What does it mean to be a "real" designer?

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This is going to be one of those posts where I attempt to make sense of something I think about often. It would be amazing if you would read through it and start a discussion with me about it! I would love to know your thoughts.

Right now I’m sort of in this place where I don’t feel comfortable calling myself a graphic designer. I feel like I have a lot to learn, and maybe it has something to do with not having that degree that “says” I am. I don’t think I will ever pursue a degree, although I would love to take classes from my Community College occasionally so that I can gain some of that traditional classroom perspective. I also always am on the lookout for informal online classes through Nicole’s Classes or Skillshare that can feed my desire to keep learning.

The second reason for this feeling, I believe, comes from not having “real” clients that cause me to experience a “real” designing process. It’s hard for me to picture what life would be like if designing was to ever become a full time job for me. I’m proud of the things I have designed thus far because I know that people appreciate and love the things I have created for them. They seem like small projects- quickies.

I’m proud that I have recognized these feelings, but now I’m stuck with them in a place of not knowing how to proceed. How can I assert my worth and find clients that I want when I don’t feel valuable? I don’t want to stay in this place forever!

Today, I added three words to my “bio” on Instagram. I hesitantly put “designer” and “blogger” because sometimes I feel like I’m neither, but when I think about the things I love to do, those describe me well. I guess they’re more like goals.

But when I was writing this, I thought “What if a “real” designer stumbles on my Instagram and sees that, and laughs at me and says ‘Well she’s not a real designer’”. I know I’ve (shamefully) thought that about some people who I can tell are working towards a title- just like I am. Then I’m horrified because I’ve just made myself into the biggest hypocrite alive.

Do you think other people- in this case, designers- really say that? Or are there compassionate people out there that believe me when I say I’m a designer? Or am I kidding myself, and my only praise is coming from my small list of clients and family members. That’s what I like to call “the American Idol Phenomenon” because these terrible people go on the show thinking they’re amazing because their family is all there telling them they are, when really they’re terrible and every other person in America knows it.

Phew I feel like a huge weight has been lifted now that I’ve put all of that into words.

I don’t want or expect actualization or consolation in regards to the things I said above. I want to know what you think about it. Is there anyone else that feel similarly to me? Are you a “real” designer that’s been here before? How did you get out of this rut?

I’m dying to know!