Navigating life sometimes requires a reset on where you’re heading. It turns out my direction is sound. And after some self-discussion, we’re on the road again.
Sometimes major events in life make you reconsider what life is about, and your place in it. A friend falls terminally ill, a baby is born, someone close moves away, a relationship doesn’t work out. It sometimes helps clarify what is important and prompts change.
No dire events have happened for me recently, but I find myself pondering my place in life regardless. Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s a post-pandemic rebound. Of course I have continued to service my beloved clients with design, and love doing so. But what if there is something else for me?
I have been a graphic designer since I was about 20. That’s a while now. I’ve also been an athlete, and both ‘careers’ have helped shape my identity. I’m proud of what I have achieved. I’ve also had three incredible kids, who have energised me and helped me understand so much more about life. About how as humans we thrive in communities, and even when we’re not feeling ‘social’ we still need people to connect with. That we should draw on our personality traits and what we excel at, to focus our energy on things that make us happy. Because sucking at something sucks, so it’s smart to use your time to do things you’re good at, well. Notice what others are doing, but don’t compare yourself to it too much. Ironically these lessons have been lost on me recently, as I’ve searched internally to find my sense of purpose, post kids, post pandemic, post 40.
Maybe I will change what I ‘do’. Maybe I should teach high school kids? Give back to the next generation in the same way my favourite teachers shaped my ideas about the world. Maybe I should push design harder? Work in a faster paced environment as a part of a larger team pushing creative boundaries? Maybe I should work in house for a not-for-profit? Take lead on a worthy cause. I won’t work within a corporation. My soul is too valuable to operate as a soldier for the man. Maybe I should start a trade? Since I’m so obsessed with flipping homes. Or join a building team? To market the work they do.
My brain operates in spin cycle when it’s offered too many variables. Which pauses anything productive.
Age brings a mixture of emotions, when there is time to pause and let them in. Pride from what I’ve done so far, but also nostalgia about the chapters in life that have been and won’t be again. Plus looking sideways and seeing my peers start incredible new businesses, or hit their straps in their field of expertise. It brings a feeling of wonder, and reflection. Of what have I done? What am I doing?
We all need challenges in life. Pushing towards something and achieving it, is what we are programmed to do. A sense of purpose which involves planning, pursuit and outcome. Well I believe that’s the case. So what will I make my pursuits, my challenges?
Thankfully, I have not stopped working, and the process of pulling together case studies of design work, has helped me realise that I produce quality, effective work. Design for business, that ensures the correct audience engages with the brands I have helped orchestrate. I recently joined a group of businesspeople who meet weekly. Hearing each of them talk about their business each week, reminds me that there are endless numbers of businesses, doing excellent work, needing effective design. And I can help them. And that will satisfy my purpose. And challenge me. And meeting with them each week also satisfies that human need for community and mutual respect.
It turns out, what I need to do, is keep doing what I do. And it’s good to refresh that idea, because I feel more invigorated knowing I don’t need to focus on anything else. So here we are. I am still running a design business helping build valuable brands. I am the design department for brands that don’t have a design department.
Brand Service House.
Servicing new brands and new ideas.
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And for anyone who has read this far, and thought, holy dooly, what’s this post really all about? It’s is a letter to myself. To agree (with myself) that I’m onto a winner with this business, and I will stick at it and crush it. For my clients, but for me too.
