EVERYONE IS HUMAN

Back to the answering: Have I found myself feeling the most creatively fulfilled by the work I do professionally or outside of that?

I’ve had days where I want to quit this career and start a cookie business. I still might totally do that at some point. There have been soul crushing moments and heartbreaking days, as well as some of the happiest and most fulfilling days I’ve ever had. It’s good, it’s bad, it’s a lot, but it’s something! I think regardless of what your something is - as long as it makes you mostly happy, maybe it’s not so bad. There are moments when I look at my corporate design work, and I do think, “How cool was it that I got to be a part of this?” Those moments of appreciation, to me, can make it all feel worth it. 

Like many designers, I am most creatively fulfilled by the work I do on my own accord. Some of that work could be called professional, but it’s kind of whatever to me. For instance, am I a professional designer, or photographer? Kind of, yeah, but when I think of it that way I don’t get as excited about it. Being a professional was never my goal. 

What excites me is just doing expressive things and seeing how people might be affected or impacted by what I create. That is kind of why I became more focused in Experiential Design. Experiential Design involves working with collaborators to dream up interactive journeys people can connect with in some way. Sometimes I do get to do this professionally, and I am appreciative of that. I didn’t graduate thinking I was going to be an Experiential Designer. That sort of simply happened over time, and I directed and adapted myself into that based on my interests.

W: What types of design or art do you partake in to fuel your need for creative outlet?

B: The most important thing for me is to always seek balance and stay inspired and motivated. It’s an ongoing process. Things I personally love are doing research on pinterest and pinning up photos. They aren’t photos, they are baby ideas, and sometimes they come together to form more ideas. So to sum it up, I really really like making mood boards.  I do it for fun and I think I will take that developed skill with me in whatever I do in life. 

I said a few moments back how I am trying to seek balance. I do that through yoga, gardening, listening and curating music playlists, going for a bike ride or a hike. Fortunately right now, I have some time to hit the reset button and get back to basics. The basics being finding more of a balance of doing the things I love to do - for my self growth, professional, and personally. I don’t think enough people understand how important this balance comes into play in our career. Also, if we are imbalanced, how can we be expected to perform at 100% creativity levels? We can’t, it just doesn’t work that way. Breaks and creative outlets are not only important, but fundamentally necessary!