hi guys! thank you so much for joining me on this wild ride. there was an issue on youtube's end at 15:15-18:40 and a few other moments later in the video, but they have reprocessed the video and the glitch should go away within the next few days. the haters don't want to hear my gossip.... never the less we persist!!!!
half gossip killed the gossiper, what convention aaaaaa hahaha junt jkng lol amazing to know that we are all going through similar stuf and im in brazil. we all live in the same country, capitalism. u gave me energy, im in a similar journey rn. thanks for share
That boss you had who would punish you daily for one printing mistake is INSANE. No designer, let alone any employee, should be treated that way for an honest mistake (as a designer I have made mistakes many times and it's usually fixable or we just reprint). I'm so glad you're out of that now and doing the thing you love! Your channel has made me want to go into music merchandise eventually, but I have found work adjacent to the film industry that I'm really enjoying :) You are the coolest, love that you're back on youtube!
Specially since it was supposed to go through proof-reading and the manager consciously decided to not do that. The mistake may begin at the designer level, but proof readers exists¿ for a reason, we cannot expect for the product to come out perfect without cooperation from the entire team
I think maybe it makes sense in the context of their story - with so many roadbumps and hard won success - it can make it feel like you're time worn! I'm 32 and just getting started in design with one iota of the experience of Kel. Maybe you should tell your story too :)
It really depends on the context but I understand what they meant. I’m 28, and just graduated design school with a BFA and I’m older than most people starting where I am. (In school, most people start right around high school so by the time they graduate they’re in their early 20’s). In that context it makes sense. Also, I’m pretty sure they were just being silly lol
I’m only 13 mins in but the story about you getting ESCORTED out of the office you worked at is actually insane and I’m so sorry that happened to you. Glad you moved on to bigger and better things 💕
@@KelLauren Artistic creative types wear colorful things. It's an aesthetic and I'm down with it! Plus as a migraine sufferer as well ya do what ya gotta do, and dammit and you can't be stylish at the same time!
I just literally got fired from my design position today. This morning. No exact reason, I just wasn't "A GOOD FIT". 8 months in...... thank you for talking about your experiences, it makes today feel a tiny bit better.
@@KelLauren ❤ thank you. (!!!!!!!) Truly feel like you gave me a life raft to hang on to for a little while. My boss was intimidating and really mean and 0 management skills - so honestly I should be happy I don't have to be scared of him anymore lol.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it really means a lot to see other designers sharing their trial’s & tribulations, & to see it’s not a perfect world out there for all designers
hey haii!! my first design co-worker in LA! omggg it's been so fun to see you grow and flourish over the years! I'm glad we were able to work together as young-er designers for that really strange man for a hot minute back in 2015! glad you moved on to bigger and better things and became someone so influential in the design community! wild times
as someone who just graduated college at the age of 24 for graphic design who’s just insanely passionate and stubborn about working for the music industry when i heard you’re 28 and have been working for almost a decade i thought my life was over- then after watching the entire video and your journey you helped me realize that im not actually that late and its not bad that my first big designer girl job isn’t already in the music industry. i have a big problem feeling like im behind in everything but im taking your words and chappell’s that i just haveeeee to keep going. you’re such an inspiration and im so thankful that you share so much with us, thanks for coming back to youtube. i always wish you the best
Thank you for speaking so candidly about your sacrifices and successes. I haven’t really seen artists that I respect be this open about the industry. I started watching your channel when I began college back in 2021 and I can say with confidence that you inspired me to push myself creatively and learn tools that I never thought I would figure out-and it has changed my mindset and career entirely. I’m wishing you the best of luck going forward and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your content!
it is definitely something people in this field people avoid talking about! I don't understand why?? I love to complain, and I want the next gen to have it better than me. we all deserve better, and we deserve to not feel alone in our experiences. there's some horrible stuff going on in this industry, and its time we talk about it!
My percussion director completely destroy my love for music during my undergrad. He was truly my biggest hater. Through design and finding your channel during the height of covid i was able to find my passion for music again
im so sorry to hear you were discouraged by someone who should have been a mentor. as a fellow percussionist, there's something so cold about the way the instructors communicate their... teachings. you have a gift, don't let anyone take it!
i can FULLY relate to the menu calorie mishap. i work in vitamins & supplements, and we arent allowed to type a single thing in, its all copy and paste from a formula give to us by regulatory. and when im looking at a supp. facts box for hours trying to fit 20+ items into a 2in label, i cannot for the LIFE of me see straight.
I’m currently in a design position similar to your print mistake one. Constantly being gaslit and brought down. It’s so draining and has taken such a toll on me mentally. I genuinely want to thank you for sharing, I’ve watched your stuff since high school and it’s relieving to hear that the graphic designer I’ve looked up to for so long has gone through this too. Thank you for sharing your journey and I hope to persevere as well as you have💜
I've watched you for YEARS, since I decided graphic design was what I wanted to throw myself into after ignoring my passion for art and design throughout college. I just wanted to say thank you for continuously inspiring me and speaking so openly about your journey. I'm in that area of my career where I'm figuring out freelance, but also trying to find work that is sustainable for my budget and most days are harder than others, but hearing you speak definitely lifts me back up!
the story of your boss continually bringing you to a conference room to explain your mistake literally reminds me of the "break room" in severance ........ wow. literally a dystopian nightmare!
you are truly an inspiration Kel!! the fire inside you and determination that you have held for SO SO many years is a true testament to how dedicated you are to your art and creativity!! I’ve always been a creative guy, whether it be making instagram edits for my fav youtuber’s in 2017, or becoming a concert photographer and graphic designer now at the age of 20, I truly believe you have made a bigger impact on me and my creativity than I can put into words. From your designs, to your processes, and even your creative struggles, i’ve been able to see a piece of myself in you that has never been shown to me before. All of this to say, THANK YOU for being you Kel, and thank you for bringing us along your journey. You are an unstoppable force and you deserve nothing but a life full of happiness and cats🫶
Hearing the comment at 51:00 was something I truly needed. Every industry feels so over saturated and that there’s no room for me anywhere but ….I’m also very stubborn
I'm a communications major with barely any understanding of adobe but I had an internship where I did a lot of flyers/posters (all in adobe express lol) and my bosses pretty much gave me free reign which was genuinely super fun. It was all pretty basic work but I have so much admiration for creative people who can come up with these designs out of thin air,, you really emphasized that passion and creativity are essentially a person's superpowers !! I also think it's really admirable that you spoke about both the challenges and successes throughout your career and I really appreciate it especially as someone who is graduating next year and has no idea what I'm going to do after. thanks for the discussion and I wish you many more years of design greatness
I thought I was crazy for feeling so overwhelmed and tired at my job, but this video proved me right ! I totally understand the feeling of waking up in the morning dreading to go to work, not feeling fulfilled or satisfied during work hours.. I really want to quit but i want to wait a bit until i’m ready, but i’m also driving myself insane because i really can’t take it anymore.. we designers deserve better !
reallyy beautiful, inspiring and heartwarming for us new up and coming designers to hear such a real success story kel, im actually bawling my eyes out
your journey is so inspiring to me! I’m also a graphic designer earlier in my career kind of struggling to find my first “full time role” and trying to find a role that i enjoy which also pays me well
im so happy you shared your design journey with us as it was not only inspiring to see you on the other end and fully embracing yourself and creativity, but you shared a very real struggle that i think is just as important to know and hear about. as someone who is a bit confused about my future career after graduation, you give me hope that i will find my way one day.
