Permission to Change: You Don’t Have to Be Who You Were Last Year

As freelancers, graphic designers, and creatives, we're often told to find our niche and stick to it. Consistency, after all, is key to building a brand and a client base.

But what happens when the style or medium that once ignited your passion no longer sparks joy?

What if the creative persona you've built feels more like a cage than a playground?

Here's a liberating thought: You don't have to be who you were last year.

Embracing Evolution in the Creative Journey

Change isn’t just inevitable; it’s essential—especially in the creative world. Just as technology evolves and design trends shift, so do our inspirations, interests, and skills.

Clinging to an old version of ourselves can stifle growth and hinder our ability to produce authentic work.

Consider the world of design software. Adobe Illustrator has been a staple for years, but tools like Procreate and Figma have emerged, offering new possibilities.

Designers who were once strictly print-focused are now exploring digital interfaces, animation, and beyond. The willingness to adapt not only keeps us relevant but also opens doors to unexplored creative territories.

Confronting the Fear of Change

Fear is a natural response to the unknown. For creatives, this fear often manifests as concerns about credibility, financial stability, or the reactions of peers and clients.

Here are some strategies to navigate these fears:

1. Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul your entire portfolio overnight. Begin by incorporating new elements into your current projects or dedicating time to personal projects that explore different styles.
2. Seek Supportive Communities: Surround yourself with other creatives who encourage experimentation. Online forums, local meetups, or collaborative projects can provide a safe space to share your evolving work.
3. Educate Your Clients: Transparency with clients can ease the transition. Explain how your new skills or styles can benefit their projects. Often, clients appreciate innovation and adaptability.

Granting Yourself Permission

The most significant barrier to change is often self-imposed. We create narratives about who we are and what we’re capable of, sometimes forgetting that we are the authors of these stories. Giving yourself permission to change is a powerful step toward personal and professional fulfilment.

Ask yourself:

• What aspects of my work energise me?
• What have I always wanted to try but held back from?
• How can I integrate my evolving interests into my current career?

By reflecting on these questions, you begin to map out a path that aligns more closely with who you are now, not who you were a year ago.

The Liberating Effect of Letting Go

Letting go of outdated versions of ourselves can be incredibly freeing. It allows us to:

• Rediscover Passion: Reignite the spark that led us to pursue a creative career in the first place.
• Enhance Creativity: Fresh experiences and challenges can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.
• Attract New Opportunities: A dynamic portfolio can catch the eye of diverse clients and collaborators.

Embrace Your Ever-Changing Self

Change is not a sign of inconsistency or unreliability; it’s a testament to growth, curiosity, and resilience. As creatives, our evolution enriches not only our lives but also the lives of those who engage with our work.

So, give yourself the permission you’ve been waiting for. Explore that new medium, pivot your focus, or redefine your style. The person you were last year brought you to this point, but it's the person you are today who will propel you forward.

A Call to Action

Take a moment today to consider one thing you’ve been hesitant to pursue. Make a plan—no matter how small—to explore it. Feel free to change, evolve, and redefine success for yourself.

Your creative journey is uniquely yours. Don’t let who you were last year limit who you can become tomorrow.

Thanks for reading, and until next time, keep creating the future you envision!
—Gary