B wrote a really fantastic post about the state of being a designer, and once in a while, I completely feel the way he feels about how things go. As designers we are often under appreciated. It’s mentally draining to cater to people’s personal tastes while trying to balance professional design expression. More often than not, clients ask designers to copy something they saw, and that’s not designing. It’s challenging to have to explain to them why they shouldn’t be so fixated on something just because it’s cool or popular. Clients are guided by their emotions rather than design principles. And at this point, I just feel like I’m stuck at a place where I have to put aside my own feelings about what I do to satisfy the client’s wants (not needs), especially if I want a paycheck. It’s tough.

I’ve always loved that John Lennon quote. It’s so true.

Chris thinks I’m crazy. But she’s the Barbie doll I never had as a child.

I really hate it when I see women playing the helpless role when they are not. What gets me irked is when someone constantly feigns helplessness in order to sidestep the responsibility of doing things themselves, especially if it’s their own business that needs tending to. It’s selfish and inconsiderate. It’s deceitful and self-limiting.

If you’re a grown woman, you should know how to handle your own business without the constant companion of a male friend or co-worker to help. The damsel in distress bit is tired and played out. Own up to your life and be your own person instead of constantly having to rely on someone to take care of your stuff.

It just annoys me when people use others as a crutch and don’t learn to be self-sufficient. I understand there are times when people genuinely need someone to be there, but to continually trust others to do what you need to do is like watching someone else run your life. Eventually, the people you count on to make your decisions realize that they’re just being used and screw you, or they’ll just stop being your friend. And when that happens, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.