10 Hard Truths I Wish I Knew Starting Out in Design
When I first began my design career, I had big dreams and a lot of misconceptions. Like many beginners, I believed that raw talent and hard work would solve everything. But the truth? The hardest lessons are the ones you don’t see coming. Over time, these lessons shaped the way I approach design, collaboration, and growth. Here are 10 hard truths I learned the long way around—lessons I wish someone had shared with me earlier.
You Don’t Have to Know Everything
In my early days, I felt like I had to master every tool, trend, and technique to be taken seriously. I spent countless hours learning software I never used and trying to stay on top of every emerging style. What I eventually learned is that design isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about knowing how to adapt.
The real skill is figuring out how to learn quickly. Whether it’s a new tool or solving a novel problem, being resourceful matters far more than being a walking encyclopedia of design knowledge.
Criticism Isn’t Personal
The first few times I received critical feedback on my work, it stung. I remember working for weeks on a logo, only to have the client dismiss it with, “It doesn’t feel right.” I thought it was a reflection of my worth as a designer.
Over time, I realized feedback is a tool, not an attack. Criticism is rarely about you—it’s about aligning the work with the project goals or audience needs. Instead of dreading it, I learned to invite feedback early and use it to improve.
Simplicity Wins
Early in my career, I thought good design was about complexity—layered gradients, intricate textures, and impressive typography. I once created a website with so many flourishes that users couldn’t even find the navigation menu.
That project taught me that simplicity isn’t boring; it’s effective. Clean, functional designs not only look better but perform better. Simplicity is about making things easy for users, and that’s the ultimate goal of any design.
Your First Idea Isn’t the Best
I used to fall in love with my first concept, convinced it was “the one.” But I’ll never forget the time a client pointed out obvious flaws in my initial design that I hadn’t considered. It was humbling, to say the least.
Now, I see the first idea as a starting point, not the destination. Great design happens through iteration—testing, refining, and rethinking. The willingness to let go of your initial idea often leads to breakthroughs.
Your Portfolio Is Never Done
For years, I put off updating my portfolio, thinking I’d do it when I had more time. Then I unexpectedly needed to apply for a new role, and I realized I had no recent work documented. The scramble to gather and organize projects was a nightmare.
Now, I treat my portfolio like a living document, updating it regularly. It’s not just about showcasing your work—it’s about staying ready for opportunities.
Collaboration Is a Superpower
I used to think design was a solo sport, where my job was to produce something impressive on my own. That changed when I worked on a project with a developer who suggested a small tweak that completely transformed the user experience.
Collaboration isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Working with others, whether it’s developers, marketers, or stakeholders, brings perspectives you can’t see alone. The best designs are the result of teamwork, not isolation.
Perfection Is the Enemy of Progress
I’ve lost track of how many projects I delayed because I wanted every detail to be flawless. I once spent weeks perfecting a design only to realize the client had moved forward with an earlier draft.
Perfect doesn’t exist, and waiting for it can stall progress. Sometimes, “good enough” is what you need to keep things moving. Learn when to polish and when to let go.
Soft Skills Matter More Than You Think
I used to believe that as long as my designs were good, they’d speak for themselves. But I quickly learned that selling your ideas, empathizing with clients, and navigating tricky conversations are just as important as the work itself.
Communication and storytelling are critical in building trust and getting buy-in. If you can’t explain the “why” behind your design, it’s unlikely others will fully appreciate its value.
Not Every Client Will Love Your Work
I’ve had clients reject designs I was proud of, often for reasons that felt arbitrary. One project had me reworking the same design five times because the client couldn’t articulate what they wanted.
The reality is, not every project will feel like a win. But those moments teach you resilience and the importance of aligning expectations early. It’s not always about the final design—it’s about delivering value, even when it’s not perfect.
Success Takes Time
I thought I’d achieve career milestones quickly, but success has been a slow build, not a sprint. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel behind, but every project, every mistake, and every lesson adds up over time.
The key is patience and consistency. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but when you look back, you’ll see how far you’ve come.
Final Thoughts
These lessons weren’t easy to learn, but they shaped me as a designer. If you’re just starting out, remember: mistakes are part of the process. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep going.
What truths have you learned in your design journey? Share your experiences below!