch of adrenaline, a dizzying blur of long nights... Working in some of the best design agencies on the planet is a lot of things. While I’d once seen working at a big design agency as the pinnacle of career success, it turned out to be a pretty neat stepping stone. 

The more experienced I became, the more I was tempted to go it alone. The more I thought about starting my own design collective, the more I was equal parts scared sh*tless and wholly invigorated.

Goodbye, Paycheque. Hello, Great Unknown.

Taking that giant leap away from security is really bloody tough. We all do it at some stage, whether it’s a blind hop into the complete unknown or a shaky step slightly outside of our comfort zone. 

That jump into foreign terrain usually comes with a healthy dose of crippling anxiety and self-doubt. Can I actually make this work? PANIC. Am I good enough? PANIC. No, really am I good enough? PANIC.

When you start your own thing and you’re working with clients, you’ve got to put yourself out there time and time again. You’ve got to create something brilliant then present it in front of a room or zoom full of strangers and it’s all on you. No pressure!

The Great Leap Forward 

If you’re a young aspiring graphic designer, I’d love to inspire you. I can imagine myself telling you that it becomes second nature to completely put yourself out there in the big world. I can see that being inspiring and changing your life. It would be incredible. The bottom line, however, is that it doesn’t get easier. BUT you do become better and it does become worth it. 

My Big Fat Art Baby 

Like a doting mum, I push myself because I absolutely fucking love what I do. I throw my whole heart into it. I know a whole host of people who would say the same, but I question if they really are head over heels. At this point, it would be harder not to take the risks and to hold myself back.

To stay inspired, I only work on projects that connect with me. If a client doesn’t intrigue me and I don’t believe in their vision, I reject it. I’ve learnt that the more you love something the more heart you’ll put in.

One Decade = Two Minutes 

As much as I sincerely love what I do, I couldn’t have gone it completely alone. Most of the crew that Design-Hungry calls on come from a big agency background, myself included. 

I am grateful for my decade in an agency. They say it takes ten years to be able to do something in two minutes, and it’s so true. Some things are effortless today because I already put in that decade of blood (from countless scalpel interactions - we used to present actual foam board moodboards ‘back in my day’) sweat, and tears. 

Build Your Base 

Another fringe benefit of working at an agency was meeting people. On top of finding partners in crime who were always ready for Friday drinks (you know who you are) I met some beyond brilliant minds who I am very grateful to be able to say became part of the Design-Hungry collective.

Like an experienced Tinder date, I slowly but surely learnt how to distinguish the brilliant from the disasters-in-the-making. When it comes to the Design-Hungry crew and our clients, I like to think I’ve developed a 20/20 vision for those red flags and green lights. 

You Can’t Be Good At Everything

Why try to be good at everything? You’re never going to win an Olympic medal in every sport. Find your strengths and call on someone else to do the bits you can’t. It’s one of the central foundations of my success (and sanity). I don’t just sell clients on a design. My crew joins their crew. We work together with both sides sharing a goal and understanding the dynamic. 

Bottom Line: How to Tell Your Inner Critic to F*ck Off 

Sure, it’s all easy in theory. Follow your heart, live your dreams, blah, blah, blah. But how do you make it happen in real life? 

Before anything else, realise that it’s not always going to be easy --- which is exactly why you need to create a solid foundation. Building relationships with your crew and clients will change everything. 

Get comfortable with the people in your professional life. Not so comfortable that you don’t push each other, but comfortable enough to be yourself. Get to that point where you can celebrate together after a brilliant project and also be completely blunt when things aren’t working.

If you’re beating yourself up, take a step back and identify the issue. Do you love the job? Do you click with your client (grab some inspiration from the Why So Formal, if you’re struggling)? Is the juice worth the squeeze? 

Get rid of the things that aren’t making you happy --- yes, you are allowed to do that! Once you ditch the rubbish that isn’t right for you, you’ll also see that inner critic drift into oblivion.