Kel, don't age yourself. The average age of a graphic designer is actually 38 (37 for men and 39 for women)! It just seems like a young person's career cause of social media :)
Yep... Especially because older people dont use social Media as actively as Young people do. Youre so right. Some people in the industry still send Out ther Portfolio PDF Files instead of managing it on social Media.
KEL you are so so sooo strong for showing up everyday, time and time again, after all those horrible experiences. Your grit is inspiring. I relate SO MUCH to your stories - managers who would check every friggin alignment, micro manage, bosses who would belittle you so much, and blame everything on the designer, the dread of designing boring things… sometimes I wonder why are people who have no design background approving my work??? Yet, I love how you said that your creativity is so special and something that will always be yours. Truly felt so empowered. Nothing will stop me from creating and to design the future for myself. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I can’t wait to hear more! ❤
sooo crazy to think i’ve been watching you since 2019 😭 this video really put into perspective (for an outsider like myself) just how long you’ve been doing this and how much longer you have to go. from one stranger to another, i’m proud of you my friend. you’re an inspiration 🫶🏾 edit: free palestine, congo, sudan - the people
came across the video and didnt expect much because I rarely watched design content on youtube because I feel like I’m already stressed out with design projects at school BUT i just listened to the whole video. this video just made me realize something about myself as a graphic designer honestly (frankly I never feel like I am one) couldn’t describe it into words but as a tiring senior in school I felt a little reassured listening to this video
loved this video sm and I feel super inspired to get back into creating for FUN outside of just what I design for work that I’m not super into!! you are so cool and loved hearing your story
Thank you so much kel, this video came out at such a perfect time for me. Knowing that you went through the same thing I currently am seemingly stuck in, helps me have hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t usually leave comments but you are such an inspiration and the world needs more people like you.
The ‘full time’ contractor situation 👀 SAME. So many moments early career I also laugh about now but were so difficult at the time. Thanks for sharing this 💛
this video makes me feel so much less alone with where i’m at rn (at a soul sucking agency that way overworks and undervalues me) and i really appreciate hearing about your design journey and knowing that things can get better. you didn’t deserve the horrible shit you went through but i’m so glad that you’re killing it now, it’s really truly inspiring and i hope to be more like that someday. trying really hard not to lose the passion for design because i know i love it and this job doesn’t represent all that design can be !
this video came at a perfect time in my life, as i’m still studying to become a graphic designer and starting to receive some negative feedback from people like the ones you’ve faced. i saw my passion for this job in you, and i see you as a role model from whom i can draw inspiration, for the determination you showed in dealing with those nearly unbearable work situations, and for how you held on to live from what you love. you’ve gained a new follower, and i will carry your story with me for a long time. thank you. never underestimate how much your story and your work can touch others here on the internet. you’re helping to create a safe space for people like us.
Good advice ! I think it’s reallyyy important to not let your job as a designer define you. You are not your job, even if you are freelance. If you have a terrible experience at a studio early on that does not define you as well. Work in design is not a one size fits all. Some places work for people while others just don’t fit. Finding your right fit takes time but it is out there!
So psyched to see you back on this platform Kel!! You inspired me back in 2020 to pursue a career in merchandise design. I'm not quite at Live Nation or freelancing for big name musicians/artists level, but every time I see a video like this it fires me up to push my artistic career! As always thanks for being so real on your channel and sharing your designer resources. You rock!
After struggling for the last couple years, this video really gave me comfort and a sense of confidence I don't think I would have had before. I'm sorry you had all of those bad experiences, I hate that it was those horrible things that pushed you to get to the good. I'm glad I'm a fan of someone who's so strong and persistent! Keep going ya'll!!
I found your channel back in like 2022 and was sad I had caught up on all the videos. Glad you're officially back!!! Im at a crossroads right now where I dont know if I should choose betweenvideography or graphic design. All I know is you've been an inspiration for myself and I hope to pursue something in the music industry because of you. I never really realized there was jobs out there that focused on merch design. So thank you for that!!! On another note I can't wait to see what else you upload from here on out. As a desk geek I hope you upload an updated desk tour sometime!
I did an undergrad design program at a state school. My love for design was gone after graduation. I applied for hundreds of jobs and got none. I’m still trying to heal my relationship with art. I don’t feel like I belong in the design space anymore.
Loved this episode - that boss of yours was an old HAG!!! Good for you for pressing on. You've killed it, and you've got your whole life ahead of you too. Sending love!
After taking inspiration from your journey over half a decade ago as a large informant in my decision to follow a design path, this is such a cathartic video to watch, keep doing dope shit Kel
Girl, I've been following you since the beginning. I film for a living so I have nothing to do with graphic design but I was always mesmerized by your design videos back in the day. Now to find out how much you were going through!! Shocking. I'm SO happy you're in a great place and doing what you love. Good for you for keeping your flame alive. I wish you all the success
Such a great story by a fellow designer. Thank you for sharing and I am super duper proud of you and how far you have come and how much more you are going to do!
Hey Kel Omg I can relate to soooooo much of this video, I haven't found my success yet, I have been on quite the journey. still trying to find my thing and get back into the design work, I am currently in a job I really want to get out of, but haven't found a job, but soooo close to quitting. But good see one else go through this as well, even when you were in design roles and you didn't enjoy which I have been in similar roles but do somethings on the side which bring me joy. But still at the point I need to find something to pay bills etc. Through my journey I have worked in sooo many industries, in and out of the creative one professional. So thank you so much for sharing this with us. It so helpful. I have had jobs fall through, contracts end etc, been told Im not good enough etc. but here I am starting to push again after 2 years of imposer syndrome. and a real block on designing So glad your back
its such a tumultuous ride to be a graphic designer. we are working artists, and we have to balance the practicality of paying bills, while sacrificing our inner most vulnerabilities via design. its painful. but every once in a while, we find glimmers of hope and joy. it carries us onto the next chapter and the only way we can get there is to keep reading. hang in there my dear
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I’m not a professional designer, but i’ve been making designs for over 10 years now. It really is my dream to be able to work as a designer but it’s really hard to show my work and believe in myself. I’m suffering from a depression and it’s really scary to not really know what the future will bring, but video’s like this are really inspiring and make me understand the world a bit better? It pushes me to give my dream of being a designer another chance and that really means a lot to me. Thank you for being here and sharing so much, honest and real video’s!
