7 Design Career Myths Busted: What Creatives Really Need to Know
The creative industry is evolving faster than ever, thanks to AI, changing client expectations,
and shifting educational requirements. But with all this change comes confusion and outdated advice.
In today's post, we will debunk 7 of the most common myths about working in design. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your career, here are some fresh insights, pro tips, and practical advice to help you thrive in today's creative world.
Lets dive in!
❓Myth 1: "There is NO future in ART, AI is replacing artists and designers".
Despite AI's impact on the creative industry, it isn't meant to replace you. It is meant to work alongside you. In reality, when used well, AI can enhance the design process, boost productivity, and help artists focus on their most creative work. Instead of fearing it, learn how to use it as a creative tool.
Do you want to go deeper? Check out:
- Generative AI for Graphic Designers - The documentary below!
- How to Create Consistent Visual Styles with Recraft?
- Creative Control in the Age of Generative AI
Join the AI conversation! Share your experiences and opinions in our Creative AI Community, where artists and designers explore the future of creativity in an AI-driven world.
❓Myth 2: “You Need a Unique Creative Style to Succeed”
Having your own style is great, but not essential, especially in an agency setting where designers need to be able to tackle any creative brief and work across a wide range of brands, each with its own identity and tone. Having a single, distinctive style can actually limit your opportunities in these environments.
The truth is, most artists’ styles evolve naturally over time. So don’t stress about “finding your style” too early. What matters most is your ability to read a brief, understand the brand’s needs, and adapt your approach accordingly.
And here’s the interesting part, even without trying, your unique style will start to shine through. Your experiences, interests, and preferences all influence how you create, meaning your style is already developing as a result of who you are and what you do.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out our post on how to find your illustration style.
❓Myth 3: "Your portfolio must show real client work"
This myth holds back so many beginners, the truth is, you don’t need a portfolio full of big-name clients to impress employers or land freelance gigs. A strong portfolio built with practice briefs or fictional clients is absolutely valid. What hiring managers and clients are really looking for is your creative thinking, concept development, and design execution, not just brand names.
A well-presented portfolio that shows off your ideas, process, and visual style will always stand out, regardless of whether the work was for real clients. And here’s the good news: practice work leads to real work. The more you create, the more confident you become, and the more opportunities you’ll attract.
Pro Tip: Start with personal projects or offer to help friends, family, or local businesses. Every designer starts somewhere, and these small projects can build your credibility and open doors.
❓Myth 4: “Designers Must Be Able to Draw”
Many aspiring designers hold back because they “can’t draw,” but the truth is, drawing isn’t a requirement for most design roles. If you can draw, great! It’s a bonus, not a barrier.
From personal experience, I’ve found that having some basic sketching skills can be helpful for brainstorming or communicating ideas, but they’re not essential. Graphic design is all about visual thinking. As a designer, your focus should be on using hierarchy, color, typography, and storytelling to create compelling layouts. And with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you can easily bring your ideas to life, no advanced drawing skills required.
❓Myth 5: “You Need a Design Degree to Get Hired”
It’s a common misconception, but one that I think is becoming increasingly outdated. I’m self-taught and have worked with multiple agencies and in-house teams, and I’ve never once been asked to show a degree certificate. Over the years, I’ve also hired many talented designers who were entirely self-taught.
What truly matters in the design industry is having a strong portfolio and the ability to use design tools effectively. That’s why we highly recommend building your portfolio using the briefs from our Build Your Portfolio Mini-Course, they’re designed to help you showcase your creativity, process, and technical skills
❓Myth 6: “A Good Designer Knows All the Tools and Features”
The truth is clients and employers care about results! not whether you used the latest feature to get there. In fact, most clients won’t even know (or need to know) how you created something, they just care that it looks great and works well.
That said, as creatives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of new tools, updates, and plugins. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to master every feature to be a great designer. What truly matters is your ability to solve design problems effectively. Great designers focus on creativity, communication, and clarity, not just technical tricks.
Pro Tip: Learn tools or creative techniques as you need them. Start mastering the core design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and focus on learning design principles like contrast, alignment, spacing, and consistency. You can slowly build your technical skills project by project.
Looking for inspiration for your next design project or composition? Explore our YouTube channel we have over 500 tutorials to spark your creativity!
❓Myth 7: “You Must Always Follow Design Rules”
Design rules, like the rule of thirds, alignment, and contrast are helpful, but they’re not absolute. There’s no one “right” way to create a strong layout.
Design compositions can be created in many different ways, there’s no single “right” way to do it! Design rules are important, but you don’t have to follow them blindly to create awesome layouts. In fact, breaking the rules can often lead to more unique and innovative designs. Just remember that to break the rules effectively, you first need to understand them.
Want to improve your design fundamentals? Check out our Free Graphic Design Theory Playlist here!
That’s all for today, don’t let these myths hold you back. Keep learning, stay curious, and keep creating!
Remember that design is a constantly evolving field, and there’s no single path to success. Whether you’re self-taught, exploring your style, or just getting started with practice projects, what matters most is your creativity, adaptability, and willingness to keep learning.