At the same time, it’s important that we don’t allow the rejection and criticisms of our work to alter our self-confidence. Sometimes one of the most difficult things we encounter is the “finger-pointing” that often goes along with design.

I recently ran into a similar instance while working on a project for a friend. They had an idea of what they wanted. I rushed home, designed the piece, excited to send it to them. It was disheartening to say the least. While they had something else in mind I had designed exactly what they directed me to the best of my ability.

Many times, “lack of communication” is the main cause for rejected work. In this case, I was shocked to find that what I had done was not apparently what they had in mind. Even worse, occasionally your client may refuse to “work through” a piece with you, instead wanting to turn to another designer or halt production. My best advice? Let them go. You’ll be much happier in the long run. There are good clients out there, don’t settle for any that mistreat you.

However, a lack of “designer trust” also can play a key role. As an employer if you want the best for your marketing, design and promotions, then you need to trust your designer.

If they were good enough to hire, then let them do their job. So MANY times, I’ve seen good design completely re-worked and re-created based on the “client’s” wishes. While this is definitely their perrogative it’s no small surprise when those pieces turn out sub-par. The worst of these situations is when the client literally takes it upon themselves to select a stock graphic for their piece.

When that happens, I generally know the piece will NOT be making it to my portfolio. While it’s sad to see, it also happens to the best of us and we must not let it wear us down. Remember that YOU are equipped to do your job, regardless of what your boss or your client may think. When you do that, your designs will reflect your confidence.

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I know we have all had to work with people that aren’t always easy to work with and lets be honest, that drive us crazy! But sometimes, we get the opportunity to work with someone that is not only easy to work with, but that challenges you to do better. And you come out with a product that wouldn’t have been as good if you hadn’t worked with that person.

Collaboration is one of the most important tools at our disposal as designers. I had the opportunity this last week to pick up a job from another designer in the office. Long story short the job I picked up should have taken about an hour or two to complete, but the concept behind the design was a little more difficult to create than initially anticipated. So, it literally took myself and the original designer assigned to the job, a whole day going back and forth on the design until we really nailed it. And I have to say, I definitely couldn’t have gotten to that point without the collaboration with my co-worker.

So don’t be afraid to ask some of your co-workers, colleagues, friends, whoever, that you trust of course, for their input. They may be able to see something you don’t, or have an idea you haven’t thought of, and that’s okay. Sometimes we get stuck in this competition mindset. There are times to be competitive, don’t get me wrong, I like a good competition, but sometimes you need to let someone else give you an honest constructive opinion, and that’s when something good can become something awesome!

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As a professional, we know that it’s our duty to support the head honcho. We’re the golf ball. They’re the club. But when they make decisions we feel are wrong how should we respond?

As a designer, I’ve faced that struggle. I "knew" what was best for the design but the boss had other ideas. After "just a few minor changes" my work was no longer recognizable. I wish I could say this had only happened once. But, unfortunately in the real world of design this is a common occurrence. Whether your boss is a un-artistic creative director (yep, they’re out there), a know-it-all administrator or a  highly-caffeinated communications leader, the end results are the same.

So how do we handle the frustration of our creativity being squashed by these well-meaning but counter-productive higher ranking officials?

Separate the pressure from the problem. I have found that the first thing I must do, is separate my emotional frustration from the boss’s directive. Often, this is easier said than done. My friends can see it on my face. They learn to listen if I need to vent and then remind me sternly that I’m merely the employee.

Be reminded of this helps me to put the situation in perspective. As the "hired" designer, it’s not my responsibility to make good or bad design choices after the initial concept phase.  The one thing designers hate to hear is that WE ARE NOT IN CHARGE. After all, WE are the ones with the degree. WE are the ones who have been drawing since we were big enough to hold a crayon. WE are the ones who know the ins and outs of current trends and how to push the envelope.

But what if our leader is content inside that envelope?

 As long as I’m doing work for a client and in this case the boss, it’s not up to me to make the design decisions that I feel are the best. 

So what is my responsibility?  As an employee and as a designer, it IS my job to be respectful and settle the debate between doing what is asked of me and what I professionally think is best for the project. Bottom line, if I’m accepting payment for my services, then I’m most likely not making the final decisions. 

My advice?  If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen! Seriously, if you find yourself constantly in a state of turmoil and can’t find it within yourself to submit, maybe you should be your own boss. But, make sure you’ve weighed the pros and cons of working for yourself. Do you really think you’re mature enough to be making all the decisions if you haven’t learned to submit to an authority yourself?

For me, I’ve been able to "be the boss" and "work for the boss."  Both positions carry an insane amount of weight, however, I would have to say the burden IS greater on the boss. Sure as the boss, I get to "decide" what the design should be for my own company stuff. But when it comes to making money, I’m still responsible for working with the client.

Many times, I’ve seen a "portfolio piece" turn into a "no way  piece" in just a few words from the client. 

Regardless how hopeless your employment situation is, I can tell you that if you hang in there and stick with it, this too shall pass. Good bosses are out there! I know, I have had a lot of them. Thankfully, I’m in a position where I have not one, but 2 great bosses. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

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Yep, unfortunately, standing for the "right" often causes the chasm to occur, it sifts those employees who have pure hearts away from those who would rather go their own way. It has been my experience that it’s easy for a leader to feel alone. The saying "it’s lonely at the top" holds true. When you’re in a position of authority, you will make enemies.

You may find yourself feeling like an outsider among friends who used to be peers and have now become employees. How do you cope with these emotions, while maintaining your authority?

This is a situation I have faced. Through a series of hardware issues, software issues, personnel issues and other miscellaneous problems, it seemed like once I had been placed in a position of authority all hell had broken loose. The problems were unsurmountable. I felt like I was quickly drowning in a pool of hopelessness.

Thankfully,  a couple of  wise women helped me change my perspective on the situation. I had been placed in that position of authority because I was equipped to handle the job. And so are you. If you find yourself suddenly thrust into a position you may not be comfortable with, remember the reason you’re there. Somebody knows you can handle it.

Rise up to the occassion and prove ‘em right!

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