Just take a break Elliot, we will all be here when you're back! Like an actual break, not "I will work on something else" kinda break. Mental health is important 💚
Elliot I’ve watched every single one of your videos and so has my boyfriend. He is a chef and I sell art. We know nothing about graphic design but we think you’re so funny and so cool and we would watch u even if u didn’t talk about graphic design. And I’m sure a lot of people feel the same. So if you’re burnt out and just want to do UA-cam videos then try it out. Your style and personality for your channel is so unique and I personally wouldn’t care if u were teaching me how to boil water I would still watch.❤
I think the negativity of the design industry is DEFINITELY contributing to my burn-out. I graduated with a graphic design degree in June and I'm still Struggling to find any entry level job... It's November!!! I am feeling so discouraged and I haven't completed a project since graduating school. It's been so overwhelming. Thank you for talking about this and addressing the absolute negativity that's plaguing the industry because it's been making me question my career path a lot.
same !!! its been so hard and most entry level design jobs require you to be skilled in video and 3D and build the eighth wonder of the world and communicate with aliens... all for an entry level position :')... and they tell you to do your passion projects but what if your passion is running thin......
@@chamayonnaise yes!!! i'm so glad i'm not alone. also what is up with GRAPHIC DESIGN jobs requiring video and 3d knowledge right out of school? they never taught me that where i studied... anyway i wish you the best of luck and hope you find something that fulfills you!
@@bread-design I'm not considered entry level any more, but its true companies expect so much from just the designers. The biggest thing I've learned is that companies expect you to be constantly growing your skills laterally. Learn video, 3D, motion graphics, photography, etc. and STILL not pay you what you are worth. (I've decided to take some copywriting classes and try to dip into the social media coordinator sector)
I (26 M, USA) was fired from my job almost a year from today, and after therapy and almost a year of existential dread, this is what I dug up within myself: since high school, all I thought all I needed was graphic design to be successful. My grades were bad but thinking visually was easy for me and i excelled at it almost immediately. I followed that track and years later I found my way to a corporate position in my mid twenty’s. the pace of my assignments required me to think fast and design fast at a constant rate for 2 years. In the moment it was fun but all I thought about was work. I was reachable 80% of the day and I had no deadline boundaries. I was a minority in that industry/company and felt I was was born to excel at graphic design. I didn’t recognize that work was negatively affecting me, as I was in charge of my own decisions and felt that being the best employee was all I had. So I was fired after burning out (which was both a term and an experience I never known/felt before). I felt so guilty that I couldn’t break out of this cognitive dissonance of believing I’m a “good designer” and the reality of my superiors not finding me useful anymore, despite how much praise they gave me when I pulled all nighters to deliver creative projects. I created the best work of my life thus far over those 2 years, and led and carried projects. In the end, I found out that I’m only as good as my last month of performance. I felt my high-school understanding of meritocracy shatter. It’s almost been a year since that event and I’m JUST now dragging myself from the depths of that depression. It’s taken so much time, self love and introspection. In that gap year, realized I mostly design (and over achieve) for people’s praise, and I wouldn’t do it for myself, not even for fun (unlike when I was younger). So now, at my new job, I’m in this weird state where I’m emotionally stable and can design fine, but now put a lot of restraint on myself to do the absolute bare minimum. I’d rather make room In my head for genuine passions than to overachieve for something that isn’t real. Graphic design is what I know best, but the idea of doing it for a company just to make ads for things my community doesn’t need sickens me. I felt like a commodity that only has value in convincing the public to desire other (sometimes useless) commodities. So now, I realize I have to define what graphic design means to me and how I want to use it, praise be damned.
I really needed this. I got laid off three months ago (graphic designer) and though it was the happiest day of my life because I hated that job (for the reasons you stated), I have not been able to parse out my relationship to graphic design yet. Specifically, why I have absolutely zero f*cking drive to design anything anymore. It's just like you said, it's a job. And nothing more. I think the guilt and difficulty for me stem from the nature of the profession. There *is* an artistic element where you have to insert a part of yourself into your work. And that *could* be awesome if it wasn't put through the filter of "correct vs incorrect". I've found a semblance of peace in completely seperating myself from the work I make for others now but I'm still changing careers. I feel like graphic design is a purgatory/pit stop on the way to becoming in tune with your artistic self where you THINK you can make a living expressing yourself. But that's not how it works. If you want to express yourself and create, never subject yourself to other's evaluation of that expression. That's the core of what I've learned from this. I'll still occasionally design for family, friends and the occasional freelance gig but I have taken all the personal attachment to my work out of the equation and that's ok. Because it's a job in a capitalist society that tricks you into thinking it doesn't evaluate you according to capitalist ideals. And I think that's the most dangerous thing.
There definitely needs to be a video about how much graphic design actually sucks. I'm changing careers. I'm not even 'burned out', I despise everything about graphic design and modern arts in general.
Dude I’ve had enough of design, my agency job is constant criticism, constant creative demand. I literally just walked out of my office because I’m so sick of it and I opened my phone and saw this. Glad to see I’m not the only one. I’m going to Australia in the new year and taking a long break from design. I hope it reignites my love for it. I literally get nothing from seeing my work in use to be honest at this point.
Been burned out for the last 3 years. Listening to how positive you speak about design makes me want to keep doing it and want to relearn the art form and break all the rules. Love seeing your work.
