Here are five hard truths I’ve learned about being a designer — truths no one warned me about, but that every designer eventually discovers. They’re lessons that shaped me as a professional, and if you’re in the industry, I bet they’ll resonate with you too.
Saying “no” is one of the hardest things to do, especially when you’re just starting out in your career. Whether it’s fear of disappointing others, losing opportunities, or just wanting to be liked, the idea of rejecting someone can feel impossible. For years, I struggled with this — both as a freelancer and when I joined my first in-house team as a UI/UX designer.
