Here's how you can conquer the fear of failure in your graphic art career.

Can’t fault anything said there. Only thing I’d add is the old adage said by a famous Impressionist painter - ‘You only learn from your mistakes’ - if you think about it that’s so true, if you always got everything right what would there be to learn? Once you lose fear of mistakes, progress can be rapid. I made so many, & still do. Thrown away countless failed works. Unfinished work & works with faults & blemishes make them more human & can be endearing.

Keep practicing your craft; greatness isn't innate. It takes time and persistence. It's okay to feel frustrated when your work doesn't meet expectations; remind yourself it's a journey. Take breaks to avoid burnout. Seek feedback; sharing your work fosters growth. Keep learning; improvement comes with dedication. With this mindset, you'll progress.

Embracing risk is key to overcoming fear of failure in graphic design. Taking risks fosters creative growth and innovation, even if it feels daunting. To overcome fear: Reframe failure as learning Set small, achievable goals Seek constructive feedback Celebrate attempts, not just successes Study successful designers' failures Develop a growth mindset Create personal projects to experiment Even experienced designers face setbacks. The difference is in their response. Use failures as stepping stones to refine skills and push boundaries. By embracing risk and viewing challenges as opportunities, you'll improve your work and build resilience crucial for a thriving career.

I graduated from the design school in 2008. I tried a lot of time and sent a lot of resumes, but I never had the chance to get my first job in the design industry. Later, I decided to get a degree in journalism thinking that I could get a better luck and a new start, but at the end it was the same story. Since pandemic I have thought about working as a freelance o create my studio, but what it really blocks me is the fact that I don′t have a real design experience; also, at my age (45) I should have a strong knowledge and a high design quality, and the clients would think that I am not good enough because of that. Sometimes, I want to take the risk, but I don′t know how to start, and I think that at the end, I would be a waste of time.,

As a graphic designer, continuous learning is crucial in our dynamic field. It combats the fear of failure by building confidence and expanding skills. To stay current and grow: Explore new software and techniques Follow industry leaders on social media Attend design conferences and workshops Take online courses in emerging areas Experiment with different styles in personal projects Join design communities for peer learning Read design blogs and publications Investing in knowledge prepares you for challenging projects and boosts confidence. This proactive approach makes the fear of failure less daunting. In graphic design, learning is a lifelong journey that fuels creativity and innovation.

ALWAYS SEEK FEEDBACK and record your work. As a graphic designer, embracing critique is crucial for growth and overcoming fear of failure. Actively pursue input from peers, mentors, and clients to gain valuable insights. Remember, feedback isn't personal - it's a tool for improvement. By consistently seeking and applying critiques, you'll refine your skills, build confidence, and push your graphic art to new levels. This proactive approach turns potential failures into stepping stones for success, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement in your design career.

BE CAREFUL WITH SETTING GOALS. While ambition drives growth in graphic design, unrealistic expectations can fuel fear of failure. Focus on achievable milestones aligned with your current skills and resources. Break larger aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks. This allows you to track progress, maintain motivation, and build confidence. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how minor. BE CAREFUL WITH DEADLINES. IF YOU PROMISE, YOU MUST DELIVER ON TIME. Setting realistic goals creates a positive cycle of achievement and learning, reducing fear of failure and fostering steady professional development.

Make sure your goals are based on measurable outcomes and not vague like "Get better at art." Instead, set goals like practicing a certain skill like figure drawing or a certain software for a certain amount of time a week, on finishing a certain amount of commissions a week, or posting on social media daily.

You can also create a mantra to say out loud to help with this, such as "I will create the life I want" or something you can recite out loud. Having a phrase like this can be helpful when you need to ground yourself or remind yourself what you're working towards.

I find it effective to revisit past projects and seeing what design choices you made, and then comparing them to how your current skill level. For instance a technique you implemented during the project’s initial development may have seemed like the best way to express an idea; however, after years of continuous learning and experience a technique you learned more recently would have worked better. In this regard, I would recommend making an updated copy of the finished project, but implementing the new technique to show the visual growth in skill level.

I just accept the fact that my art career will never become successful, no matter my efforts. With that being said, it helps me appreciate what I do; helps me gain integrity.