The path to mastery is anything but linear. I've been on my journey towards "mastering design" for nearly a decade, and if there's one truth I've realized, it's that design is an endless journey of discovery and rediscovery. Allow me to speak my mind and, perhaps, offer some peace of mind to those who, like me, find themselves consistently dissatisfied yet insanely (prob too much) passionate about the craft of design.
A Journey Undefined by Stages
The process of learning design is like climbing a series of stepping stones. You might think each stone represents a specific skill set — first comes understanding the principles of information architecture, next wireframing, followed by the mastery of UI design. However, my experience has been far from this neat progression.
From my early days as an eager 13-year-old hobbyist to my current state as a senior designer, my growth in design can't be categorized into specialty areas. It was, and remains, an intricate dance of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Each project, each encounter with someone smarter than me, every misstep, has propelled me forward but not necessarily in a straight line.
The Beauty of Continuous Learning
The realization that learning design is not a linear process is insanely liberating!
It means you don't have to perfect one area before moving to the next. Nor should you wait to feel fully satisfied with your current skill level before tackling new challenges. If anything, the constant state of dissatisfaction — the relentless pursuit of better — has been my greatest motivation.
Throughout my career, I've encountered moments of imposter syndrome, days where I look back at my work from the previous week and can scarcely believe I considered it up to my standards.
Comfort in Discomfort
To the newcomers in design..
Whether you're a student, an aspiring designer dreaming of your mark in the tech space, or even a professional grappling with the occasional self-doubt — know that it's okay not to have it all figured out. The discomfort you feel, the dissatisfaction with your work, is not a sign of inadequacy but a beacon guiding you towards growth.
I've learned that providing value — whether to clients, users, or even within my community — matters more than the pursuit of perfection.
Tailoring Your Own Path
While imposter syndrome may occasionally whisper doubts, your continuous effort to learn and improve is the true testament to your dedication to the craft.
Design field is dynamic and crazy expansive, where the only true direction is forward — even if forward takes you through unexpected twists and turns. Here's to the non-linear, messy, wonderfully challenging adventure that is learning design. May we never cease to find joy in the chaos.