What's interesting is that I feel as if you found the answer to your problem, which was rediscovering your why/initial motivation back when you were a kid. I resonate with that. Ironically, we forget our passion while pursuing our passion and simply need a reminder from time to time.
This video was 🔥🔥 and I have OPINIONS. First of all, your thoughts on designer memes and the negativity put words to something I’ve felt for a while but couldn’t express. Why is the space SO negative (and pretentious)?? Your attitude is so amazing and so needed. Let’s tone down the negativity and make more pretty things for fun right?? And let’s stop pretending that any version of self taught or “Instagram designer” or “canva designer” isn’t legit. We def need a whole video from you on the topic 😂 Also, I think you’re at such an interesting place in between making design to “solve problems”/serve commercially and making design for content, that you hit on here. You’re at such an interesting place where you do create for content, and so honestly I think it’s 100% justified to “just talk about design” more than make it. You’re a thought leader. A content creator. That work would be so interesting and needed if you want to make it. And also I’m here for your meta ramblings on graphic design as content/art. So interesting. And finally, def take a real break if you want one, and also know that burnout often takes months to heal in your body, and that’s totally ok. Content creation and social media are rough out there friend 🙃
"Do you have this video open while you're designing? Are you designing to the sweet sounds of my voice?" Mayyyyyybe. -signed, a burnt out graphic designer.
Coming from the world of architecture school I can confirm that negativity in the industry sucks the life right out of the process of designing that we all enjoy. We all appreciate your refreshing perspective that graphic design doesn’t have to be taken so seriously. Hopefully you can rekindle that once you take some time! Do what you gotta do
You should 100% take a break and relax. We love and support you. Also: I kind of dig these longer, discussion videos. When you come back, would definitely enjoy more of these.
Hey! I relate to this a lot. I've been burned out from art for years. Much like you in covid times; being unemployed for the 6 last months has unexpectedly been the cure for my burnout! And yeah, you should totally share your learning journey of 3D and anything you are up to right now! :D
as a graphic designer i can say that instead of learning new things and setteling on it imediantly, you might just try out stuff and try to have fun instead of only content based stuff. Maybe try to go into screen printing, 3D, animation (After effects or even 2D in clip studio), poster design, painting ect. and mixing things together. if its not fun anymore, step away from it. Also, maybe take a step back from instagramm for a while? I think the graphic design space on insta can be great but is definantly not everything about it. Most importantly, balance your interests.. If its only Graphic design and themes around it its hard to get motivated i guess Just some thoughts while watching and thanks for talking about it :)
Can relate to a lot of the things you said in this video!!! Especially when you said the ‘client is the algorithm’ lol🌝 we need an elliotisacoolguy podcast!!
Elliot, we love ya work. Do whatever you wanna do and I'm sure we will stick around and support you-- whether it be videos like this or a "learning 3D" series. That also includes a (legitimate) break too!! Take careoyaself
I was designing in InDesign when you said that.. I feel very called out. I used to be very passionate about design in school and then I had to do it all the time in uni which killed it a little bit and now I have a job in which I do very basic design work. Also feeling burnt out, but it's due to management rather than the work itself. I don't really do any design work outside of the 9 to 5 now. I've done a little bit here and there recently and hoping I can get some sort of spark back.
thank you so much for making this video. I’ve been in a huge rut for the past 2 years and I’m constantly stressing over my lack of motivation vs my love for design and art. I found your channel very recently and while I haven’t gotten around to watching many videos yet, the fun and inviting way you present your videos has been well… inviting lol seeing your video thumbnails has made me want to try more graphic stuff (I’m more on the illustration side currently) this might sound bad lmao but it’s very reassuring whenever I hear I’m not the only one having a hard time creating 🤣 hope you try out blender! It’s been a goal of mine too, and I definitely agree with the negativity aspect in creative industries. it’s understandable and relatable but so depressing, no matter how cheesy it sounds I wish we could talk more about what made us passionate about design/art instead
Hey Elliot, Love the videos! My advice coming from someone who experiences creative block regularly is to not limit yourself to computer-based design and to try experimenting with other mediums. Ask yourself what is it that inspires you right now? maybe it's sculpture, maybe it's video storytelling, give it a go and let your creativity guide you. Cheers!
hiii elliot!! first of all: congrats on 50k!! huge number, 100k is coming!! ((maybe a design chef ideia: making a design for the youtube 100k thing but only 10 words x 10 numbers on the design????) and thanks for this video! I think it's a big step to take a time and understand that you're burned out. i felt this way as well not only with design but also with everything creative i've done in the past (drawing & writing) anddd i would recommend you to just take a break from like, actually doing graphic design! i know this is kinda scary or even impossible since you work creating content, but i think its an important thing to do. when i'm like this, i try to take a break after i did everyhing i had with deadlines and just try other things. if i'm burned out with design, i'll try to draw, if i cant draw, i will write. maybe other occupations could help. and another thing i do is try to get inspired by other's people work. music & movies inspires me a lottt in the design field and everytime i read a book about design (even if it's for college, about design process and methods) i get inspired to try new ways of doing projects. i would love to see more videos of you talking on the couch about happy design things!!! i personally love to watch people talking about things they enjoy and this is a thing that i enjoy as well, so....... big win! and I also agree with you about the negativity that comes with the field, def not great. wishing you the best!! yayyy ;]
Hey there, Elliot! I'm a newbie, self-taught designer who decided to switch to design in my early 30s. I'm sitting here watching this while wallowing in creative block and self-doubt. Hang in there! Hopefully, we'll both get through this! Also, I don't follow Designers Humor because I find them so negative and discouraging. That page kills my vibe. haha
I really like to see you talking about design but in a very light and humorous way. And it's fun! And there is so much truth in things you comment on. It's reality! Keep doing this great content. I'm a little tired of watching serious content about design. My work is pretty serious, I don't want any more serious content to watch in my spare time. Thank you!