I can not believe they charge you for the misprints. When i started i made so many mistakes that i can't count. Same thing owners made me cry for the mistakes but never charge for those. When they hire someone with no experience those are the consequences, i mean is common sense. Hey, you can now laugh about those adults who thought they were better then you. Good for you Kel!
Hey Kel, I don’t know if you realize how motivating and hopeful this video is! I'm working at an agency, (My first experience working in an agency)and it has definitely been a far from pleasant experience... Since I started in design , I fell in love with branding working at this agency has made me question many things... Definitely every day and in every project I question myself if I am really creative enough to be in this industry. And on the other hand, I don't see myself working in any area other than design. Watching your video and hearing that we need to keep going made me realize that it's okay (not completely okay), but in the end, things will pass, and we’ll eventually find our place in the world. I definitely love your work ♥️
Hey Kel thanks for sharing your full history of your creative journey with us. Really makes me feel a lot less alone, I went through a similar experience as a junior designer. it was an awful super manipulative degrading experience that broke me. But it woke something amazing in me i realized I'm a lot more of an illustrator than a designer. The struggle right now in the creative industry is real i was just laid off from my full-time illustration job. As chapel and you say all we can do is keep going and to never stop. Opportunities will come - thank you for being such a light in all of our lives kel
Thank you, Kel for sharing all of this with us. ❤I'm beaginner designer in IT, currently working in startup and I do basically everything from ads to UI design. Sometimes I want to give up but I know I need to keep going and someday I'll find place where my creativity in appreciated
You are not alone in the "you suck at attention to detail" trauma. My old boss went into google sheets history to find that I had edited a single cell wrong, took a screenshot with my name in the history, and sent it to me 😭. The corporate world is INSANE and I'm glad to not be a robot that can thrive there. Truly nothing fires you up for success than a horrible boss who doesn't believe in you.
kel!! i have missed your videos so much, this one in particular made me tear up especially at the end, i currently work in prepress and some times it is literally so exhausting and the environment gets kinda toxic, i feel so seen when you talked about making a mistake in print and managers never letting it go and asking why did it happen when the answer is as simple as an honest mistake, my superior is so good but the people in charge of sales and planning literally hate our graphic department so much they love to blame us when something goes wrong lmao i do have had moments in time where i wanted to quit graphic design and art because it feels like i'll never find anywhere better but your videos give me hope:( i always manage to find my love for it again. thank u for shariiing
Thanks for this Kel! Being a young designer is literally one of the most mentally challenging and insecure jobs out there, it’s comforting to hear your journey wasn’t easy either. Keep it up!!!
your videos inspired me to go to design school! I would watch your videos for hours, loving your art and wondering if I’d ever be good enough to make it as a designer & if it was worth it to go to night school. But I did it, and I’ve been working as a designer for 3 years 🎉 thank you for inspiring me!!
This is so inspiring as a design student with my own career struggles through internships and so on.. to find out that there is a possibility to work in music, it really encourages me! Thank you for your story.
I'm a medical student and a graphic designer and man oh man i relate to at least 80% of your experiences. Meeting a senior doctor and organization leaders who said i was dumb, lazy, worthless, and had no direction in life or whatsoever was so HEARTBREAKINGGGGGG. But eventually i got over it and work on myself again, little by litte. it does not matter how smart i am on a specific day, as long as i'm 1% better every day as a medical student and as a graphic designer. If i could deal with boomer doctors, i could always deal with future people that i'm going to meet in the health and design industry.
Kel, thank you for sharing your experience. I am currently going through one of those bad periods where I have considered quitting design, but hearing your experience fills me with hope and faith to keep trying.
i really can't put into words how much hope and inspiration such videos that you've put out give me. I'm an architecture major and i can't stand it. I really wanted to pursue a career in graphic design or animation which led me to minoring in animation while doing architecture and i can't explain how much your videos have helped me to be courageous enough to even try out graphic design because i was so intimidated by the fact that i barely knew anything to put into practice. i'[m in my senior year now and I've been introduced to graphic design through you and that has helped me even score some things to work on. I've learned so much through your videos and your work, and i've carried the kel lauren spirit within me to be able to do that. Also i respect you so much for so many things you stand for
Omg. I needed to hear this. I’m going through a particularly rough time and it seems like this is a common thing for designers because as you were talking I was literally envisioning all of my shitty experiences at the same time. I’m gonna keep going because if ANY of my experiences relate to your years of finding yourself as a designer, it gives me hope that I will see the other side (the good side) like you have. I also wanted to say i too have been put on a PIP for my stubbornness. Until now I’ve made that part of me out to be the bad guy but when I hear you talk about it, it reminds me that its also the part that makes me absolutely love what I do. so fuck em
five years ago i saw your video on redesigning coffe brands and did not know what Graphic design is. Now i am about to graduate as a graphic designer and just saw the video pop up on my feed. Thankyou for sharing that makes me think i will get where i want to go
We are in a great place as artist to start demanding standards and correcting the wrongful practices in this industry. For too long we put up with BS and this "charge it to the game" mentality. That same mentality is the reason why artist have horror stories like these early in their career. Success doesn't mean anything if we have to get mentally abused to reach it. I respect you Kel for finding the light to keep you going, I too was used that then lead to a burnout that changed my whole viewpoint of being a designer for 2-3 years. I lost confidence, drive, and passion which then lead me to financial ruin and low self esteem. I'm still pushing and hoping to reach the betters days you've worked hard to reach. Thank you for this video
i've been a fan of you since like 2018 (when i was a freshman in high school, and now i'm about to graduate college), and i'm SO proud of you. i'm so glad you never gave into the people who told you you werent good enough (fuck them btw) because you deserve all your success and acclaim 100%
I’ve always loved art. graphic design was my literal passion in high school, singing has been my life long love and I truly enjoy immersing myself in creativity. however, I’ve stopped doing anything because I’ve had to be an adult with no help, so all I’ve done has been worked which has lead me to fear doing anything I love as a career. but something has clicked this year and I just want to create art even though it overwhelms me cause idk where to start. hearing your story of how you’ve gotten to where you are today is so inspiring, even with all of the hurdles. new lesbian subscriber gained 💕
The respectful feedback convo at 39 minutes is a tuckaway GEM in this video. But this entire testimony and story was captivating, relatable to me as a FORMER marketing/brand consultant who dealt with a LOT of toxicity too. You're doing great.
