I went through the exact same feeling. The only thing that helped was taking a little break from thinking about design. I spent some time being very domestic and just focusing on my apartment and day-to-day stuff (cooking, cleaning, more cleaning) and that helped a lot. Once my neck gets better (I have a herniated disk from . . . you guessed it, staring at the computer wrong), I’ll be able to exercise more, and that usually helps quite a bit. Right now I just walk everywhere.

Worrying about being or not being the most precise, most avant garde, most-most talentedest designer is pointless.

(Also, I’m a big fan of video games. A talented web designer backs me on this)

The thing is, even as bad as we perceive that Kawasaki cover—many people, including Kawasaki, don’t. And that’s the way our business is. We don’t have to try to be Chip Kid, David Carson, or Paula Scher every day. Sometimes it’s just a job.

E. Johnston , May 26, 2004 9:21 AM (#)

You are an asset to our clients and me, my sweet. The three cover drafts we went over this morning were quite good and will result in excellent prospects being sent to the client.

I’d ask you not to get frustrated. I did not, Evan did not, J. did not, even Chip did not become the designers we are overnight. (And we keep the target moving by continuing to learn.) Keep going — and know that you’re already leaps-and-bounds beyond the example you cited.

(On which: EWWWW. Heck, Amanda, if you didn’t have such a good design asthetic, there wouldn’t be so many of us kicking around here looking at your posts, eh?)

Giles , May 26, 2004 10:22 AM (#)

Trust me - I’ve been a designer for a long time, and often when I get a new job, I break out in a sweat - worrying about whether this is the job that will prove to the world that I’m a hack, an impostor, or worse.

Most sensitive people have feelings of inferiority from time to time - it’s normal. What’s the best way to get over these feelings? There are several things that I believe you could do to combat these emotions, such as:

You need to be honest and ask yourself if what you are doing is REALLY what you want to be doing. You obviously have a passion for books and cover design, so I’d say you were in the right field interest-wise. But would you rather be a writer? A Librarian? I’m not saying you shouldn’t be a designer, but sometimes we’re not cognizant of our own desires.

If you feel like you want to be a designer, but question your skills, take stock. Could you get more education? Are you immersing yourself in your passion, or are you just standing on the sidelines waiting for an invitation to join in (which we all know ain’t coming)? Are you limiting your potential because of past client experiences? Don’t be afraid to stretch out!

I used to feel like I’d never get book design gigs with major publishers - but that was before I even tried! Once I focused on that as a goal, things opened up. It was a combination of really wanting it and being ready skill-wise.

The Moral? Continue to improve, focus, be patient, and work your ass off!

J. , May 26, 2004 10:33 AM (#)

I like E’s domestic idea, Amanda. I think you shouldn’t worry your pretty little head about this working nonsense and instead bake me up some cookies. I like chocolate chip but peanutbutter are good too.

xo

Ll , May 26, 2004 12:08 PM (#)

yeah, my humble advice would be to be patient and keep going. Best to you, honest.

felipe , May 26, 2004 12:14 PM (#)

i had not read the previous message but cookies sound perfect. Could you send some to Spain? ;-)

felipe , May 26, 2004 12:21 PM (#)

I have no credibility here yet. Oh well.

However, my suggestion would be to continue to study and critique both good and bad design. Just as you are. Looking and thinking about how other people arrived at the solutions that they did while designing will keep you both inspired and ready for new design challenges.

Two, measure your technical skills. Evaluate whether or not you know what you are doing with your tools and why. If you find that you fall a bit short when it comes to using Photoshop or that your typographic or illustration decisions are not coming from a specific direction, classes may be in order.

And three, realize that your feeling is only temporary and all designers feel that way at some point. At times, I have said to myself I could be making more money if I had gone to school for this or that. Perhaps I could have more time on my hands. Maybe my life could be better somehow. I always end up realizing that there is nothing else I could do. This is who I am. I am a designer.

Asking these questions is a good thing. Without these feelings what else would push us to do better?

PUCK , May 26, 2004 12:59 PM (#)

Doing an entry on the show Chip Kidd emailed about reminded me of visiting with him — and how inspirational that was. And continues to be.

Asking these questions is a good thing. Without these feelings what else would push us to do better?

Exactly.

Giles , May 26, 2004 1:45 PM (#)

My personal advice is to intentionally design bad covers. You’ll drop your ‘urge’ to create good, which is the very thing hindering from being at ease (and thus making good covers). Just try :)

Manaus , May 26, 2004 3:59 PM (#)

I think all designers go through these types of feelings and self doubt. My advice would be to keep pushing yourself. I started a new job in January and the designers I’m working with are amazing. Everyday I kept asking myself “What in the world am I doing here?” These guys just keep cranking out one great cover after another. I will tell you though in these past 6 months my design has improved dramatically. One reason is just pushing myself to try and keep up with my co-workers and another reason is just learning from being around good designers. I also keep a huge folder on my desktop full of covers for inspiration. I spend a lot of time at the book stores and scouring amazon looking for cool covers. Just keep digging and you will see improvements. Another thing I do that I think helps is when I get a job I do my best to deliver good design based on what they are asking for. Usually 3 to 4 comps, then I try to do one for myself where I really push the design and the concept. I think it helps to grow and occassionally the client will pick that direction. Anyway just know that you aren’t alone.

Charles , May 27, 2004 2:29 PM (#)

This reminds me—for BEA, we’re showcasing our absolute worst designs. It’s very embarassing for me, but these are the designs where the author stepped in the most, and as a result . . .

Well, anyway. It’ll be nice to talk shop in person.

E. Johnston , May 27, 2004 4:37 PM (#)

I can’t really add much except to suggest that, as much as possible, pick clients who inspire you. My favorites of my designs are almost always for the clients who do things I absolutely love.

Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t stand the idea of intentionally creating something ugly, even just for practice. I have too little time for the people and things I love as it is.

Cheshire , May 27, 2004 7:33 PM (#)

The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.

Online Cash Advance , April 27, 2005 2:33 AM (#)