it’s funny, I found you bc recently i’ve been inspired to do graphic design-i think it’s mainly bc i’ve always loved putting things together, plus it’s a project I chose so it has so much me. while i can’t relate to burnout in graphic design (yet 😂) i can in other creative fields. fuck it take a break. you always come first; do what feels good to you ❤ love your videos
11:06: I am just binching your videos - and this one is soooo true (at least with me)! Just seeing dudes in general doing things in a, honestly funny and good mood is kinda rare these days. That said, taking a brake now and then is turning into an important part of staying that dude, who people just like to see again. Long story short - u doing just fine! And thx for the laughs!
Elliot speaking for myself and i’m sure a decent portion of your audience, I have never graphic designed in my life. I love all of your videos and jus love watching you talk and design and make jokes. No matter what you do I would watch it, and I think you should just make videos about what you enjoy.
honestly even learning something like illustrator in school was a burnout, cause yeah the consistency is what keeps you afloat but it’s like cramming for a test
My personal art/design projects are my only reminder that I have an aesthetically sensitive bone in my body anymore, lol. You wouldn't know it by looking at the corporate Instagram Stories and other ads I make.
I'm from Hong Kong and there's a page on Facebook made presumably by graphic designers called 'Being a Designer is Tougher than Eating Shit Association' (translated from Cantonese). It seems as though this kind of negativity towards the industry is nothing short of a global phenomenon. It fascinates and pains me at the same time to see people going into the industry with noble ambitions and having those ambitions slowly beaten out of them, only to be replaced by complaints and cynical one-liners.
I love this kind of video of yours, it's like a stand up comedy specialized in graphic design, learning process about 3D design could be very interesting
This is exactly how my brain works!! get out of my head AAAHH!! honastly tho man, I'm a graphic designer too. i come from a art background also view design same or similar way as you do.... got my first 9-5 design job and its eating my soul!!! i feel you! just wanna say thank you, watching your videos brings me peace! also I've just got a new graphic tablet to sculpt on blender, so please upload blender content!!
I’m a graphic designer for over 10 years. Have never really took a decent vacation. Now I’m just doing production work and it sucks. I’ve also been heavily depressed my whole life and still don’t have a partner I can reflect upon or talk to. I think I’m done. Not just with design but with life. I’m tired of slapping logos or doing mediocre shit. I wanna go 😢
I am not a graphic designer, never have been. but there is parallels in any creative industry, I suggest as you say trying another medium like 3d as you said, you may get re inspired after. This is a great video that people need to watch.
i listen in 1x speed :), and i think burn out is something that happens. i respect the fact that you kept working while at it, it's incredible the amount of good work you've done in that state. take your time elliot, i feel like even if burn out feels like a dumb feeling to feel, i think is totally fine to take it easy and find a new interest or topic to bring fun back again. take care king. and no, this vid wasnt cringe
I've been working with graphic design profesionaly only for 5 years and I'm already switching career paths. Even though it's something I love to do, I realized I love to do it for myself or for friends and things I really care about. Working for others in this field sucks really bad because of the long hours and little recognition (which in a "creative" [it's not. you just follow orders and happen to know how to use photoshop] path is an important factor).
have been burnt out for some time while working on my thesis film (last 2 years). taking a ceramics class, which forced me to be present and focused on something tactile - was restorative. same with keeping a daily sketchbook. as a filmmaker both of these practices are distinct from my moving image work. i also spent a lot of time learning cinema4d lol but that's really related to filmmaking for me. but if you have the capacity and resources to try something different, highly recommend! a blender video would be so fun to watch, always enjoy watching people learn the program :-)
this is a mood omg this will be a bit of a rant bear with me i think a lot of the burn out is part of the pandemic after feeling, because most careers that could work from home feels the same way, like it just showed how a lot of what we do is meaningless (in a capitalist way) and being stuck at home just made it clear (in a 'i could do anything in my life but i'm doing this website for a random company that is paying me 10 bucks and a cup of coffee' way) idk man right now i work with ux design and the money is better than graphic jobs in my country and that's pretty much what makes me keep this job like it's easy enough (i'm not doing labor things yk) and it pays the bills but i really wanted to do more artsy things and yk live my life but rent is expensive and my country is always falling apart i need the stability and omg designers rly gotta be more open about how to do things and sharing knowledge elliot i rly like u u doing great also take a rest go watch a film or something
Puedo hablar en inglés, pero para expresar mi idea claramente voy a recurrir al español. Quiero hacer hincapié en 13:44 donde dejas expreso tu deseo de comunicar el diseño para que otros aprendan o como un diálogo entre diseñadores para ... cuándo quieras podemos generar un espacio en el cuál el diálogo con respeto, la crítica con fundamentos, y entender que estamos para aprender de nuestros aciertos y errores, incluso como personas. Un cálido saludo desde Argentina.
I’ve been working in healthcare (not graphic design) for ten years and fuckin hell: no matter how much I cut my hours or go on holidays or uptake hobbies, I’m still so tired.