Yo Kel this was sick. I'm finding myself drawn to design more and more after a career in corporate (mostly because I just started making things for friends and it's started something). I am crippled with perfectionism and imposter syndrome so to hear the "failures" that led you to where you are now is really encouraging. I'm glad you're back and love the gaayyyyyyyy community lel.
It was the first of your videos that I watched. Usually, I don't leave comments on UA-cam videos, but this time I had to. For months, I’ve been struggling to watch other people's videos until the end, even though they are much shorter than yours, cover (also) interesting topics, and use more visuals. So I was shocked that I watched your 53-minute video without any problem! You have great charisma and storytelling skills, and it’s really enjoyable to watch you. Please keep making more videos! :)
As a graphic designer that has had to claw her way through a career, I feel so connected to your story. At my first job after graduating, I worked for a small business where the owner would call to yell at me for things my coworker had done (I think she assumed we were the same person), or to berate me for a new rule she'd made up on the spot. Like you, after months, I quit this job without having another lined up. It took years before I joined a team where I felt I could actually connect and be myself with coworkers, though the creative outlet was non-existent. Now I'm looking for my next move and beginning my dive into legitimate freelance in the hopes I can support myself and be the creative I always dreamed I could be.
I work at an agency and I definitely don’t get treated terribly at all. But I do get logo requests that usually have no brief or vision included and am required to have these logo packages complete by the following day or two. Love your vids Kel and your design work so glad your back I have missed your videos!
I am soooooo in shock with how you were treated at your job in Pasadena...people are human and they make mistakes! I am so glad you found the perfect path for you.
Thank you so much for this video! You were describing some things I've been feeling latley(about how i feel i dont belong in this area mostly) and just yesterday I was thinking in quiting my graphic design studies because I feel like I started too late (I'm 24 and it's my second year) and I'm not worth it and that I should be better than I am and comparing me eith my classmates but it felt inspyring that someone this succesful was there at some point and got out!!!! thank you thank you thank you!! really you don't realize how important has this video been for me
Thank you for the video! As a graphic designer, I once made a huge typo in a calendar. I work in three languages at the same time. My head of department knew I had too much work. He knows there are people without work, but at the time, he kept dumping more projects on me so I could burn out or "complain again" (as he put it). In the process of proofreading all my Japanese calendars, my boss insisted on proofreading my projects. He didn't notice anything, so well, you give all the projects one last quick look and that's it. The calendar went to print in China. So, you can imagine what happened next. My department boss blamed me for everything. He started saying bad stuff about me as a designer or a person to other designers. Luckily I had a chance to talk to his boss and it was fixed, but for a second. This happened two years ago and he is still bullying me to this day. After that you just don't believe you're good enough so you stay where you are, because that's more comfortable. Because of him, I spent 2022 and 2023 with depression. 2023 was the worst. I stopped even trying to be better at anything. This year, 2024, I've learned not to give any f*cks anymore and try to regain my confidence and creativity. I don't know where I will be next year, but I hope far away and one day when I no longer work there, I will say all his dirty and narcissistic behaviour out loud here on YT. Some people are not made to be department heads or even call themselves art directors if they know nothing about art.
this is sooo incredibly real god puts his strongest soldiers in creative industries 😭 i do sound and this was so relieving to hear thank you for sharing
currently in my first full-time role at an agency. as we speak, i'm working on updating my portfolio to better reflect the skills i've gained. i've learned a lot at this job, but a creatively controlling boss who never hears me out on concepts and ideas because "i'm so green" has done nothing but kill my confidence and make me question myself. here's to new beginnings and finding creative directors who truly want us to succeed as artists. love to all who have had similar experiences xoxo
As someone who is just starting school for design, this made me so scared for the battle I’m about to fight to get a job that pays my bills, but I will always remember to keep going! No matter how many tears!
You have no idea as I watch this video, I feel like we are living somewhat the same life in different sides of the world. Even the part about the strict professor who drives me to continue to work (maybe admittingly from spite haha); and working as a unicorn in start-up sized companies. right now, I am still a senior in my school program and genuinely feel like I am not good enough. so this video really has reassured me to keep going. Thank you for this video.
This makes me feel so much better about my trajectory, I was laid off a month ago and now am trying to break into book cover design by doing redesigns on UA-cam Shorts and TikTok 😅
Thanks for sharing your journey! I've been struggling with my own graphic design career and have faced a lot of discouragement. I haven't updated my portfolio in 4 years! I feel like I'm stuck in a dead-end "graphic design job" at a small company, where I'm expected to do everything except designing
The 28-year old/middle aged designer comment is giving me whiplash 😂 I’m 29 and about to graduate with a design degree because I finally decided to follow my heart and go after graphic design after wasting my twenties. I’m scared I just wasted my time and I won’t ever be able to break into the field because I do already feel geriatric and like I aged out 😭
That comment took me aback as well! I think as a society we have normalized this weird pressure to live our whole lives before we hit 30? As if we die at 30? 🤨
hi guys! thank you so much for joining me on this wild ride. there was an issue on youtube's end at 15:15-18:40 and a few other moments later in the video, but they have reprocessed the video and the glitch should go away within the next few days. the haters don't want to hear my gossip.... never the less we persist!!!!
Hell yeah!!!
loll i thought my internet was having problems
ohmygod i was having a breakdown in the shower over this 😭😭😭
there’s another two at 37 min and 40 min 😭😭😭
half gossip killed the gossiper, what convention aaaaaa hahaha junt jkng lol amazing to know that we are all going through similar stuf and im in brazil. we all live in the same country, capitalism. u gave me energy, im in a similar journey rn. thanks for share
That boss you had who would punish you daily for one printing mistake is INSANE. No designer, let alone any employee, should be treated that way for an honest mistake (as a designer I have made mistakes many times and it's usually fixable or we just reprint). I'm so glad you're out of that now and doing the thing you love! Your channel has made me want to go into music merchandise eventually, but I have found work adjacent to the film industry that I'm really enjoying :) You are the coolest, love that you're back on youtube!
Specially since it was supposed to go through proof-reading and the manager consciously decided to not do that. The mistake may begin at the designer level, but proof readers exists¿ for a reason, we cannot expect for the product to come out perfect without cooperation from the entire team
1 minute in and hearing you say 28 is geriatric in this industry is soul crushing. I'm 33 and not near where I want to be. OOF.
Yeah that was really discouraging
I think maybe it makes sense in the context of their story - with so many roadbumps and hard won success - it can make it feel like you're time worn! I'm 32 and just getting started in design with one iota of the experience of Kel. Maybe you should tell your story too :)
It really depends on the context but I understand what they meant. I’m 28, and just graduated design school with a BFA and I’m older than most people starting where I am. (In school, most people start right around high school so by the time they graduate they’re in their early 20’s). In that context it makes sense. Also, I’m pretty sure they were just being silly lol
yeah literally...about to turn 30 and wanting to change careers into GD 😬
Try being mid-40s and attempting a shift back into art after being lost for the last 20+ years just trying to have a job, making a living.
