The SECRET to Becoming a Successful Designer!

Summary

In this reflective video, a former in-house designer shares their transformative journey from employee to full-time business owner, highlighting the challenges of imposter syndrome and fear of failure. The speaker discusses the pivotal moments during the lockdown that fueled their entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of embracing personal growth. They emphasize the value of community and vulnerability in building a personal brand, revealing how external pressures can cloud true aspirations. Ultimately, the narrative centers on overcoming fears, redefining success, and surrounding oneself with supportive, like-minded individuals to navigate the complexities of business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embracing change is essential for personal growth, as reflected in the journey from being an in-house designer to becoming a business owner.
• 🕒 The onset of the pandemic created an opportunity to pivot from a side hustle to a full-time business.
• 💪 Overcoming the fear of not being good enough is a common struggle for creatives and can be tackled by taking actionable steps.
• 🚀 Building a personal brand requires putting oneself out there and engaging with the community beyond just showcasing work.
• 🤝 Collaborating and discussing ideas with trusted partners can provide valuable perspective and prevent misguided decisions.
• 🔍 Recognizing that success is subjective and can take many forms is crucial; not all growth needs to be about scaling up.
• 🙅‍♀️ The fear of failure can hinder decision-making, but understanding this fear is the first step to overcoming it.
• 🎯 Success comes from continuous learning and starting new projects despite the fear of imperfection.
• 🤔 Self-awareness plays a key role in identifying personal goals and ensuring actions align with one's true desires.
• 👥 Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can help provide support and perspective, particularly in moments of doubt.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to leave their full-time job?

The speaker left their full-time job to pursue building their own business, which they initially started as a side hustle.

How did the lockdown influence the speaker's business journey?

During the lockdown, the speaker was furloughed and had a lot of free time, which allowed them to focus on their business and develop a plan to grow it.

What was the initial reaction of the speaker to being furloughed?

At first, the speaker spent two weeks doing nothing and watching Netflix, but then they realized they needed to take action and sort out their life.

What was the core problem the speaker faced after becoming a full-time business owner?

The core problem was the fear of inadequacy and the feeling that their design style was not good enough for clients.

How did the speaker overcome their initial fear of not being good enough?

The speaker embraced their feelings of imposter syndrome and decided to take action by showcasing their personality on social media, which helped them connect with clients.

What realization did the speaker have about running an agency?

The speaker realized that running an agency was not their dream; it was a response to external pressures and expectations rather than a genuine aspiration.

What did the speaker identify as a crucial step to prevent fear from dictating their business decisions?

The speaker identified the need to redefine their understanding of success and focus on what truly mattered to them, rather than conforming to external expectations.

What mindset did the speaker adopt to tackle their fear of failure?

The speaker adopted a mindset that emphasizes starting without needing to be perfect, acknowledging that everyone begins somewhere and learns through experience.

How did the speaker’s partner contribute to their business journey?

The speaker's partner provided support and valuable advice throughout the journey, helping the speaker gain perspective and encouraging them to make decisions aligned with their true self.

What challenge did the speaker recently undertake to confront their fears?

The speaker challenged themselves by inviting professional designers to participate in a logo contest, showcasing their willingness to face fear head-on.