You Don’t Realize How Talented You Are
We, as freelancers, are many times our own worst enemies. Through out my experiences, I’ve learned that artistic people tend to be the most analytical. Even to this day, I cringe a bit before pressing the send button when e-mailing a proof to a client.
Yes, I am always proud of my work, but there is always that little bastard on my shoulder who whispers into my ear, ‘You don’t deserve to be in this industry. You’ll never be good enough!‘
On this day, it is my intention to end that constant chattering that goes on in my head, and maybe in yours too. We don’t realize how talented we are. In fact, I believe that the harder we are on ourselves, the more talented we are as a result.
It takes a very talented person to realize how little he or she knows, ironically. Never-the-less, being down on yourself only creates a toxic environment that helps no one.
Maybe in the web world, more than anywhere else, competition is everywhere. As a designer, every site that I visit on a given day, was created by my competition. Every ad that I view in a magazine, was created by my competition! It’s no wonder that some of us are so hard on ourselves. We are completely surrounded by the top designers in our field. That would be daunting for anybody!
Unfortunately, despite the obvious advantages, many designers, including myself, constantly beat ourselves up. Envy might be a sin, but it is an emotion that I guarantee all of us have felt at one time or another. There are a few constants that we can rely on to get over this ‘disease‘.
Educate Yourself
There should never be a week that is sacrificed when it comes to your education. I have several books plastered on my bedside table that I read every single night. In an industry where, if you’re out of the loop for two years, you’re obsolete - we can’t afford to fall behind. Make a list of what you want to learn each month, and make sure that the items get checked off!
Take A Step Back
Sometimes, it is okay to float your own boat! As long as it is done with moderation, an ego boost can many times double your productivity - not to mention your self-esteem. For example, take a look at a notice that a friend of mine received from the office at his apartment complex.
How many mistakes can you find here? I’m at six and counting (centered text, all bold, all caps, no separation, underlines, etc.) Ask yourself this, ‘Would I ever create an atrocity as illegible as this?‘
Granted, this letter wasn’t created by a designer, but that’s not the point! Pat yourself on the back if you began having heart palpations after seeing this image - I know I did! Now my intention isn’t to insult some employee at an apartment complex. My intention is to remind myself, and all of you, how talented we are. Sometimes, we forget and need something like this to remind us.
As I said previously, remember that the more you learn, the more you realize how much you have to learn! Rather than punching yourself in the stomach, congratulate yourself. Accept that you’ll never know it all.
Younger Freelancers
Don’t be too hard on yourself if the quality of your work isn’t equal to someone with ten years more experience than you. Focus on your strengths. You’re younger, you have a fresher perspective, you have more energy. Use these to your advantage and stop worrying about things you can’t change. Time will eventually be on your side.
Relax
If you are bettering your mind every day, then reward yourself by relaxing and not thinking so much. How can something so simple be so difficult? How many of us have been awake at four in the morning stressing ourselves out? How many of us have trouble holding conversation because our minds are on our work? Take a break every once in a while; no one will beat you up!
The next time that you find yourself feeling envious, just remember: You don’t realize how talented you are. :)
Jeffrey Way
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About the author: Jeffrey Way is a full-time freelance web developer who is most comfortable when blending in with a corner at a Starbucks while working. When he’s not designing for his clients, he maintains a blog that contains thoughts and tutorials related to web development. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his fiance’ and dachshund.
29 Rockin' Comments
June 17th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I am my own worst critic! However even when I think a design is less than stellar, I will include it so the client can at least look at it. Many times, that’s the one they want. Go figure! I realized mind reading is best left to the experts and now I make more money. I have to remind myself of that once in a while.
June 17th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I totally agree. For a long time I had the problem of chronically underpricing my services. Then I realized that my super-cheap rate was actually deterring clients. Always remember, “if you don’t get turned down occasionally, you’re probably under-pricing”
Good article.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
So, all those sites that you wish you had created were MINE? That means that all the sites I wish I had created were YOURS!
And the pricing thing? Yup - people think they are getting what they pay for. Quality wise, that is. How about on the count of three, we all double our rates instantly - 1… 2 …
June 17th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Oh and that Tenant Notice? I stopped reading after about two lines…yuck!!
June 17th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
@Joe - I think every designer on the planet has made that mistake at one time or another.
@Nicholas - That tenant notice should be burned at the stake.