Also I watch your videos at regular speed because turns out slowing the fuck down and enjoying the moment a little more and not maximising every little bit of consumption helps with burnout.
elliot, smelliot if you will (i will), i've been pretty un-serious in my comments since i stumbled upon your youtube channel, BUT - i relate to this pretty hard. so i'm sending you big hugs. if you need to take a break - identify that need and do that. the productivity cycle requires rest to be part of that process. take your rest. take your breaks. or your productivity, your creativity, will suffer. which you and many of us are rapidly learning recently. listen to what you're saying in this video - there are heaps of points that you're actually bringing up that have your answers within them. you've built a huge support network here - fkn use it. believe it. we're here. all us elliots. we've been here and you've been elliot. :-) we're still gonna be here. don't be a goose.
me when you said "are you watching this while designing?" when i am, in fact, watching while working my 9-to-5 corporate graphic design job: 👁👄👁 i wish i could have an answer or a "cure" to being burn out. for me, usually taking a break and doing something i don't do and that has nothing to do with graphic design helps get my brain out of that space. whether it's reading, writing, going somewhere, and just literally disconnecting from graphic design completely usually helps me. sometimes. not always, but sometimes. i hope you can find some inspiration and regain your passion again, but breaks are important and our brains need some rest, too.
well elliot i think it’s time to start vlogging, take a break from graphic design and get out and travel which in the end will give you more inspiration and i also think you would be good at it
This video felt like a callout. Here I am, working on my next post in my 'daily design' series, and then you come out here with the "Are you watching this while designing?" bro stop looking through my window I'm on the 8th floor you'll hurt yourself if you fall.
Beng sincere here: listenening you while figuring out where to come out with the energy to talk to my clients. Kind of hate the reaching out part, rather just designing. Anyone else in this place too?
I actually felt doubts about my career choice after scrolling through Design Humor´s feed, lol. I feel better now that I unfollowed and focused on following people who actually seem... happy to be here, lol.
Hmmm dude, I don't want to minimize your suffering, I swear, but I work full time on an agency and, in the middle of intense burn out, today I had a talk with people from up there, and they're telling me I'm not enough, my value is 0 but they didn't tell me because not wanting to hurt my fellings, that the people I was working nice with never really trusted me, and that the workload, not only isn't gonna decrease, but the opposite, x3. I give ths job a month or two, but, I really need the money. I don't know what's gonna happen, I'm sad, scared, and ashamed, honestly. I totally feel you, I've got so much work that I don't enjoy it anymore in this agency. They did sweeten my ear at the beginning and now they say I never was adequate.
I've been trying to push myself to do 3D design for months but I can't, I'd love to see you doing 3D, we might succeed together. Kind of. well, I'll see you. haha
Just take a break Elliot, we will all be here when you're back! Like an actual break, not "I will work on something else" kinda break. Mental health is important 💚
will try my best!! appreciate it
Elliot I’ve watched every single one of your videos and so has my boyfriend. He is a chef and I sell art. We know nothing about graphic design but we think you’re so funny and so cool and we would watch u even if u didn’t talk about graphic design. And I’m sure a lot of people feel the same. So if you’re burnt out and just want to do UA-cam videos then try it out. Your style and personality for your channel is so unique and I personally wouldn’t care if u were teaching me how to boil water I would still watch.❤
☝ 100% this
would totally watch Elliot teach me how to boil water
this is the most inspired ive felt all year. boiling water tutorial coming soon
I think the negativity of the design industry is DEFINITELY contributing to my burn-out. I graduated with a graphic design degree in June and I'm still Struggling to find any entry level job... It's November!!! I am feeling so discouraged and I haven't completed a project since graduating school. It's been so overwhelming. Thank you for talking about this and addressing the absolute negativity that's plaguing the industry because it's been making me question my career path a lot.
same !!! its been so hard and most entry level design jobs require you to be skilled in video and 3D and build the eighth wonder of the world and communicate with aliens... all for an entry level position :')... and they tell you to do your passion projects but what if your passion is running thin......
@@chamayonnaise yes!!! i'm so glad i'm not alone. also what is up with GRAPHIC DESIGN jobs requiring video and 3d knowledge right out of school? they never taught me that where i studied... anyway i wish you the best of luck and hope you find something that fulfills you!
bless u laura sorry to hear its getting to you but glad to hear this helped!! we push on!!
@@bread-design I'm not considered entry level any more, but its true companies expect so much from just the designers. The biggest thing I've learned is that companies expect you to be constantly growing your skills laterally. Learn video, 3D, motion graphics, photography, etc. and STILL not pay you what you are worth. (I've decided to take some copywriting classes and try to dip into the social media coordinator sector)
I (26 M, USA) was fired from my job almost a year from today, and after therapy and almost a year of existential dread, this is what I dug up within myself:
since high school, all I thought all I needed was graphic design to be successful. My grades were bad but thinking visually was easy for me and i excelled at it almost immediately. I followed that track and years later I found my way to a corporate position in my mid twenty’s. the pace of my assignments required me to think fast and design fast at a constant rate for 2 years. In the moment it was fun but all I thought about was work. I was reachable 80% of the day and I had no deadline boundaries. I was a minority in that industry/company and felt I was was born to excel at graphic design. I didn’t recognize that work was negatively affecting me, as I was in charge of my own decisions and felt that being the best employee was all I had.
