Have you ever just had one of those moments when you think you will never be able to get over this one hurdle? Well, when it comes to the design world, there are many creative challenges that one will have to overcome whether that be tight deadlines, limited budget, or unrealistic client expectations. There are three creative challenges that I myself have faced and continue to face when designing art which is being self-critical, comparing my talents to another, and getting attached to my art. Many of these are hurdles that we face internally within ourselves and can keep us from reaching our full potential.
Criticism
As I have mentioned, I am a perfectionist which means I am very self-critical, and this has proven to be a hindrance when designing. In the art field, there is always constant critique happening whether that be from peers, clients, or employers. However, critique is not a bad thing. Critique is what makes us better designers because we learn what will make the design better, and also learn what not to do in design. The critique would be helpful for other projects as well.
As designers, we need to be able to take constructive criticism and not take offense when someone offers a suggestion. Most of the time, the first draft is never going to be the final product and will likely go through a lot of iterations. Just recently, I was branding a rock festival for my class and developed a style guide for the brand. I had created and selected everything from the logos to the colors to the illustrations. When it came back from critique, we had to completely alter our color palette to brighter tones thus having to create a whole new style guide. At the time, it was really disappointing since we loved the initial colors, but it was ultimately better for the brand.
Self-Criticism
Peer critique is not necessarily the critique that you need to worry about. It is the critique that you yourself have given to your own art. There are many times where it has taken me forever to start a project because I hate all of my initial sketches and feel absolutely stuck. I begin to get into these thoughts that I am not a good enough artist or that this should come naturally to me. If the designs do not come naturally, that maybe I am in the wrong field. Even when someone critiques something positive, I negate what they said in my head and still think it is not good. Beware when examining your art, that your thoughts and critiques are not venturing in a more destructive than helpful path.
Comparison
Comparison is something that we have all done at least once in our life especially in those awkward teenage years. Those thoughts of, she has better hair than me or I wish I could speak in front of people like that. Comparison can be those little thoughts that we tell ourselves, and they can even involve comparing how skillful someone is. I have throughout my whole art career had a really hard time making sure I am not comparing myself to other designers.
I have found myself a couple times, telling myself that their designs are better, and that I would not hire me. In the end, we are all our own artists with our own styles and drawing preferences. Nobody has the same artistic style as another, and thinking otherwise would make one like everyone else. It is important to remember that we all may be designers, but we all individually our own artist.z
Attachment
One of the best pieces of advice I heard from a professor was do not get attach to your art. This does not mean you shouldn’t care about your art and not give it your most effort. Instead, let yourself be more open minded about your art, letting it evolve and change. Don’t become so stuck in liking a certain design that you cannot see past it. Critique may also not be taken
There has been times where I have gotten so down when my professor did not like one of my designs. So, let your art just be art without any emotional tie. This will be even more imperative when working with clients who have differing opinions to you. Taking an unattached approach to your art will be most helpful when designing.
You will most likely face some of these creative challenges within your design career. Knowing how to handle them when they arise is very important, so remember that we are each our own unique artist and that is what makes the best.