June 17th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Glad I’m not the only one that beats himself up. I threw out so many drawings, stories, and poems when I was younger because I didn’t think they were good enough. How I regret those actions now!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
OMG. This article came at the perfect time. Just this morning, I was questioning my work. By the time I could start working… the power went out for hours. And then I find this. Thank you. (Gets up of the ground, shakes it off and moves on…)
June 17th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Great post. Being only 19 sometimes I catch myself looking at other peoples work and thinking I wish I was that talented or creative, but then I realize how much experience and hard work they have backing up their designs/creations. I know age is on my side and that I have plenty of time to put in the hard work and dedication that they did to one day move up to that level. Thanks for the post!
June 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
@Meryl - I don’t think you can call yourself a designer if you haven’t felt that way at some point.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Not a designer — a writer. And this applies to us, too. I did start out with an interest in web design and found writing was more my thing. No eye for design or art.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Let me rephrase my last statement then.
I don’t think you can call yourself a writer if you haven’t felt that way at some point.
Actually…lately, I’ve found myself sliding more to the writing side as well. My dream job would be to have an editorial column in a small paper.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
This applies to freelancers of all types - writers, graphic designers, photographers, artists, etc. Great read!
June 17th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Yes! I love encouragement! I’m a freelance noobie and I don’t even have my portfolio finished yet, but I hope I’m on my way to becoming an expert!
June 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Yeah, confidence in yourself can be your biggest inspiration when things aren’t going your way. Great read!
June 17th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Really great article. It’s good to see I’m not alone at 4 in the morning stressing myself out (probably afternoon for you. I’m on Fiji time). One of the problems I have is the “I could have done it better syndrome”.
Never satisfied, always restless and always learning.
But I do take a break once in awhile. Something we all need to do.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
One thing I’d like to add to the younger developers. Listen to the veterans. They’ve been around for awhile and while we may not be as hip and cool (except for myself of course), we do have a wealth of knowledge and in most cases are happy to share it.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
i really don’t recognize my capabilities until people see my work. I can criticize other people’s work but not my work
June 18th, 2008 at 3:12 am
I totally agree with you. But sometimes it’s hard to know things better. Especially when you look at awfully designed websites.
btw: I like that small smiley at the bottom of this site.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Bang on there Jeff.
I’m a young designer about to make my way in the world and I often question whether I’m good enough to make design a career. However, your point about taking a step back really brings the message home. I’ve recently had some very positive feedback from people who’s opinion I respect immensely and it has really given me a confidence boost.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:13 am
@Rey - I agree completely.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
@erriko - You can’t criticize your own work?
June 18th, 2008 at 9:52 am
At this point in my creative endeavors, I really needed to read this. It is really good to know that I am not alone. Of all the inspirational web sites I see and articles I read everyday, this article inspired me 100 times more.
Thank you so much for writing this article.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
@T.Blake - No problem. I had a feeling this article would ring true for many people….even if they aren’t willing to admit it. No one likes to tell the world that they feel inadequate.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Well, I’ll be darned. I absolutely love the talent Meryl displays in her writing and I wanna be just like her! Looks like Meryl and I both have to shake off those self-doubts. No doubt after jumping out of a plane tomorrow, Meryl’s gonna feel on top of the world.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Looks like I have to reschedule the scary feat because we’re getting rain here today and tomorrow. Ugh!
June 19th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Thanks for the encouragement. I can definitely relate to a lot of what you said and I see how I’ve almost been reluctant to launch out into the deep and go all out as a freelance designer. I’m sort of at the beginner’s level with a few projects under my belt. I have so much that I want to learn and explore, and so much that I know but don’t fully understand yet in the world of designing. I am confident that I have something unique to bring to the design world and I am not going to allow intimidation of more experienced designers to hold me back. We all have to start somewhere.
I think one thing that has helped me the most is that I have an awesome mentor who is always challenging me and pushing me to the next level as a designer. I would recommend any aspiring design freelancer to seek out a mentor.
Great post!!!
T H I N K | C H A N G E
June 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Great post - I think as a designer it is far easier to be critical of yourself than to give yourself a ‘pat on the back’. Us designers can be so self-critical that it can be more harming to a successful freelance career. Thanks for the encouragement during my pessimestic time. I like the idea of the mentor Antwon! I must find myself one of those.
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:07 am
Great post, indeed. So inspiring. Never letting you down. Thanks Jeff.
July 6th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
thank you for the article. it helped me to be refresh. i was just turned down by my client. we had email for a week and they took the other freelancer. i’m only 18, i’m down right. :)
thank you
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