Being a designer is not just about creating visually appealing products; it’s a journey filled with secrets, shortcuts, and silent battles. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share seven confessions that we, as designers, might not always want you to know about. These insights delve into the complexities of our profession, revealing the hidden layers beneath the polished exteriors of our creations.

1. Inspiration Often Comes from the Work of Others

It’s a well-guarded secret that our most "original" ideas are often inspired by others' work. While outright plagiarism is not the norm, borrowing elements from different sources and combining them in new ways is a common practice. The creative process is more about remixing existing ideas than conjuring concepts from thin air.

2. We’re Not Always Confident in Our Work

Despite the confident facade, many designers constantly battle imposter syndrome. The fear that our work isn’t good enough or that we’ll be exposed as "frauds" is a frequent visitor. This insecurity drives us to push harder, iterate more, and sometimes overwork ourselves in pursuit of perfection.

3. The Customer Isn’t Always Right

While the mantra "The customer is always right" is popular, in design, it's not always true. Clients may have their vision, but it might not align with good design principles. Navigating these waters delicately, we often have to guide clients towards what works best, even if it means challenging their ideas.

4. We Use Templates and Pre-made Elements

Here’s a big one: designers often use templates, stock images, and pre-made elements to speed up the process. While customisation and originality are key, efficiency is also a priority. Not everything has to be made from scratch to be valuable or effective.

5. Criticism Can Be Hard to Take

Even though constructive criticism is a crucial part of our job, it doesn’t mean we always take it well. Designers put a lot of themselves into their work, so any critique can sometimes feel personal. We might nod and take notes, but inside, we’re often reeling, questioning every design choice we’ve made.

6. We’re Not Always Passionate About Every Project

Not every project sets our creative hearts on fire. There are assignments we take on for the sake of paying bills, and though we strive to deliver our best regardless, the passion might not be there. This lack of enthusiasm doesn’t mean the quality will suffer; it just means we have to find motivation in professionalism rather than passion.

7. We Fear the Rapid Pace of Technology

Keeping up with the latest design trends, software updates, and technological advancements can be overwhelming. There’s a constant fear of being left behind or becoming obsolete, which drives an endless cycle of learning and adapting. While exciting, this can also be incredibly daunting.

These confessions reveal the vulnerabilities and pressures of being a designer. Understanding these aspects can foster a deeper appreciation for the creative process and the people behind it. Remember, the next time you work with a designer, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than you might realise.