Scared of falling behind? Here’s how to aid professional creative development
In the fast-paced world of design, where innovation reigns supreme and boundaries are constantly pushed, one burning question remains at the forefront of every creative mind: What is the ultimate catalyst for professional growth? As artists, designers, writers, and creators of all stripes navigate the ever-evolving terrain of their respective industries, the quest for the most potent tool, resource, or personal attribute to fuel their journey becomes increasingly paramount.
In this article, we embark on a journey of short exploration to unearth the elusive answer to this pivotal question. From the myriad of tools and resources at a creative's disposal to the intangible yet invaluable personal attributes that drive success, we uncover the elements that hold the power to propel professionals towards their goals with Simon Dixon and Mohammed Samad.
The Mindset of Excellence: Insights from Simon Dixon
Simon Dixon, Co-founder of DixonBaxi Design Studio, emphasises the significance of mindset in the pursuit of excellence. He advocates for a relentless pursuit of quality, urging creatives not to settle for mediocrity. According to Dixon, "The better the work, the better the career. There is no cheating this. People level out based on talent, but more often than not, it is settling for okay that holds them back."
Dixon's philosophy centres on the fusion of passion and strategic thinking. He asserts that genuine enthusiasm for one's craft, coupled with curiosity and a willingness to collaborate, fosters both personal growth and professional success. "Passion for great work is not just a personal indulgence but a strategic career choice," he states. "When you immerse yourself in creativity that genuinely ignites your passion, you produce better work and become a magnet for opportunities."
“We use a set of principles to drive our way of working, which helps shape the work but also how we make the most of our career development:”
CREATIVE PRINCIPLES:
1 BE BRAVE.
2 REJECT CONVENTION.
3 BE OPTIMISTIC.
4 START AT UNCOMFORTABLE.
5 EMBRACE UNCERTAINTY.
6 LEARN TO SAY NO.
7 CHERISH INSIGHT.
8 BE FLUENT IN PEOPLE.
9 CREATE WONDER.
10 ALWAYS IN BETA.
Navigating Diverse Paths: Insights from Mohammed Samad, Creative Studio Founder
Mohammed Samad, a creative studio founder advocates for a DIY approach to career development. Rejecting the traditional corporate ladder, Samad champions the autonomy and resilience required to forge an independent path. "I’ve never been in a studio setting for more than a year," he shares. "I’ve been freelance so I've done stints in different studios or companies and really value the insights and experience I get working with different companies."
Drawing from his own experiences, Samad emphasises the value of learning from mistakes and embracing a growth mindset. "There’s a lot of falling along the journey however the attribute of grit and learning from mistakes is helpful if you want to go a more independent path," he notes. He highlights the wealth of resources available in today's digital age, from podcasts to social media platforms, that offer valuable insights and support for creative professionals.
Resources:
“Untalented from Unknown podcast is amazing for a lot of conversations around the creative industry and also it gives context to a lot of senior career journeys.”
“The podcast Graphic Support Group is also great in terms of thinking about the emotional and mental side of a creative role and realising there are many shared experiences amongst us.”
In conclusion, the pursuit of professional growth and creative excellence is a journey shaped by both mindset and resourcefulness, however its path is as diverse as the individuals who tread it. Whether driven by a relentless pursuit of quality, as Simon Dixon suggests, or navigating diverse paths with resilience and autonomy, as Mohammed Samad advocates, perhaps the key to achieving the growth that we seek lies within rather than on our screens.