So I was fired after burning out (which was both a term and an experience I never known/felt before). I felt so guilty that I couldn’t break out of this cognitive dissonance of believing I’m a “good designer” and the reality of my superiors not finding me useful anymore, despite how much praise they gave me when I pulled all nighters to deliver creative projects. I created the best work of my life thus far over those 2 years, and led and carried projects. In the end, I found out that I’m only as good as my last month of performance. I felt my high-school understanding of meritocracy shatter. It’s almost been a year since that event and I’m JUST now dragging myself from the depths of that depression. It’s taken so much time, self love and introspection.
In that gap year, realized I mostly design (and over achieve) for people’s praise, and I wouldn’t do it for myself, not even for fun (unlike when I was younger).
So now, at my new job, I’m in this weird state where I’m emotionally stable and can design fine, but now put a lot of restraint on myself to do the absolute bare minimum. I’d rather make room In my head for genuine passions than to overachieve for something that isn’t real. Graphic design is what I know best, but the idea of doing it for a company just to make ads for things my community doesn’t need sickens me.
I felt like a commodity that only has value in convincing the public to desire other (sometimes useless) commodities. So now, I realize I have to define what graphic design means to me and how I want to use it, praise be damned.
I really needed this. I got laid off three months ago (graphic designer) and though it was the happiest day of my life because I hated that job (for the reasons you stated), I have not been able to parse out my relationship to graphic design yet. Specifically, why I have absolutely zero f*cking drive to design anything anymore. It's just like you said, it's a job. And nothing more. I think the guilt and difficulty for me stem from the nature of the profession. There *is* an artistic element where you have to insert a part of yourself into your work. And that *could* be awesome if it wasn't put through the filter of "correct vs incorrect". I've found a semblance of peace in completely seperating myself from the work I make for others now but I'm still changing careers. I feel like graphic design is a purgatory/pit stop on the way to becoming in tune with your artistic self where you THINK you can make a living expressing yourself. But that's not how it works. If you want to express yourself and create, never subject yourself to other's evaluation of that expression. That's the core of what I've learned from this. I'll still occasionally design for family, friends and the occasional freelance gig but I have taken all the personal attachment to my work out of the equation and that's ok. Because it's a job in a capitalist society that tricks you into thinking it doesn't evaluate you according to capitalist ideals. And I think that's the most dangerous thing.
There definitely needs to be a video about how much graphic design actually sucks. I'm changing careers. I'm not even 'burned out', I despise everything about graphic design and modern arts in general.
Dude I’ve had enough of design, my agency job is constant criticism, constant creative demand. I literally just walked out of my office because I’m so sick of it and I opened my phone and saw this. Glad to see I’m not the only one.
I’m going to Australia in the new year and taking a long break from design. I hope it reignites my love for it. I literally get nothing from seeing my work in use to be honest at this point.
i think a break is almost always the answer according to the comments here!! me and you BOTH need one it seems!
@@welliot I think we need a communal Elliotisacoolguy channel design-free getaway to somewhere warm and sunny.
"Graphic design is all about problem solving" is the most pretentious shit I've ever learned in design 😂
here hereeeee
Been burned out for the last 3 years. Listening to how positive you speak about design makes me want to keep doing it and want to relearn the art form and break all the rules. Love seeing your work.
this is lovely 🥰
I am so distracted by the billboard my brain is rotted
What's interesting is that I feel as if you found the answer to your problem, which was rediscovering your why/initial motivation back when you were a kid. I resonate with that. Ironically, we forget our passion while pursuing our passion and simply need a reminder from time to time.
This video was 🔥🔥 and I have OPINIONS. First of all, your thoughts on designer memes and the negativity put words to something I’ve felt for a while but couldn’t express. Why is the space SO negative (and pretentious)?? Your attitude is so amazing and so needed. Let’s tone down the negativity and make more pretty things for fun right?? And let’s stop pretending that any version of self taught or “Instagram designer” or “canva designer” isn’t legit. We def need a whole video from you on the topic 😂 Also, I think you’re at such an interesting place in between making design to “solve problems”/serve commercially and making design for content, that you hit on here. You’re at such an interesting place where you do create for content, and so honestly I think it’s 100% justified to “just talk about design” more than make it. You’re a thought leader. A content creator. That work would be so interesting and needed if you want to make it. And also I’m here for your meta ramblings on graphic design as content/art. So interesting.
And finally, def take a real break if you want one, and also know that burnout often takes months to heal in your body, and that’s totally ok. Content creation and social media are rough out there friend 🙃
thanks for this megan!! loved loved loved this comment
"Do you have this video open while you're designing? Are you designing to the sweet sounds of my voice?" Mayyyyyybe. -signed, a burnt out graphic designer.
I screamed
Coming from the world of architecture school I can confirm that negativity in the industry sucks the life right out of the process of designing that we all enjoy. We all appreciate your refreshing perspective that graphic design doesn’t have to be taken so seriously. Hopefully you can rekindle that once you take some time! Do what you gotta do
thanks isaac!! legend
You should 100% take a break and relax. We love and support you. Also: I kind of dig these longer, discussion videos. When you come back, would definitely enjoy more of these.
Hey! I relate to this a lot. I've been burned out from art for years. Much like you in covid times; being unemployed for the 6 last months has unexpectedly been the cure for my burnout! And yeah, you should totally share your learning journey of 3D and anything you are up to right now! :D
as a graphic designer i can say that instead of learning new things and setteling on it imediantly, you might just try out stuff and try to have fun instead of only content based stuff. Maybe try to go into screen printing, 3D, animation (After effects or even 2D in clip studio), poster design, painting ect. and mixing things together. if its not fun anymore, step away from it. Also, maybe take a step back from instagramm for a while? I think the graphic design space on insta can be great but is definantly not everything about it.