The part where you told us about Live Nation finally calling you about the offer legitimately made me tear up 😭 man this WAS a Journey.
it must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
I’m only 13 mins in but the story about you getting ESCORTED out of the office you worked at is actually insane and I’m so sorry that happened to you. Glad you moved on to bigger and better things 💕
humiliating!!!! alas.. i won
@@KelLauren humiliating for them! That's insane!
Fired for using a better tool lmao
the pink glasses are so good actually
theyre honestly kind of a look.......
@@KelLauren Artistic creative types wear colorful things. It's an aesthetic and I'm down with it! Plus as a migraine sufferer as well ya do what ya gotta do, and dammit and you can't be stylish at the same time!
I just literally got fired from my design position today. This morning. No exact reason, I just wasn't "A GOOD FIT". 8 months in......
thank you for talking about your experiences, it makes today feel a tiny bit better.
omfg I am SO sorry, I know that exact feeling. onto bigger and better things! one door closes and another opens
@@KelLauren ❤ thank you. (!!!!!!!)
Truly feel like you gave me a life raft to hang on to for a little while.
My boss was intimidating and really mean and 0 management skills - so honestly I should be happy I don't have to be scared of him anymore lol.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it really means a lot to see other designers sharing their trial’s & tribulations, & to see it’s not a perfect world out there for all designers
hey haii!! my first design co-worker in LA! omggg it's been so fun to see you grow and flourish over the years! I'm glad we were able to work together as young-er designers for that really strange man for a hot minute back in 2015! glad you moved on to bigger and better things and became someone so influential in the design community! wild times
ALEX!!!! my angel!!! likewise, i’m so glad i had someone like you so early on. i hope you have been well ❤️
I'm so proud of you two for not growing apart from the challenge but growing closer. That's very rare.
as someone who just graduated college at the age of 24 for graphic design who’s just insanely passionate and stubborn about working for the music industry when i heard you’re 28 and have been working for almost a decade i thought my life was over- then after watching the entire video and your journey you helped me realize that im not actually that late and its not bad that my first big designer girl job isn’t already in the music industry. i have a big problem feeling like im behind in everything but im taking your words and chappell’s that i just haveeeee to keep going. you’re such an inspiration and im so thankful that you share so much with us, thanks for coming back to youtube. i always wish you the best
Thank you for speaking so candidly about your sacrifices and successes. I haven’t really seen artists that I respect be this open about the industry. I started watching your channel when I began college back in 2021 and I can say with confidence that you inspired me to push myself creatively and learn tools that I never thought I would figure out-and it has changed my mindset and career entirely. I’m wishing you the best of luck going forward and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your content!
it is definitely something people in this field people avoid talking about! I don't understand why?? I love to complain, and I want the next gen to have it better than me. we all deserve better, and we deserve to not feel alone in our experiences. there's some horrible stuff going on in this industry, and its time we talk about it!
@@KelLauren Agreed! Hopefully I can contribute to the same discussion, since we're quite underepped!
My percussion director completely destroy my love for music during my undergrad. He was truly my biggest hater. Through design and finding your channel during the height of covid i was able to find my passion for music again
im so sorry to hear you were discouraged by someone who should have been a mentor. as a fellow percussionist, there's something so cold about the way the instructors communicate their... teachings. you have a gift, don't let anyone take it!
i can FULLY relate to the menu calorie mishap. i work in vitamins & supplements, and we arent allowed to type a single thing in, its all copy and paste from a formula give to us by regulatory. and when im looking at a supp. facts box for hours trying to fit 20+ items into a 2in label, i cannot for the LIFE of me see straight.
you get it! it’s hell.
"food additive e471, e417, e356, e330, e102, e103, e105, e855, e442, e323" 😭🔫
@@rikard.h thankfully no food additives, as its supplements & vitamins.
I’m currently in a design position similar to your print mistake one. Constantly being gaslit and brought down. It’s so draining and has taken such a toll on me mentally. I genuinely want to thank you for sharing, I’ve watched your stuff since high school and it’s relieving to hear that the graphic designer I’ve looked up to for so long has gone through this too. Thank you for sharing your journey and I hope to persevere as well as you have💜
I want to be Kel Lauren when I grow up
everyday i wake up and i am upset i am not kel
we are all Kel Lauren
literally
No same
I've watched you for YEARS, since I decided graphic design was what I wanted to throw myself into after ignoring my passion for art and design throughout college. I just wanted to say thank you for continuously inspiring me and speaking so openly about your journey. I'm in that area of my career where I'm figuring out freelance, but also trying to find work that is sustainable for my budget and most days are harder than others, but hearing you speak definitely lifts me back up!
I believe in you! take everything as it comes, and know you can always change your mind. art will always be here for us
the story of your boss continually bringing you to a conference room to explain your mistake literally reminds me of the "break room" in severance ........ wow. literally a dystopian nightmare!
you are truly an inspiration Kel!! the fire inside you and determination that you have held for SO SO many years is a true testament to how dedicated you are to your art and creativity!! I’ve always been a creative guy, whether it be making instagram edits for my fav youtuber’s in 2017, or becoming a concert photographer and graphic designer now at the age of 20, I truly believe you have made a bigger impact on me and my creativity than I can put into words. From your designs, to your processes, and even your creative struggles, i’ve been able to see a piece of myself in you that has never been shown to me before. All of this to say, THANK YOU for being you Kel, and thank you for bringing us along your journey. You are an unstoppable force and you deserve nothing but a life full of happiness and cats🫶
Hearing the comment at 51:00 was something I truly needed. Every industry feels so over saturated and that there’s no room for me anywhere but ….I’m also very stubborn
I'm a communications major with barely any understanding of adobe but I had an internship where I did a lot of flyers/posters (all in adobe express lol) and my bosses pretty much gave me free reign which was genuinely super fun. It was all pretty basic work but I have so much admiration for creative people who can come up with these designs out of thin air,, you really emphasized that passion and creativity are essentially a person's superpowers !! I also think it's really admirable that you spoke about both the challenges and successes throughout your career and I really appreciate it especially as someone who is graduating next year and has no idea what I'm going to do after. thanks for the discussion and I wish you many more years of design greatness
I thought I was crazy for feeling so overwhelmed and tired at my job, but this video proved me right ! I totally understand the feeling of waking up in the morning dreading to go to work, not feeling fulfilled or satisfied during work hours.. I really want to quit but i want to wait a bit until i’m ready, but i’m also driving myself insane because i really can’t take it anymore.. we designers deserve better !
reallyy beautiful, inspiring and heartwarming for us new up and coming designers to hear such a real success story kel, im actually bawling my eyes out
your journey is so inspiring to me! I’m also a graphic designer earlier in my career kind of struggling to find my first “full time role” and trying to find a role that i enjoy which also pays me well
amazing video, you don't know how much i needed to hear this at the moment!! thanks kel, you're amazing!!
