5 Questions Every Creative Asks (And My Real Answers)

I get asked the same questions by designers, so I decided to sit down and answer the five most common ones, honestly and practically. And while I originally created this for designers, the more I thought about it, the more I realized these answers apply to every creative.

Whether you're building a brand, creating content, or trying to figure out how to turn your vision into something real, this is for you.

1. What Skills Are Essential?

Two of the biggest skills you need:

Be a great researcher. Your job is to find creative solutions to problems. Research what's working in the market. Don't get stuck thinking "I like this so everybody will."

Don't take things personally. We get attached to our designs. But here's what can happens: You design something you love, go into the meeting, and the client says "This is awful."

Usually that's a communication issue. They said "modern and bold" but you have a different definition than they do. Ask them to show you examples. See yourself like a scientist, test things. Sometimes it's the seventh design that works.

2. What Are Some Best Practices?

Take care of yourself. Get away from the screen. Go outside. Network. Meet other creatives.

Step away from your work. Look at it from different angles.

Get other people's opinions. Show friends and family. Ask: "What do you see? How do you feel?" Now you're doing market research.

3. Budget-Friendly Design Programs?

I use Adobe and Canva. Students and teachers get Adobe discounts.

Other options: Canva (free version), Figma (UI/UX), Lightroom (photo editing), CapCut (social content).

If I had to pick one budget friendly: Canva, there's so much you can do with it.

4. How Did You Get Your Foot in the Door?

Before I graduated, I was creating my own opportunities. I opened an art gallery, helped boutiques, did photography. Networking and putting myself out there.

I started with a paid internship, then got a job as a production assistant at a magazine company. I wasn't upset about not starting as a designer, I was getting my foot in the door.

In interviews, I said: "I can do multiple things, production, photography, web design. Whatever you need, I'm here to help."

5. What Advice for Fresh Out of College?

Be a team player. Show up ready to help.

When I moved to Texas, there was a nine-month gap where I couldn't find work. I was hard on myself.

But here's what helped: Keep creating. I coded my website, did logos for people starting businesses. Pop on social media. Let people know you're available.

Don't Be Afraid of AI, Use It

ChatGPT (brainstorming), Gemini (market research), Claude (writing content).

Don't be afraid, embrace it. You are very much needed. Your creativity is needed.

Always keep designing. Always keep creating.

Network. Get mentoring on ADPList.org.

Want More?

Listen to the full podcast episode for all the details and stories behind these answers.

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Podcast:

Keep creating, by faith,
Candice