I am a total insomniac, which is probably great for the industry I am in, considering I have to pull a lot of all nighter’s to get things done by deadline. I have decided to implement a few things to keep my brain on task and not so scattered. For starters, I decided to organize my office. I have file folders for each client with all things pertaining to the job, and work that I am doing for an organization, client, or company, in individual file folders. I also organized my computer, and last but not least, drum-roll please…my brain. This was probably the hardest thing to implement. The only thing I can complain about is not having a secretary to file things away, answer the phones, and run errands. Sometimes I wish there were two of me! The only drawback I can think of is not having a boss to tell me to take a break. I have to force myself to walk away at times, otherwise, I won’t sleep, eat, or even shower. Okay, I take that back, I always shower. I am just so driven, I tend to put myself last.

I also realized that of a lot of my great design ideas, improvements to existing design, and just plain great ideas occur at night during my bouts of insomnia. My brain spins with thoughts of design 24/7 even when I really need to, or even want to sleep. But, alas, I usually wake up with these thoughts long gone. Problem solved, I put a lamp and a notebook next to my bed and carry my camera everywhere I go for inspiration.

I mean it, I live, eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff, even when I am not sleeping or eating. I really think…no, I know that I am in the right industry. For a long time, I second guessed myself, wondered if this will ever pan out for me, if I could ever make money doing this, and if this is REALLY what I want to do. In my heart of hearts…the answer is yes! I have done a lot of soul searching over the years and always come back to design. Art is where I feel most comfortable. It’s like all of my vulnerabilities just fly out the window when I can be creative. Yeah, sure I will always look at other designer’s work and think, wow, that is so much better than I could ever do. But…I have also learned that all of us (designer’s) do it.

Truly great designers, are always modest about their work, and always thinking of, looking for, and implementing ideas, to improve design, or even his or herself as a designer. To stay ahead of the game, I have determined that I need a lot of continuing education. This will never change. Just when you think you know every piece of software, design technique, and tool, Adobe comes along and changes it all. Web 2.0, new software, CSS, latest industry standards…I am spinning.

I was thinking; however, with all this advancement in technology and constant changes in the design world, at least I won’t get bored. I won’t have a chance! I love this industry and am learning and growing as a designer, on a daily basis and wouldn’t do anything else, even if I was better at something else! Who can say that about their career. Maybe some people can say the same thing, but most would love more time with their family, or would like to be their own boss.

There are so many positives, off the top of my head…staying home with my kids, making my own schedule, working for myself, getting to be creative, helping other businesses succeed. Those are just a few…

I LOVE MY JOB!