We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.
Hey there,
From your perspective, I may not know what it feels like to fear losing your job or being told by a design director that you can't pursue a design career without formal education. Maybe you've applied for jobs and never heard back, or you're being told you're not the right fit.
But looking back, when you find success in your work, does that mean you were a failure all along? Absolutely not. I've been in your shoes and never gave up.
In this newsletter, I want to share my reflections on my design journey and provide some insights and tips that have helped me along the way.
I used to be far from where I am now. I've experienced numerous failures and disappointments, but I’ve learned to see those failures as opportunities for growth. I think it was in 2016 when I first started sharing my work on Instagram from scratch. In the first two years, I didn't earn any money and failed multiple times. But I never gave up.
What helped me was creating a plan and pushing through challenges—whether by learning a design system or winning a proposal. What matters most is how you approach failure and the actions you take afterward.
I often get messages asking, "How do I become a designer?" I understand the aspiration, but ask yourself first: why do you want to pursue this path? Is it because a friend is a designer, someone praised your skills, or do you feel an inner calling?
Whatever you want to become, the key questions to start with are:
Maybe you want to be a UX/UI designer—now is the time to create a path and stick to it.
Have you ever wondered why some designers share everything except their work, and then complain about not getting clients? It’s all about the approach. Posting content should have a purpose—whether it's building a following or attracting clients. If I were in your shoes, and my goal was to work with 10 clients or earn more, I’d focus solely on sharing work that attracts clients—not followers or attention.
Remember, you get what you give.
As a designer, what's most valuable to me is my work and experience. People want proof of your skills, and the best evidence is your work. They will find you based on your portfolio and ask about your skills after seeing your work. Early in my career, I shared my work online—whether it was for my job or clients. This helped me find more clients faster. Think of your work as a magnet that attracts opportunities.
Your work speaks for itself. Focus on creating and sharing great work, and the clients will come to you.
See you in another one!
Let’s grow together 🙌