Most importantly, balance your interests.. If its only Graphic design and themes around it its hard to get motivated i guess
Just some thoughts while watching and thanks for talking about it :)
Be smart creative and sensitive is a big challenge in life. ❤it is gonna be ok elliot , don’t be so harsh on yourself.
Can relate to a lot of the things you said in this video!!! Especially when you said the ‘client is the algorithm’ lol🌝 we need an elliotisacoolguy podcast!!
hehehe soon MAYBE?!?!
Elliot, we love ya work. Do whatever you wanna do and I'm sure we will stick around and support you-- whether it be videos like this or a "learning 3D" series. That also includes a (legitimate) break too!! Take careoyaself
you are all TOO SWEET!
I was designing in InDesign when you said that.. I feel very called out. I used to be very passionate about design in school and then I had to do it all the time in uni which killed it a little bit and now I have a job in which I do very basic design work. Also feeling burnt out, but it's due to management rather than the work itself. I don't really do any design work outside of the 9 to 5 now. I've done a little bit here and there recently and hoping I can get some sort of spark back.
all those advertisers in the background getting free promo 👀
Yo i recognize that ad and that intersection
thank you so much for making this video. I’ve been in a huge rut for the past 2 years and I’m constantly stressing over my lack of motivation vs my love for design and art. I found your channel very recently and while I haven’t gotten around to watching many videos yet, the fun and inviting way you present your videos has been well… inviting lol seeing your video thumbnails has made me want to try more graphic stuff (I’m more on the illustration side currently) this might sound bad lmao but it’s very reassuring whenever I hear I’m not the only one having a hard time creating 🤣
hope you try out blender! It’s been a goal of mine too, and I definitely agree with the negativity aspect in creative industries. it’s understandable and relatable but so depressing, no matter how cheesy it sounds I wish we could talk more about what made us passionate about design/art instead
Hey Elliot, Love the videos! My advice coming from someone who experiences creative block regularly is to not limit yourself to computer-based design and to try experimenting with other mediums. Ask yourself what is it that inspires you right now? maybe it's sculpture, maybe it's video storytelling, give it a go and let your creativity guide you. Cheers!
trueeeeeeeeee pottery it is!!
hiii elliot!! first of all: congrats on 50k!! huge number, 100k is coming!! ((maybe a design chef ideia: making a design for the youtube 100k thing but only 10 words x 10 numbers on the design????)
and thanks for this video!
I think it's a big step to take a time and understand that you're burned out. i felt this way as well not only with design but also with everything creative i've done in the past (drawing & writing) anddd i would recommend you to just take a break from like, actually doing graphic design! i know this is kinda scary or even impossible since you work creating content, but i think its an important thing to do.
when i'm like this, i try to take a break after i did everyhing i had with deadlines and just try other things. if i'm burned out with design, i'll try to draw, if i cant draw, i will write. maybe other occupations could help. and another thing i do is try to get inspired by other's people work. music & movies inspires me a lottt in the design field and everytime i read a book about design (even if it's for college, about design process and methods) i get inspired to try new ways of doing projects.
i would love to see more videos of you talking on the couch about happy design things!!! i personally love to watch people talking about things they enjoy and this is a thing that i enjoy as well, so....... big win! and I also agree with you about the negativity that comes with the field, def not great.
wishing you the best!! yayyy ;]
Hey there, Elliot! I'm a newbie, self-taught designer who decided to switch to design in my early 30s. I'm sitting here watching this while wallowing in creative block and self-doubt. Hang in there! Hopefully, we'll both get through this!
Also, I don't follow Designers Humor because I find them so negative and discouraging. That page kills my vibe. haha
the ultimate vibe killer deadset good to know im not alone!!
you are my favorite UA-camr and you help me do better as a graphic designer thank you for your service
I really like to see you talking about design but in a very light and humorous way. And it's fun! And there is so much truth in things you comment on. It's reality! Keep doing this great content. I'm a little tired of watching serious content about design. My work is pretty serious, I don't want any more serious content to watch in my spare time. Thank you!
it’s funny, I found you bc recently i’ve been inspired to do graphic design-i think it’s mainly bc i’ve always loved putting things together, plus it’s a project I chose so it has so much me. while i can’t relate to burnout in graphic design (yet 😂) i can in other creative fields. fuck it take a break. you always come first; do what feels good to you ❤ love your videos
11:06: I am just binching your videos - and this one is soooo true (at least with me)! Just seeing dudes in general doing things in a, honestly funny and good mood is kinda rare these days.
That said, taking a brake now and then is turning into an important part of staying that dude, who people just like to see again. Long story short - u doing just fine!
And thx for the laughs!
Elliot speaking for myself and i’m sure a decent portion of your audience, I have never graphic designed in my life. I love all of your videos and jus love watching you talk and design and make jokes. No matter what you do I would watch it, and I think you should just make videos about what you enjoy.
good to hear the personality carries... takes the pressure off designing and editing!
look up a tutorial on how to mask on videos so you can edit out that billboard and make it a still
honestly even learning something like illustrator in school was a burnout, cause yeah the consistency is what keeps you afloat but it’s like cramming for a test
My personal art/design projects are my only reminder that I have an aesthetically sensitive bone in my body anymore, lol. You wouldn't know it by looking at the corporate Instagram Stories and other ads I make.
