2022: Hindsight
by Zoe Newman
We’re starting off 2022 looking back. What would you say to your younger self? It’s a great question that everyone approaches differently.
If given the chance, many of us would love to return to a time when we were unsure of our future, armed with everything we know now, and help to reassure our younger selves that it will all work out as it should.
When you work in a creative field, where you are responsible for the production of your creativity, it can be so hard to see how your art and career might evolve into the business of your dreams.
This is the gift of growth and age, being able to look back on where you started when you had no idea where you would end up and being able to appreciate where you are now.
Below, we asked some of our designers what advice they would give their younger selves as they were embarking on creative careers. Follow along for some sage advice.
Rozit Arditi, Arditi Design
Advice you'd give your younger self when you were just starting out as a designer!
Take the plunge sooner and always follow your gut!!
How have you grown as a designer since you started out?
My power of perception is stronger which helps me understand my clients better. My network of colleagues and trades is stronger and more robust that helps me look good and present better work. The core value of focus on good design and harmonious client experience stays at the forefront from day 1 to today.
What do you wish you knew before starting your own business?
There is plenty of work for everyone.
Clara Song, Clara Song Design
Advice you'd give your younger self when you were just starting out as a designer!
Stop being afraid.
Julia Blanchard, Blanchard Design LLC
Advice you'd give your younger self when you were just starting out as a designer!
Work hard but take time for yourself
How have you grown as a designer since you started out?
evolved from a shy assistant designer to a businesswoman who can tackle it all
What do you wish you knew before starting your own business?
You will always be working on growing the business
Gala Magriñá, Gala Magriñá Design
Advice you'd give your younger self when you were just starting out as a designer!
Don't push the boulder up the hill so much. Stay centered and let nature guide you. Be inflow. All great things come from the big Self, staying inflow and not forcing ANYTHING.
How have you grown as a designer since you started out?
Each project teaches you so much. I've been lucky to work on so many different projects that it's really rounded out my experience. My sense of style has also evolved and I constantly push myself to make every space we design have a wow factor that absolutely thrills our Clients.
What do you wish you knew before starting your own business?
Do not push so hard and let things flow.
Ahmad AbouZanat, PROJECT AZ
Advice you'd give your younger self when you were just starting out as a designer!
It takes time and the path isn't linear.
How have you grown as a designer since you started out?
I learned to keep an open mind, listen and observe more. If any non-urgent issues come up, I ask for time to deal with it and come with the best resolution. Instant answers can be just like a bandaid, it's a temporary solution, and ripping it is always painful
Francisca Trujillo, Francisca Trujillo Interior Design
Advice you'd give your younger self when you were just starting out as a designer!
Have fun / Be true to yourself and your client / Growing is painful but worth it!
How have you grown as a designer since you started out?
My confidence and assertiveness have grown with experience and that is reflected in every aspect of my practice; from my design choices, to client management and project execution.