Kel comeback after I just graduated from grapahic design and started working a shitty job is exactly what I needed.
im so happy you shared your design journey with us as it was not only inspiring to see you on the other end and fully embracing yourself and creativity, but you shared a very real struggle that i think is just as important to know and hear about. as someone who is a bit confused about my future career after graduation, you give me hope that i will find my way one day.
Kel, don't age yourself. The average age of a graphic designer is actually 38 (37 for men and 39 for women)! It just seems like a young person's career cause of social media :)
Yep... Especially because older people dont use social Media as actively as Young people do. Youre so right. Some people in the industry still send Out ther Portfolio PDF Files instead of managing it on social Media.
KEL you are so so sooo strong for showing up everyday, time and time again, after all those horrible experiences. Your grit is inspiring. I relate SO MUCH to your stories - managers who would check every friggin alignment, micro manage, bosses who would belittle you so much, and blame everything on the designer, the dread of designing boring things… sometimes I wonder why are people who have no design background approving my work??? Yet, I love how you said that your creativity is so special and something that will always be yours. Truly felt so empowered. Nothing will stop me from creating and to design the future for myself. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I can’t wait to hear more! ❤
sooo crazy to think i’ve been watching you since 2019 😭
this video really put into perspective (for an outsider like myself) just how long you’ve been doing this and how much longer you have to go. from one stranger to another, i’m proud of you my friend. you’re an inspiration 🫶🏾
edit: free palestine, congo, sudan - the people
came across the video and didnt expect much because I rarely watched design content on youtube because I feel like I’m already stressed out with design projects at school BUT i just listened to the whole video. this video just made me realize something about myself as a graphic designer honestly (frankly I never feel like I am one) couldn’t describe it into words but as a tiring senior in school I felt a little reassured listening to this video
loved this video sm and I feel super inspired to get back into creating for FUN outside of just what I design for work that I’m not super into!! you are so cool and loved hearing your story
Thank you so much kel, this video came out at such a perfect time for me. Knowing that you went through the same thing I currently am seemingly stuck in, helps me have hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t usually leave comments but you are such an inspiration and the world needs more people like you.
Incredible story, could listen to just day to day life after this for hours. Inspiring.
The glasses go haaaaard too!
The ‘full time’ contractor situation 👀
SAME.
So many moments early career I also laugh about now but were so difficult at the time. Thanks for sharing this 💛
The full time contractor situation. Very sneaky!!
this video makes me feel so much less alone with where i’m at rn (at a soul sucking agency that way overworks and undervalues me) and i really appreciate hearing about your design journey and knowing that things can get better. you didn’t deserve the horrible shit you went through but i’m so glad that you’re killing it now, it’s really truly inspiring and i hope to be more like that someday. trying really hard not to lose the passion for design because i know i love it and this job doesn’t represent all that design can be !
this video came at a perfect time in my life, as i’m still studying to become a graphic designer and starting to receive some negative feedback from people like the ones you’ve faced. i saw my passion for this job in you, and i see you as a role model from whom i can draw inspiration, for the determination you showed in dealing with those nearly unbearable work situations, and for how you held on to live from what you love. you’ve gained a new follower, and i will carry your story with me for a long time. thank you. never underestimate how much your story and your work can touch others here on the internet. you’re helping to create a safe space for people like us.
so true bestie, I relate to the turmoil of intro agency jobs and for those just starting out, it does get better don’t give up ❤
Good advice ! I think it’s reallyyy important to not let your job as a designer define you. You are not your job, even if you are freelance. If you have a terrible experience at a studio early on that does not define you as well. Work in design is not a one size fits all. Some places work for people while others just don’t fit. Finding your right fit takes time but it is out there!
So psyched to see you back on this platform Kel!! You inspired me back in 2020 to pursue a career in merchandise design. I'm not quite at Live Nation or freelancing for big name musicians/artists level, but every time I see a video like this it fires me up to push my artistic career! As always thanks for being so real on your channel and sharing your designer resources. You rock!
grl i'm so glad ur back, you were a great inspiration in me changing careers and now i'm halfway in my Graphic Design bachelor lysm
After struggling for the last couple years, this video really gave me comfort and a sense of confidence I don't think I would have had before. I'm sorry you had all of those bad experiences, I hate that it was those horrible things that pushed you to get to the good. I'm glad I'm a fan of someone who's so strong and persistent! Keep going ya'll!!
I found your channel back in like 2022 and was sad I had caught up on all the videos. Glad you're officially back!!! Im at a crossroads right now where I dont know if I should choose betweenvideography or graphic design. All I know is you've been an inspiration for myself and I hope to pursue something in the music industry because of you. I never really realized there was jobs out there that focused on merch design. So thank you for that!!! On another note I can't wait to see what else you upload from here on out. As a desk geek I hope you upload an updated desk tour sometime!
I did an undergrad design program at a state school. My love for design was gone after graduation. I applied for hundreds of jobs and got none. I’m still trying to heal my relationship with art. I don’t feel like I belong in the design space anymore.
Loved this episode - that boss of yours was an old HAG!!! Good for you for pressing on. You've killed it, and you've got your whole life ahead of you too. Sending love!
needed this rn, thank you babe
🫡
After taking inspiration from your journey over half a decade ago as a large informant in my decision to follow a design path, this is such a cathartic video to watch, keep doing dope shit Kel
you made me cry kel! i really liked your affirmations about yourself, hope some day i can tell them to myself :)
Girl, I've been following you since the beginning. I film for a living so I have nothing to do with graphic design but I was always mesmerized by your design videos back in the day. Now to find out how much you were going through!! Shocking. I'm SO happy you're in a great place and doing what you love. Good for you for keeping your flame alive. I wish you all the success
Such a great story by a fellow designer. Thank you for sharing and I am super duper proud of you and how far you have come and how much more you are going to do!
you actually inspired me to go back to school for design and i love this field a lot!!
Kel you ATE in this video
thank you :')
Hey Kel
Omg I can relate to soooooo much of this video, I haven't found my success yet, I have been on quite the journey. still trying to find my thing and get back into the design work, I am currently in a job I really want to get out of, but haven't found a job, but soooo close to quitting.
But good see one else go through this as well, even when you were in design roles and you didn't enjoy which I have been in similar roles but do somethings on the side which bring me joy.
But still at the point I need to find something to pay bills etc.
