It was 1987, the dawn of DTP, “Aldus PageMaker 1.0a,” (I still have the diskettes), Postscript and the first LaserWriter. There were no classes, and no one I knew could afford the hardware and software needed to run these. So I read everything I could get my hands on about this revolution.

Two years later, I knew enough about this stuff to convince a boss to make the plunge, but bowing to “MS” pressure, they invested in a PC DTP system. Talk about a learning curve! Windows’ “Unrecoverable Application Errors,” driver conflicts, hardware failures, long nights, poring over user manuals and waiting on hold for software tech support that never quite solved much. I became my own hardware and software tech support guy.

After trading a lack of a pay raise for a change in job title, I moved from insurance forms to making price charts for a window-coverings manufacturer — yes, tables and calculations changing on the fly and trying desperately to typeset real fractions. Did I mention that I was still on a PC system, running Lotus 1-2-3 and PageMaker 1.0a? . . . (from whence I saved my treasured diskettes).

Having beaten my PC system into submission, I took a class at a community college. My first look at a Mac, SE’s, phone-net connectors, etc. After my first classroom session, the teacher asked me to run his lab sessions, even said he’d pay me! Based on my telling him what I knew about PC DTP systems, he said I could do what needed to be done for Mac lab work with one hand behind my back.

Insurance forms, price charts, all the glamorous stuff.

Moved onto newsletters and user guides in my next job. (Does it get more exciting than this?)

And then I jumped to the other side of the fence. I went to work for a printer based on the quality of files I supplied to them. Preflighting and typesetting business cards, forms, and yes, diplomas by the thousands.

I’ve had a few other jobs since then. I’ve even managed a few prepress departments, but I found myself missing the satisfaction of doing the actual production work, making a few minor tweaks so a file can be reproduced well on press. Catching a typo before we print up 50,000 copies of an annual report. Color-correcting an otherwise perfectly good image so the company looks good, etc.

Good enough? Creative enough? I was able to parlay my knowledge of prepress and production into a part-time teaching gig in the publishing program of a highly reputable university here in Chicago.

Take heart. You have the skills you need. You have the interest to keep learning, and, having earned an MBA, I know you have the diligence to persevere. Muster your talents like an arsenal before you do battle with the next project, and go at it confidently, knowing you have more tricks up your sleeve than some 20-something designer who doesn’t know the first thing about actually “communicating” a message, whether it’s in print or online.

Age and wisdom will overcome youth and exuberance.

— Mike Roche

As many have already said, you are not alone. I too have been at the same crossroads — wondering whether my talent is good enough, strong enough, or will get me far enough to lead a comfortable life. I love design and art, and it’s all I have ever wanted to do. But somewhere along the way, I also discovered I liked managing a team and marketing, and other tasks that fellow designers shied away from. So, while I may not hold always the most glamorous positions, I hold out hope that my next job will find a better fit for my skills and allow me to explore more of what I enjoy. I love to design, but I love to manage. I love to draw, but I love to photograph, too. It’s a strange world where we have to do ONE thing and one thing only our whole lives. I am now of the opinion after going back to school at 33 (I’m now 35) that it was the best decision I have ever made — it made me realize that we are never too old to change our direction and move into a different career or avenue with our work. And we’re never too old to learn. Never give up on yourself. There are always those better than us out there, and those worse, so hopefully what makes us unique shines through to the right people. I hold out hope that I find a good match in my next job . . . I just graduated, so it’s time to see what this degree will do for me after being laid off from my last job! Good luck to you — and really, you are definitely not alone in how you feel. All the best.

Your portfolio is very strong. While you may never consider yourself a proper designer without the “degree” — if you are doing what you love, making a living and continuing to create, you are doing well.

I find avoiding clients who want it “cheap” keeps my life simpler. I have fewer clients, but I am paid fairly and respected more.

Good luck.

You no doubt have all the advice you can use by now, however:

1. Nelson Tavares Matias is right; if you have an opportunity to teach, you will receive more than you offer. Teach anywhere you can, to anyone who wants to learn. If you can’t teach somewhere, then start writing articles and teach your readers. Be the expert, and you will, surprisingly, learn a lot.

2. Not all clients want creativity. A lot of clients detest creativity (real creativity involves real risks, you see). In fact, one’s greatest creative effort is often expended on appearing to not be too creative. So keep in mind that you are, as Paulie says, a craftsperson — do a quality job. Creativity will come when both you and your client are willing to take risks (emphasis on “and your client”).

3. New generations of designers are discovering that there are no longer mentors, art directors, creative directors, or experienced designers in the workplace from whom they can learn. Most positions today are terribly isolated one-designer-per-company slots, where the unfortunate designer is expected to be designer, production artist, illustrator, copywriter, media buyer, print buyer, photographer, color separator, editor, typesetter, and whatever else the company needs. I know of one government contractor that set up a new graphics department, then staffed it with six people, with the most-experienced individual having been in the field for only 24 months. If you can find a mentor, then by all means, establish a mentoring or supervisory relationship. Form a “board of directors” to review your design work each month — buy them dinner or something.

My mentor, Newt Heisley, who designed the POW-MIA flag, died two weeks ago. He provided friendship and guidance for over 30 years. Eventually, it was (admittedly) mostly lunch, but we always, always discussed design!

4. As a designer, I’ve always known that what it takes to succeed in this business is to be . . . a marketing person! Think about it: designers romance, entice, entertain, and cajole, but marketing people sell. You’re in the ideal position to have a wonderful career as a designer. Believe in what you’re selling — believe in your creativity and experience.

Best regards,

Mike

I have been and still am where you are, even to our age! I started in fashion design! With no work in that field, I took the first job in the design field — sign design — and love it! Am I the world’s greatest graphic designer? Not by a long shot. But I enjoy my job, and I work for a company that likes my work and has clients who like my work.

If you’re looking for additional education in the art/design, etc. field, look into the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online. I graduated with a Digital Design Diploma in 2007 and still believe that it was a great decision. The best part is that it’s online classes — you attend on your schedule. Don’t let anyone fool you that online classes are easier, because they’re not; they’re harder in some ways. The classes are far more condensed than traditional classes. The people you initially talk to are not pushy or hard-sell. The other students I worked with — people of all ages — were some of the most talented people I’ve ever seen, and they are so supportive that you never feel inadequate. Not only that, but it was fun! Look into the online school. If you’re feeling undereducated, it might just be the thing you need! Best wishes!

LS

Good luck, hope I helped you.