Love You!

The love affair between creatives and our work stems from expressing our identity. We feel most "ourselves" when immersed in the flow state of designing (is that sad or just divine?). Our work becomes a natural extension and expression of who we are; we channel our identity through colors, shapes, and words on whatever canvas or channel we deem fit- honestly, it is rewarding and consuming.

Today, on Valentine's Day, we are sharing collective and individual perspectives on dealing with this chicken-and-egg feeling. So, you will see quotes from many team members on how we deal.

The dynamic plays out interestingly, with us continuously finding profound validation in our creations. Praise, awards, and even the silent satisfaction of a well-done job, igniting inner desires (our partners can only compete). Leaving us feeling intensely passionate about being lucky to live a life of purpose and endless passion.

"The hard part is figuring out the work you truly love to do. Once you figure that out, loving others through your work happens effortlessly."-John.

Relying solely on work-related validation can create a precarious emotional ecosystem. Research by Brené Brown, a leading expert on vulnerability, highlights the risks of confusing professional self-worth with personal identity. When our self-esteem becomes dependent on external validation, especially from work, we leave ourselves vulnerable to fluctuations in the professional landscape. A negative critique, missed deadline, or shift in project priorities can send us into an emotional tailspin.

"Honestly, the way I get completely engulfed in a design project is scarily similar to what it feels like to be utterly infatuated with someone… If I spend too much time working on a brand, I start to think about it constantly, incessantly bring it up around my friends, overthink every step of the process, have a falling out with it, rediscover the love, become possessive, & eat an entire tub of ice cream when the client rejects it."-Jake

It is easy to say that balance can be achieved, but it is challenging because, as creatives, we pour an insane amount of passion into our work as a reflection of our core values. We exist to craft things that amplify our purpose in this world. The biggest challenge lies in balancing this intrinsic validation with the human need for connection. While it's true that professional success can be fulfilling, it's crucial to remember that love, in its most authentic form, extends beyond accolades and achievements. Cultivating relationships outside of work, engaging in diverse interests, and fostering a sense of community are essential to building a well-rounded identity.

"I don't think there's a particular trick or cheat code to it. Work (even beloved work) and the rest of life are like two rooms next to each other in my mind. If you're intentional about it for long enough, you'll start subconsciously turning the light off and closing the door when you leave one room and go into the other. "-Ella.

So, dear creative, this Valentine's Day, design a new narrative. Design a life filled with love, not just in your work but in the connections you nurture, the passions you explore, and the self-compassion you cultivate.

"When I got engaged, I couldn't wait to tell my team! That's part of what makes a small studio so special; we share what we're up to outside of work and hold space for life events, no matter how big or small."- Sarah.

Remember, a fulfilled, loved-up designer is not just a happier individual but also a more powerful one, capable of crafting experiences that move, inspire, and truly connect with the world.✌🏽

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