Design as Art: Finding Creative Satisfaction in a Service-Oriented World

In the world of design, there are two distinct paths one can take: design as a service or design as art. Both have their merits, it’s usually the latter that sets designers' creativity on fire. As someone who’s experienced both sides of the coin, I understand the very real struggle of finding creative satisfaction in a service-oriented industry. In this article, we will how designers can navigate these waters to find their own avenue for creative expression.

Design as a Service

Design as a service is the bread and butter of our industry. It’s the work that pays the bills and keeps us in a nice comfortable chair, pushing pixels and perfecting layouts. However, it’s important to recognize that this type of design is primarily focused on meeting the needs and expectations of clients. Most average clients don’t actually want great design, they want good enough design that does it’s job but doesn’t make waves. While it may not always provide creative fulfillment, the ability to create service oriented design is a really valuable skill set to possess.

Design as Art

Design as art, on the other hand, is where true creative satisfaction lies. It’s the reason many of us entered the design field in the first place—to create "cool" stuff and express our artistic vision. The challenge with design as art is that it requires a completely different approach than design as a service.. Instead of creating day to day work based on client demands, we must proactively build a body of work that showcases our unique creative approach and use this work as bait to bring in the type of clients that are looking for more radical and creative work.

Building Your Own Avenue

To pursue design as art, it’s crucial to have an outlet where you have complete control over the creative process. This could be anything from creating posters for your friend's band to self-publishing a 'zine or making animated GIFs. No matter what venue you choose, the key is to ensure that your work is seen by others. Don't hide your creations in a closet; get them out into the world and onto the internet. Share your work on social media platforms, participate in design communities, and get as many eyeballs on your work as possible. Remember, you’re using this work as bait so get it out there.

The Long Road to Recognition

Creating a body of work that stands out takes time and dedication. It’s unlikely that your first few attempts will be masterpieces, as a matter of fact they’ll probably be disappointing, but that's okay. Keep pushing your limits, honing your skills, and developing your voice. You may have to create a hundred pieces before you have ten exceptional ones, but the journey is worth it. If you put in the work, the money and clients will follow.

Starting Your Own Design Firm

For those who aspire to start their own design firm, the same principles apply. Begin by working on your own projects at night, alongside your day job. Expect to spend a significant amount of your time selling your services and talking to clients. Just like in a traditional firm, you may still have to compromise on your creative vision to meet client demands. However, by starting your own venture, you have the opportunity to shape your own destiny and create work that is truly your own.

For a more in-depth look at these ideas, I recommend reading the free PDF resource, a short essay from my book called "One Thing Leads to Another." This piece delves into the challenges and rewards of design as art, offering insights into what designers can expect on their creative journey. I also invite you to join my course "Creating a Colorful and Conceptual Illustrative Poster Design," where I guide you through the process of developing strong concepts and translating them into simple and impactful designs.

Happy designing!