Through my journey I have worked in sooo many industries, in and out of the creative one professional. So thank you so much for sharing this with us. It so helpful.
I have had jobs fall through, contracts end etc, been told Im not good enough etc. but here I am starting to push again after 2 years of imposer syndrome. and a real block on designing
So glad your back
its such a tumultuous ride to be a graphic designer. we are working artists, and we have to balance the practicality of paying bills, while sacrificing our inner most vulnerabilities via design. its painful. but every once in a while, we find glimmers of hope and joy. it carries us onto the next chapter and the only way we can get there is to keep reading. hang in there my dear
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I’m not a professional designer, but i’ve been making designs for over 10 years now. It really is my dream to be able to work as a designer but it’s really hard to show my work and believe in myself. I’m suffering from a depression and it’s really scary to not really know what the future will bring, but video’s like this are really inspiring and make me understand the world a bit better? It pushes me to give my dream of being a designer another chance and that really means a lot to me. Thank you for being here and sharing so much, honest and real video’s!
I can not believe they charge you for the misprints. When i started i made so many mistakes that i can't count. Same thing owners made me cry for the mistakes but never charge for those. When they hire someone with no experience those are the consequences, i mean is common sense. Hey, you can now laugh about those adults who thought they were better then you. Good for you Kel!
middle aged comment is relatable. love seeing consistent Kel videos again, i will be seated for each and every one
Hey Kel,
I don’t know if you realize how motivating and hopeful this video is!
I'm working at an agency, (My first experience working in an agency)and it has definitely been a far from pleasant experience...
Since I started in design , I fell in love with branding working at this agency has made me question many things...
Definitely every day and in every project I question myself if I am really creative enough to be in this industry.
And on the other hand, I don't see myself working in any area other than design.
Watching your video and hearing that we need to keep going made me realize that it's okay (not completely okay), but in the end, things will pass, and we’ll eventually find our place in the world.
I definitely love your work ♥️
Hey Kel thanks for sharing your full history of your creative journey with us. Really makes me feel a lot less alone, I went through a similar experience as a junior designer. it was an awful super manipulative degrading experience that broke me. But it woke something amazing in me i realized I'm a lot more of an illustrator than a designer. The struggle right now in the creative industry is real i was just laid off from my full-time illustration job. As chapel and you say all we can do is keep going and to never stop. Opportunities will come - thank you for being such a light in all of our lives kel
Thank you, Kel for sharing all of this with us. ❤I'm beaginner designer in IT, currently working in startup and I do basically everything from ads to UI design. Sometimes I want to give up but I know I need to keep going and someday I'll find place where my creativity in appreciated
Drunk af, watching this at 1am, 21.09.24 in India. Thank you Kel, youre an inspiration
hell yeah
You are not alone in the "you suck at attention to detail" trauma. My old boss went into google sheets history to find that I had edited a single cell wrong, took a screenshot with my name in the history, and sent it to me 😭. The corporate world is INSANE and I'm glad to not be a robot that can thrive there. Truly nothing fires you up for success than a horrible boss who doesn't believe in you.
kel!! i have missed your videos so much, this one in particular made me tear up especially at the end, i currently work in prepress and some times it is literally so exhausting and the environment gets kinda toxic, i feel so seen when you talked about making a mistake in print and managers never letting it go and asking why did it happen when the answer is as simple as an honest mistake, my superior is so good but the people in charge of sales and planning literally hate our graphic department so much they love to blame us when something goes wrong lmao i do have had moments in time where i wanted to quit graphic design and art because it feels like i'll never find anywhere better but your videos give me hope:( i always manage to find my love for it again. thank u for shariiing
After the hustle, imagine the biggest music stars OK'ing your creative work! This put such a smile on my face! thank you for sharing this!
your old boss is the abby lee miller of the design world
no but ACTUALLY…….. that’s the most accurate description……
Thanks for this Kel! Being a young designer is literally one of the most mentally challenging and insecure jobs out there, it’s comforting to hear your journey wasn’t easy either. Keep it up!!!
your videos inspired me to go to design school! I would watch your videos for hours, loving your art and wondering if I’d ever be good enough to make it as a designer & if it was worth it to go to night school. But I did it, and I’ve been working as a designer for 3 years 🎉 thank you for inspiring me!!
This is so inspiring as a design student with my own career struggles through internships and so on.. to find out that there is a possibility to work in music, it really encourages me! Thank you for your story.
I'm a medical student and a graphic designer and man oh man i relate to at least 80% of your experiences. Meeting a senior doctor and organization leaders who said i was dumb, lazy, worthless, and had no direction in life or whatsoever was so HEARTBREAKINGGGGGG. But eventually i got over it and work on myself again, little by litte. it does not matter how smart i am on a specific day, as long as i'm 1% better every day as a medical student and as a graphic designer. If i could deal with boomer doctors, i could always deal with future people that i'm going to meet in the health and design industry.
Kel, thank you for sharing your experience. I am currently going through one of those bad periods where I have considered quitting design, but hearing your experience fills me with hope and faith to keep trying.
i really can't put into words how much hope and inspiration such videos that you've put out give me. I'm an architecture major and i can't stand it. I really wanted to pursue a career in graphic design or animation which led me to minoring in animation while doing architecture and i can't explain how much your videos have helped me to be courageous enough to even try out graphic design because i was so intimidated by the fact that i barely knew anything to put into practice. i'[m in my senior year now and I've been introduced to graphic design through you and that has helped me even score some things to work on. I've learned so much through your videos and your work, and i've carried the kel lauren spirit within me to be able to do that. Also i respect you so much for so many things you stand for
Omg. I needed to hear this. I’m going through a particularly rough time and it seems like this is a common thing for designers because as you were talking I was literally envisioning all of my shitty experiences at the same time. I’m gonna keep going because if ANY of my experiences relate to your years of finding yourself as a designer, it gives me hope that I will see the other side (the good side) like you have. I also wanted to say i too have been put on a PIP for my stubbornness. Until now I’ve made that part of me out to be the bad guy but when I hear you talk about it, it reminds me that its also the part that makes me absolutely love what I do. so fuck em
five years ago i saw your video on redesigning coffe brands and did not know what Graphic design is. Now i am about to graduate as a graphic designer and just saw the video pop up on my feed. Thankyou for sharing that makes me think i will get where i want to go
We are in a great place as artist to start demanding standards and correcting the wrongful practices in this industry. For too long we put up with BS and this "charge it to the game" mentality. That same mentality is the reason why artist have horror stories like these early in their career. Success doesn't mean anything if we have to get mentally abused to reach it.
