Designers are human with a heightened sense of colors, shapes, and forms, expertly using them to evoke emotions and influence the world around us. Their work contributes to the $3.6 billion marketing industry, driving growth for companies worldwide.
But behind these powerhouses of perfect color palettes and cutting-edge layouts lie psychological barriers that can limit their output.
For many adept designers, these “demons” are easily managed, but for others, their subtle influence often goes unnoticed—leading to reduced productivity, stifled creativity, and diminishing success.
In today’s post, we dive deep into five of these demons that commonly plague designers. Stick around for an uncovering so powerful, you’re bound to feel free at the end.
1. The Lazy Demon
Laziness often manifests in avoiding essential tasks, like research or reviewing files before sending them off. Designers might skip over foundational work in favor of busy work, which feels productive but doesn’t move the project forward. When designs fail to meet expectations, it’s not always a lack of talent but often laziness.
2. The Procrastination Demon
Procrastination is delaying important tasks by filling time with less urgent, often irrelevant ones. Designers find themselves organizing files, checking emails, or practicing social media tips for designers—all while avoiding the critical work at hand. Overcoming procrastination requires a commitment to the task at hand and an understanding that every small step forward is progress.
3. The Rude Demon
The Rude Demon emerges from stress and pressure typically coming from clients or tight deadlines. Designers start out enthusiastic and accommodating, but harsh feedback or excessive demands can lead to frustration and the 6 things that should never be said to clients. This demon is especially dangerous because it damages professional relationships. To fight it, practice emotional regulation and patience—especially when feedback feels more like criticism.
4. The Perfection Demon
The Perfection Demon urges you to obsess over every little detail. It wears a halo of good intentions, whispering that the design isn’t quite ready and needs more tweaking. Designers stuck in perfectionism might spend hours achieving details like perfect typography styles without embarking on actual project. While attention to detail is important, perfectionism can paralyze creativity. Accepting that “done” is better than “perfect” is the key to moving forward.
5. The Inferiority Demon
The Inferiority Demon feeds on feelings of inadequacy, constantly reminding you that your work will never measure up. It thrives on self-doubt, causing designers to stop trying or ignore their unique strengths. Defeating this demon means shifting focus away from comparisons and celebrating your progress. Understand that no designer is perfect, and every creative journey is unique.
Stay Aware of Your Demons but Ignore Them
Research shows that mental barriers are often based on self-imposed limitations i.e mental barriers exist as figments of the imagination but in reality, don’t exist
The pressure to snap at clients is just a failsafe for protecting your ego. The need to procrastinate is your mind telling you that you aren’t ready, and your comparison demon might just be you wishing to get better. The negative sides are non-existent, and when they occur, it’s best to treat them as strangers you’ve let into your home but can easily kick out!
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Other Posts to Help You Confront Your Demons:
You are not a designer a guide to self discovery
Being intorveted is your super power
Criticism Your Path to Self-Growth
4 proven ways designers employ for breaking barriers
Tight deadlines and strict guidelines stifle creativity the most