So, you want to Become a Designer? | It’s possible.

The belief that “Art is not a career” is a myth.
Industrial design is not just a hobby; it can be a serious, fulfilling, and financially rewarding career.

So, you want to become a Designer? | It’s possible.

Many people today still choose the “corporate path” over heeding their “creative calling.”

I often receive messages from individuals who aspire to be designers, yet their parents pressure them to pursue careers in engineering or medicine. As a result, they end up as mediocre engineers or doctors, unfulfilled in their chosen professions.

Beware of self-sabotage

I did this mistake. But it was my own choice.
My parents always supported me in all my decisions.

I sabotaged myself “wasting” 3 years studying Business and IT before I enrolled in my Design school.

I have no regret.
I did what I thought was the right thing.
It was part of my journey, I learned, and since, I fixed it.

It just took me longer than all my friends to realize what I really want to do in life.

While all my friends were already working, I went back to school at 22 years old, starting a Master’s degree in Product Design.

I graduated at 27 years old with honors.
Then I flew to Germany to work for Adidas.

Someone said: “Luck is a skill”.

So if you are in a similar case as I was, remember this.
When we do something we love, we put all we got to succeed.
So the higher chance you attract.

If your choice is strongly influenced by your parents despite your wishes, don’t blame them.

They want your good.

Parents are human and they do mistakes like you and me.
It’s your role to communicate, educate them on what is Industrial Design.

Remember, you are RESPONSIBLE for your path.

With this mindset, you realize that even if things don’t turn as you wish, you can always do something.

If you are interested in Product Design, Architecture, Fashion, Car design, Visual Communication… I want you to avoid the mistakes I made.

So many talents are not happening, kept quiet or dormant.
Just because it’s considered “not reasonable” to choose a job or career by passion.

But,

Since when,
Passion and Career should be separated?

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Did you know

In French, “Working” is: “Travailler”.
It comes from the word “Trepalium”. Which means “Torture”!

Working = Torture (Latin)
By definition, we have to suffer to have a job…

Really?

Let me share with you my 2cents opinion on this.

I hope it may help you realize how much giving a chance to your Industrial Design dream might be life-changing for: Long term happiness.

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The world needs you to become a designer.

Design exists since mankind was sharpening stones to make weapons to hunt.
However, today, designers are more than that.

Designers are storytellers.

They make the world brighter, more colorful, and full of sensations.
Customers are amazed, and happiness is created.

This is why a Designer is a high demand from the market and the industry.
A designer is not just a fancy position making stuff pretty.

They have a key role.

They create meaningful products that improve people’s life.
You fusions art and design to constantly innovate.

Imagine a world without any designers.
The world would be so sad!

No Samsung, No Apple, No Nike, No Tesla, No creation…

The economy needs creative people to thrive and lift up everyone together.

“Design, vitalized, and simplified, will make the comforts of civilized life available to an ever-increasing number of Americans.”

– Raymond Loewy

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We need creative people who think out of the box

Yes, the Design industry is not publicly well known.
Most of the time, we have no friend designers. So we feel pretty much alone.

But if you feel your heart beats for Design, do your research.
Don’t listen to the wrong voices that would kill your dream in the egg.

Do not assume. You need to verify the information yourself.
A designer is pretty much a rebel.

He keeps questioning the status quo for his design projects.

Start being a rebel today.
That’s how you can be among the designers who change the world.

The industry needs creative people and leaders who think out of the box.

I hope you realize how Art and creativity are deeply are fully integrated into the industrial system.

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“Product Design” is a serious and also passionate career!

You can have a serious career as a Product designer, like anyone studying in a business or engineering school.

On top of it, you will live with your passion daily!

Imagine you get paid, going to the office daily for drawing!
It is such a kid’s dream becoming a reality!

You get paid for doing what you love: Drawing. : )

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How to become a designer | Interviews.

I invite you to watch more on the fascinating designer’s career:

• Michael DiTullo (Converse, Nike, Sound United…)
  Footwear and Product designer
• Dwayne Vance (Hot Wheels)
  Toy Designer
• Noah Sussman (Adidas, Uvex)
  Sport Designer
• Edward Eyth (Marvel, Disney, Steven Spielberg…)
  Concept Artist
• Vincent Vedie (Freelance)
  Product Designer
• Diaset (Jewelry Design)
  Diamond setter
• Mr. Bailey (Conceptkicks)
  Footwear designer
• Nick Huber (New Balance, Mesho1)
  Product Designer

Remember that designers have a key role in the industry.
They are as much or even more important as Engineers, Marketers, and Salespeople.

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Make things happen from idea to reality

They are in close relation with all departments to make the product will at the user’s hand with the highest quality they can at the right time.

Michael DiTullo mentioned:

“It is easy to have ideas. But what is the most difficult is to protect it.”

During the creative process to the commercialization phase, you will face:

• Engineering issues
• Suppliers quality
• Organization tight deadline
• Costing challenges
• Marketing vision disagreement
• …

It is not going to be easy.
Your role is to solve problems and challenge the (im)possible.
And have the ability to make people believe in you as a creative leader.

If you have a crush for Art & Design,
give your best chances to create a life-long relationship for your career! 🙂

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey to becoming an industrial designer is not just about the allure of a career in art or design; it’s about embracing a creative calling that offers both passion and professional fulfillment.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Demythify the idea: Art and design are not mere hobbies but can lead to a serious and rewarding career. You can make it a beautiful reality, not just a dream.
• Happiness through passion: Pursuing a career in product design or any design field can be life-changing, offering long-term happiness through daily engagement with your passion – sketching and creating.
• The world needs designers: As storytellers and innovators, designers brighten our world, improve lives, and drive the economy. The industry demands creative problem-solvers who think outside the box.
• Overcome self-sabotage: It’s important to avoid the pitfalls of following the ‘corporate path’ against your will. Remember, you are responsible for your path; if you’re passionate about design, pursue it. If you face resistance, communicate, educate, and show your potential.
• Be a rebel: Embrace the designer’s role as a rebel, questioning the status quo and pushing boundaries. This mindset is vital in creating meaningful products and innovations.
• Think out of the box: The design industry requires individuals who can challenge conventions and lead with creativity. Art and design are deeply integrated into the industrial system, offering endless possibilities.
• A serious career: Industrial Design is as serious and rewarding as engineering or business. You get paid to do what you love – drawing and creating.

If you’re drawn to product design, architecture, fashion, car design, or visual communication, avoid the mistakes of listening to naysayers or neglecting your passion.

Let your creative calling guide you towards a career that not only brings personal fulfillment but also contributes positively to society.

Remember, to become a designer, start by communicating your ideas visually.
Keep learning, sketching, and refining your skills. Your journey in design is not just about sketching; it’s about creating a life-long relationship with your career, solving real-world problems, and making a difference.

Embrace this path with courage and creativity, and you’ll find that the world needs you as a designer more than ever.

Cheers,
Chou-Tac

PS: Remember, to become a Designer, it all starts by communicating your ideas visually. Keep up learning how to sketch. : )

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What’s next

How to think differently:
13 ways to boost your creativity and productivity as an Industrial designer

How to become a creative designer:
Is it hard to create for a Designer?