I'm from Hong Kong and there's a page on Facebook made presumably by graphic designers called 'Being a Designer is Tougher than Eating Shit Association' (translated from Cantonese). It seems as though this kind of negativity towards the industry is nothing short of a global phenomenon. It fascinates and pains me at the same time to see people going into the industry with noble ambitions and having those ambitions slowly beaten out of them, only to be replaced by complaints and cynical one-liners.
I love this kind of video of yours, it's like a stand up comedy specialized in graphic design, learning process about 3D design could be very interesting
congrats on 50k king thanks for suffering for our content!! Also this burnout is relatable as a musician, idk what the hell I’m doing anymore either!
This is exactly how my brain works!! get out of my head AAAHH!! honastly tho man, I'm a graphic designer too. i come from a art background also view design same or similar way as you do.... got my first 9-5 design job and its eating my soul!!! i feel you!
just wanna say thank you, watching your videos brings me peace!
also I've just got a new graphic tablet to sculpt on blender, so please upload blender content!!
Take a vacation dude! But a long one, not just a weekend or week. A month or more in a different culture really recharges the design battery.
We love you Elliot! It’s okay to take a break, i also feel very identified with what you said. ❤
I’m a graphic designer for over 10 years. Have never really took a decent vacation. Now I’m just doing production work and it sucks. I’ve also been heavily depressed my whole life and still don’t have a partner I can reflect upon or talk to. I think I’m done. Not just with design but with life. I’m tired of slapping logos or doing mediocre shit. I wanna go 😢
I am not a graphic designer, never have been. but there is parallels in any creative industry, I suggest as you say trying another medium like 3d as you said, you may get re inspired after. This is a great video that people need to watch.
thanks derek!!
i listen in 1x speed :), and i think burn out is something that happens. i respect the fact that you kept working while at it, it's incredible the amount of good work you've done in that state.
take your time elliot, i feel like even if burn out feels like a dumb feeling to feel, i think is totally fine to take it easy and find a new interest or topic to bring fun back again.
take care king.
and no, this vid wasnt cringe
thank you van!!
I've been working with graphic design profesionaly only for 5 years and I'm already switching career paths. Even though it's something I love to do, I realized I love to do it for myself or for friends and things I really care about. Working for others in this field sucks really bad because of the long hours and little recognition (which in a "creative" [it's not. you just follow orders and happen to know how to use photoshop] path is an important factor).
have been burnt out for some time while working on my thesis film (last 2 years). taking a ceramics class, which forced me to be present and focused on something tactile - was restorative. same with keeping a daily sketchbook. as a filmmaker both of these practices are distinct from my moving image work. i also spent a lot of time learning cinema4d lol but that's really related to filmmaking for me. but if you have the capacity and resources to try something different, highly recommend!
a blender video would be so fun to watch, always enjoy watching people learn the program :-)
@8:58 caught me. I was tracing a logo because the client doesn't have the vector. No music though and normal video playback speed 👍
this is a mood omg
this will be a bit of a rant bear with me i think a lot of the burn out is part of the pandemic after feeling, because most careers that could work from home feels the same way, like it just showed how a lot of what we do is meaningless (in a capitalist way) and being stuck at home just made it clear (in a 'i could do anything in my life but i'm doing this website for a random company that is paying me 10 bucks and a cup of coffee' way)
idk man right now i work with ux design and the money is better than graphic jobs in my country and that's pretty much what makes me keep this job like it's easy enough (i'm not doing labor things yk) and it pays the bills but i really wanted to do more artsy things and yk live my life but rent is expensive and my country is always falling apart i need the stability
and omg designers rly gotta be more open about how to do things and sharing knowledge
elliot i rly like u u doing great also take a rest go watch a film or something
a very good comment!!
@@welliot thank u
when you said "do you have this video open while you're designing?" i really felt that
so many people are commenting about this lol its amazing... designers design i guess?!?!
Great video! Really interesting to hear your thoughts about this
3-D learning process would be the best idea ever!
i want to get into it!! hopefully will stream
Oh you are right we need more positive content about graphic design. It will bring more respect to that profession, I hope.
yes yes yes!
Bro its been something like four months now since your burnout. Time to rise n grind again lesgooo00 😤😤
that's okay Elliot you can slay later you still slay tho slay the day
thank you uncle konrad
Puedo hablar en inglés, pero para expresar mi idea claramente voy a recurrir al español.
Quiero hacer hincapié en 13:44 donde dejas expreso tu deseo de comunicar el diseño para que otros aprendan o como un diálogo entre diseñadores para ... cuándo quieras podemos generar un espacio en el cuál el diálogo con respeto, la crítica con fundamentos, y entender que estamos para aprender de nuestros aciertos y errores, incluso como personas. Un cálido saludo desde Argentina.
I’ve been working in healthcare (not graphic design) for ten years and fuckin hell: no matter how much I cut my hours or go on holidays or uptake hobbies, I’m still so tired.
