We are a breed that carries a sixth sense called aesthetic, at least we should have that quality.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a professional scrapbooker, bubble letter artist, and a caricaturist at Disney World. But, as the tale often goes, life hits you real hard when you're told to choose a major from a list of 50 disciplines and "Crafting" is, to your dismay, not an option. Fast forward a few mundane years, and I have submerged myself into the fast-paced world of marketing, with a strong focus in graphic design. So here I am, embodying my childhood dream job(s) in modern day form as a "digital artist."
I only have a few friends and acquaintances that are in the same profession as I am. Because of this, things that stick out to me don't always stick out to others - a logical occurrence. In light of this observation, I have compiled some everyday-type instances that come with being a graphic designer, or really anyone who has an eye for design. Here goes.
1. Fonts are Friends.
You know how when you see a Corgi, you go "Hey, look at that Corgi" making it known that you know the breed of the dog? Graphic designers do the same thing, but with fonts. We are people who enjoy driving down the road naming the fonts that we pass by on billboards and business signage.
2. You Wish You Could Hit CTRL Z in Real Life.
If your work habitat lies deep within Adobe programs, this one is a no brainer. I can't tell you how many times I've spilled a drink, hated how I wrote my signature, or obliterated my eyeliner, and my mind automatically suggested "CTRL Z" as a solution. Sadly, this is a sick joke graphic designers face on a daily basis.
3. Sometimes You Get Obsessed With Colors.
It's true. One day your favorite color is burnt orange and then the Pantone Colors of the Year come out and suddenly Rose Quartz ends up in every color palette you create until the next best thing comes along.
4. You Are Not Easily Impressed.
Sorry, but your half-ass hand lettering on grid paper that you're trying to get a thousand likes on and sell on Etsy isn't impressing any of us.
5. But When You Are Impressed, it's Fire.
When I come across an art print that just really shakes me, I either have to buy it or figure out how the artist created it. For the sake of supporting the artist, as well as considering time, I typically will make the purchase, hang it on a wall, and be very content. By the way, check out this website for some seriously awesome stuff.
6. Your Friends Call on You for Decorating Help.
Just because we are good at designing things on a computer screen doesn't always mean we are the best at picking out a couch for your new house, friend.
7. Fonts Are Foes.
You step into a new restaurant and take a seat. Everything is fine - great atmosphere, amicable wait staff. Alas, the menu reaches your hands and you're suddenly angered, not by the plethora of fried foods, but the very font combination that has been chosen to convey this. If you decide to voice your font concern, prepare to be judged.
8. You Take Criticism Fairly Well
Anyone in this field has experienced a massive blow to a concept that you felt particularly proud of. Not everything we produce will appeal to everyone, especially in the first round of mock-ups. Because revisions and suggestions are critical components of being a graphic designer, edits are a given. We won't be that upset.
9. You thoroughly enjoyed the documentary 'Helvetica'
Why would you not want to be entertained for an hour and 20 minutes exploring the proliferation of the typeface and how it affects our lives????
10. You Buy New Products Based on Packaging
When you're in the beer aisle and you have 10 different kinds of Belgian Wheat's staring at you, it makes sense that the graphic designer would go for the company that produced a more creatively alluring bottle label. I'm just saying.