I respect you Kel for finding the light to keep you going, I too was used that then lead to a burnout that changed my whole viewpoint of being a designer for 2-3 years. I lost confidence, drive, and passion which then lead me to financial ruin and low self esteem. I'm still pushing and hoping to reach the betters days you've worked hard to reach. Thank you for this video
i've been a fan of you since like 2018 (when i was a freshman in high school, and now i'm about to graduate college), and i'm SO proud of you. i'm so glad you never gave into the people who told you you werent good enough (fuck them btw) because you deserve all your success and acclaim 100%
I’ve always loved art. graphic design was my literal passion in high school, singing has been my life long love and I truly enjoy immersing myself in creativity. however, I’ve stopped doing anything because I’ve had to be an adult with no help, so all I’ve done has been worked which has lead me to fear doing anything I love as a career. but something has clicked this year and I just want to create art even though it overwhelms me cause idk where to start. hearing your story of how you’ve gotten to where you are today is so inspiring, even with all of the hurdles. new lesbian subscriber gained 💕
The respectful feedback convo at 39 minutes is a tuckaway GEM in this video. But this entire testimony and story was captivating, relatable to me as a FORMER marketing/brand consultant who dealt with a LOT of toxicity too. You're doing great.
Yo Kel this was sick. I'm finding myself drawn to design more and more after a career in corporate (mostly because I just started making things for friends and it's started something). I am crippled with perfectionism and imposter syndrome so to hear the "failures" that led you to where you are now is really encouraging. I'm glad you're back and love the gaayyyyyyyy community lel.
It was the first of your videos that I watched. Usually, I don't leave comments on UA-cam videos, but this time I had to. For months, I’ve been struggling to watch other people's videos until the end, even though they are much shorter than yours, cover (also) interesting topics, and use more visuals. So I was shocked that I watched your 53-minute video without any problem! You have great charisma and storytelling skills, and it’s really enjoyable to watch you. Please keep making more videos! :)
SUCH A GOOD VID!! was amazing girrrrll, you kill it! love your content new sub girl!!
As a graphic designer that has had to claw her way through a career, I feel so connected to your story. At my first job after graduating, I worked for a small business where the owner would call to yell at me for things my coworker had done (I think she assumed we were the same person), or to berate me for a new rule she'd made up on the spot. Like you, after months, I quit this job without having another lined up. It took years before I joined a team where I felt I could actually connect and be myself with coworkers, though the creative outlet was non-existent. Now I'm looking for my next move and beginning my dive into legitimate freelance in the hopes I can support myself and be the creative I always dreamed I could be.
I definitely needed to hear this. Thank you as always for your awesome videos!
I work at an agency and I definitely don’t get treated terribly at all. But I do get logo requests that usually have no brief or vision included and am required to have these logo packages complete by the following day or two. Love your vids Kel and your design work so glad your back I have missed your videos!
I am soooooo in shock with how you were treated at your job in Pasadena...people are human and they make mistakes! I am so glad you found the perfect path for you.
I’m proud of you and thanks for sharing the corporate horror stories. You’re one of my feel good UA-camrs because I admire your work so much. Love it!
I'm convinced the bit about being kicked out of a conference room was just censored lolol
Thank you so much for this video! You were describing some things I've been feeling latley(about how i feel i dont belong in this area mostly) and just yesterday I was thinking in quiting my graphic design studies because I feel like I started too late (I'm 24 and it's my second year) and I'm not worth it and that I should be better than I am and comparing me eith my classmates but it felt inspyring that someone this succesful was there at some point and got out!!!! thank you thank you thank you!! really you don't realize how important has this video been for me
Thank you for the video! As a graphic designer, I once made a huge typo in a calendar. I work in three languages at the same time. My head of department knew I had too much work. He knows there are people without work, but at the time, he kept dumping more projects on me so I could burn out or "complain again" (as he put it). In the process of proofreading all my Japanese calendars, my boss insisted on proofreading my projects. He didn't notice anything, so well, you give all the projects one last quick look and that's it. The calendar went to print in China. So, you can imagine what happened next. My department boss blamed me for everything. He started saying bad stuff about me as a designer or a person to other designers. Luckily I had a chance to talk to his boss and it was fixed, but for a second. This happened two years ago and he is still bullying me to this day. After that you just don't believe you're good enough so you stay where you are, because that's more comfortable. Because of him, I spent 2022 and 2023 with depression. 2023 was the worst. I stopped even trying to be better at anything. This year, 2024, I've learned not to give any f*cks anymore and try to regain my confidence and creativity. I don't know where I will be next year, but I hope far away and one day when I no longer work there, I will say all his dirty and narcissistic behaviour out loud here on YT. Some people are not made to be department heads or even call themselves art directors if they know nothing about art.
this is sooo incredibly real god puts his strongest soldiers in creative industries 😭 i do sound and this was so relieving to hear thank you for sharing
So glad yo see you back Kel!
Still frozen at 15-18 😭
needed this because I am going threw it thanks for the motivation and I am very happy you got a good life in the end
This felt like a hug 🫂
currently in my first full-time role at an agency. as we speak, i'm working on updating my portfolio to better reflect the skills i've gained. i've learned a lot at this job, but a creatively controlling boss who never hears me out on concepts and ideas because "i'm so green" has done nothing but kill my confidence and make me question myself. here's to new beginnings and finding creative directors who truly want us to succeed as artists. love to all who have had similar experiences xoxo
we missed you Kel 🥺
As someone who is just starting school for design, this made me so scared for the battle I’m about to fight to get a job that pays my bills, but I will always remember to keep going! No matter how many tears!
You have no idea as I watch this video, I feel like we are living somewhat the same life in different sides of the world. Even the part about the strict professor who drives me to continue to work (maybe admittingly from spite haha); and working as a unicorn in start-up sized companies. right now, I am still a senior in my school program and genuinely feel like I am not good enough. so this video really has reassured me to keep going. Thank you for this video.
So glad kel is back!!!!
These videos are so important to me. So glad to be home 🫶
This makes me feel so much better about my trajectory, I was laid off a month ago and now am trying to break into book cover design by doing redesigns on UA-cam Shorts and TikTok 😅
you’re the coolest & I WILL buy a calendar
Thanks for sharing your journey! I've been struggling with my own graphic design career and have faced a lot of discouragement. I haven't updated my portfolio in 4 years! I feel like I'm stuck in a dead-end "graphic design job" at a small company, where I'm expected to do everything except designing
The 28-year old/middle aged designer comment is giving me whiplash 😂 I’m 29 and about to graduate with a design degree because I finally decided to follow my heart and go after graphic design after wasting my twenties. I’m scared I just wasted my time and I won’t ever be able to break into the field because I do already feel geriatric and like I aged out 😭
That comment took me aback as well! I think as a society we have normalized this weird pressure to live our whole lives before we hit 30? As if we die at 30? 🤨
it was a joke guys 😭
@@KelLauren it feels real 😭🫶