Also I watch your videos at regular speed because turns out slowing the fuck down and enjoying the moment a little more and not maximising every little bit of consumption helps with burnout.
elliot, smelliot if you will (i will), i've been pretty un-serious in my comments since i stumbled upon your youtube channel, BUT - i relate to this pretty hard. so i'm sending you big hugs. if you need to take a break - identify that need and do that. the productivity cycle requires rest to be part of that process. take your rest. take your breaks. or your productivity, your creativity, will suffer. which you and many of us are rapidly learning recently. listen to what you're saying in this video - there are heaps of points that you're actually bringing up that have your answers within them. you've built a huge support network here - fkn use it. believe it. we're here. all us elliots. we've been here and you've been elliot. :-) we're still gonna be here. don't be a goose.
bless u peachpatrol
🤣 I AM listening at 1.25 speed! Caught red handed lol. Really enjoy your refreshing candid style of videos!
just know that whatever you do i'll watch your videos :)
“are you watching this while designing?” HOW DID YOU KNOW😭
actually thought the billboard was giving design! thought it was intentional, very cool
Take care of yourself, sending much love! We'll be there
I hope it makes you feel better when I say that I would totally love to see non-graphic design Elliot content.
"do you have this video open while you're designing?" yes...
OMG I am watching at 1.25 speed HAHAHAH I absolutely love this video, puts me in such a great mood!
the (cracked) photoshop on the family computer to burnt out designer pipeline : D
it's a 10 year journey... but its UNIVERSAL!
I am...listening to this video...while designing...being burnt out from designing...
Yeah, I would love to watch you learn 3D (and learn with you on the process)!
congrats on the 50K subs!
thank you!!!
great video mate feel like a lot of people including myself need to hear that
greetings from germany
I've been in my burnout phase for 3 years. Happens when you make your passion your job.
I indeed have this video open (playing at normal speed) while I'm designing :)
Watching on my phone on the subway on the way back home from my design internship
Not on 1.25 speed!!
Stream the process please i watched a 100 hour blender video and it was so nice to see the progress
I actually am putting together an apparel catalog for Wall Drug in South Dakota while watching/listening to this video :)
me when you said "are you watching this while designing?" when i am, in fact, watching while working my 9-to-5 corporate graphic design job: 👁👄👁
i wish i could have an answer or a "cure" to being burn out. for me, usually taking a break and doing something i don't do and that has nothing to do with graphic design helps get my brain out of that space. whether it's reading, writing, going somewhere, and just literally disconnecting from graphic design completely usually helps me. sometimes. not always, but sometimes.
i hope you can find some inspiration and regain your passion again, but breaks are important and our brains need some rest, too.
8:47 I am actually doing the dishes while watching this video but thanks for thinking I'm hard at work
"Sweet sound of my voice" :D definitely!
well elliot i think it’s time to start vlogging, take a break from graphic design and get out and travel which in the end will give you more inspiration and i also think you would be good at it
hahaha vlogging would be pretty fun i reckon but all i do is DESIGN and WORK and OTHER THINGS
look at the sky get clear and the sun shine as we get to the end of the video
beautiful observation
Every single time brad pitt appeared on the billboard i got a little jumpscared because i thought someone was just standing in your window
i booked that airbnb really thinking a billboard wouldnt be distracting for a video.... oh what a fool am i
Currently watching on x1.5 speed because I can’t know this soon enough
I just noticed that the chair that you are sitting on is the same one that Patric Bateman has two of in his appartment in the movie.
I like the shirtless man on the billboard. I think outube should have more shirtless men.
The billboard killed me don't tell me it wasn't on purpose to generate some comments HAHAHAHAHA
This video felt like a callout. Here I am, working on my next post in my 'daily design' series, and then you come out here with the "Are you watching this while designing?" bro stop looking through my window I'm on the 8th floor you'll hurt yourself if you fall.
This video is 100% accurate. Zero lies detected. No notes. 👏
bro don't make tear up with the photoshop on the family computer bit
the memories 😪
You should make a tutorial "how to make Graphic Design fun again"
Beng sincere here: listenening you while figuring out where to come out with the energy to talk to my clients. Kind of hate the reaching out part, rather just designing. Anyone else in this place too?
Ngl I be watching while I designing
I actually felt doubts about my career choice after scrolling through Design Humor´s feed, lol. I feel better now that I unfollowed and focused on following people who actually seem... happy to be here, lol.
i knew they had an influence on people!!! terrible
I'm sorry, i was indeed designing while listening to your angelic, slightly high pitched voice 😔👍 8:48
is this the graphic designer therapy group? alright i'll take a seat
8:48 cracked a laugh out of me 🤣felt so caught
Hmmm dude, I don't want to minimize your suffering, I swear, but I work full time on an agency and, in the middle of intense burn out, today I had a talk with people from up there, and they're telling me I'm not enough, my value is 0 but they didn't tell me because not wanting to hurt my fellings, that the people I was working nice with never really trusted me, and that the workload, not only isn't gonna decrease, but the opposite, x3. I give ths job a month or two, but, I really need the money. I don't know what's gonna happen, I'm sad, scared, and ashamed, honestly. I totally feel you, I've got so much work that I don't enjoy it anymore in this agency. They did sweeten my ear at the beginning and now they say I never was adequate.
I am doing a little bit of writing as this video is playing, but I have it on my second monitor so I CAN still see you, and it is on 1x speed. Honest.
thank you for the details
I've been trying to push myself to do 3D design for months but I can't, I'd love to see you doing 3D, we might succeed together. Kind of. well, I'll see you. haha
I loved this video. Thank you. ❤.
Good ol Creative Burnout. The bane of any designers existence.
8:58 OH OKOK I'm actually drawing a weird moon man
Elliot to get way into making glitch-art with Audacity and a hex editor