Most days I get asked “What do you do?” As soon as I hear the question, I always feel a little pang of “how am I going to answer that question today?” ‘What I do’ these days does not neatly fit into any specific category.
I’ve worked for years as a fashion designer, then I worked with design books and magazines as author, editor, and contributor. Next I spend some years as a graphic designer and art director–I’ve owned a boutique, I’ve worked as a stylist and as a small-business consultant, and also as a decorator. (whew!) And actually, I’ve absolutely loved doing all of these things. What has happened over the course of the past ten or so years is that I’ve just come to call myself a ‘Designer’ and if that’s not a good enough answer for the person who’s asked the question they are in for a long-winded explanation.
All of the above photos are from my work from the last week or so. I’ve been shopping for art for one of my decor clients and fabric shopping for some chairs I’m recovering for another decor client. I did some watercolors for a an invitation I’m working on (love when I get to do stuff by hand) and I got to plant a succulent garden in someone’s home. This week I also did some Pinterest consulting with a beauty company and styled a shoot for a lifestyle brand. I mean–how great is my job!?
The fact is, when I am just doing graphic design: working on websites, logos, invitations and marketing collateral–I love it–but not 10 hours a day. My eyes go bonkers after staring at a computer for that many hours. I love doing styling, but any of you who have ever worked as a stylist knows that a good 75% of the job is schlepping stuff around and making returns and, well, that gets tired fast. (At least until you can afford a bunch of assistants). Basically, all of the things that I love to do I love to do in doses–and if that’s all I’m doing–I get bored, or I feel uninspired.
Now, being my own boss means that I don’t have to choose what ‘kind’ of designer to be, right? I just choose the jobs that sound challenging and engaging and fun and then everyday I get to do something different. Sure, it can be crazy, shifting gears a lot–but ultimately, I think being a designer–no matter if you apply your skills to a home, a dress, a shoe, a business card, an event, or a photoshoot–is just applying your taste and eye for composition, color, form and function in different arenas.
So, if you have been to my portfolio site, check back often on my blog, and still can’t figure out what it is that I do for a living, you’re not alone. (I can’t either!)
What I do is as broad as who I am–and I like it that way.
Do you have a hard time defining what it is that you do? I’d love to hear how you tackle the issue. What do you call yourself? How do you present yourself to potential clients?
Above photos from my Instagram feed.
****
Also, I’d like to give a shout out to Elise from Pennyweight. Thank you for hosting me in your “Wanted This Week” Column. I just love your blog.
i feel your pain. i am the same way. i worked as a graphic designer for 11 years. now i kinda do a bunch of stuff that’s hard to explain. i like that you just say “designer”. i’ll start doing that, too!
jejeje that is the question that my family and some people been asking me for 6 years!
I been in different places too, doing graphic design, art production, writing and keeping the vegetable garden too.. so the answer was kind of tricky hahaha!
Now is more difficult couse Im doing stage concepts too.. so my response to my grandma is “i work with the computer”
I think we dont have to give so much explanation, it is what it is..
kiss
Carola
I usually say I’m a photographer…but that doesn’t include the stuffed animals I make. So sometimes, I say artist. I also care for children (for the income and because I find it very rewarding)…but I call myself a nanny only when that fills my weeks. Artist generally fits well.
Thank you so much for posting this. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who feels this way!! I used to really sweat over the “what do you do” question, partly because its not a simple answer/ most people don’t need the long version, and partly because as a freelancer, everyone is a potential client or lead to a client and I’d hate to put myself in the wrong box! Now I usually start off with “I wear a lot of hats.” That way I can can briefly describe myself as a creative director whose daily activities range from photography, writing, design, consultation, etc. I’ve found it works well!
http://www.onepartgypsyblog.com
“what do you do?” is one of those unfair questions – it’s challenging when one’s work & interests cover multiple worlds to have to put it all into a reasonable little nutshell! whenever that question is posed to me, it does sometimes rile something up inside of me because my work doesn’t always feel so clear cut or figured out, but i generally lay out the essentials, & if the other person is at all interested in or open to learning about the design i do (as a peer or as a potential client) then i’ll certainly throw additional light upon my work. & if not, i’ll just switch the conversation over to the other person & try to find another topic over which connect with!
it’s wonderful seeing your hands across all sorts of projects, justina. you can’t be contained! <3
Thanks Victoria, I feel the same way about you! I’m so impressed by all that you do and how you gracefully manage all of your creative endeavors!
I so admire the variety in your career because I am the SAME way! I hope that I never have to settle on one thing, and eventually can be my own boss 100% of the time. Kudos to you!!
Yes, I have the hardest time answering that question! I was just at a press event that then turned into a designers event, and I don’t know whose questions it was harder to answer! By the way,I love that what I do isn’t easily-definable:)
” and that’s just the way I like it”… you’re owning it and that’s all that matters!
I am sort of like a teacher but I visit a lot of classrooms and I also spend a good chunk of my day answering emails and managing lots of people. I say non-profit educator, but what does that mean to others? Hopefully in good conversations, some questions, relatable offerings and a few minutes later, it becomes a little more clear.
In all parts of my life I’m trying to not care as much of what others think or how they interpret me and my decisions, so I say what I say about my job and let them decide….
It was so fun reading all of your comments–makes me feel a lot better being a Jane of all Design trades! I think it’s the way o the future!!
I feel the same way you all do, except I don’t know how to fit it under a neat umbrella to get a business license for. That would help me cut costs, and make me feel more legit when dealing with small business owners, or life in general. So I had to get a creative biz coach. It’s slow going on my part, but things are working out. Thanks for inspiring!
I hate that question because after I’ve answered I’m a full time painter the next question is always “Do you actually make a living doing that?”. So now I find myself saying I own a greeting card company (which I do ) but to make it sound like I have a more legitimate career. Isn’t funny how we somehow feel we have to justify what we do.
Truly inspiring. As someone who spent ages carving out a traditional career path and just recently attempting to venture into an artistic one, it’s validating to hear you talk about the joys of bouncing around between projects. I’m also someone who can’t really thrive when things become too routine.
Love this post, and hate the question too! I read some books earlier this year on Renaissance souls, people whose strength (and excitement) lies in breadth and not depth. Sounds like you’re one of those too. :) Isn’t it fun?!
It was so fun reading all of your comments–makes me feel a lot better being a Jane of all Design trades! I think it’s the way o the future!!