What Got You Here Won’t Get You There?

So, I used to love reading a lot until 2019, and from there, I couldn't even bring myself to finish a book. It felt like I had lost a part of myself that I truly cherished. But if I rewind a bit, back to 2013, I was fortunate enough to come across a book by Marshall Goldsmith titled What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. I found it so profound that it left a lasting impact on me, especially as I began to take a diverse journey in my career as a designer.

Transitioning from Print to Digital Graphic Design

When I started my career in print design, I was intrigued by the very nature of the work, from bringing ideas to life from nothing to cautiously separating the design into four colours (CMYK) on transparent film, to the precision of transferring those films to plates using UV radiation, the precision of the layouts, and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life in print. However as the industry shifted towards more digital spaces and the need for print gradually reduced, I had to switch my focus from print design to social media and digital graphics. I had to acknowledge that the skills that had gotten me this far would not be enough to propel me into the future.

The move into digital & social media graphic design was a leap. The challenges were new, and the landscape was constantly evolving. What had worked in print merely didn’t directly translate to the digital space. I had to unlearn and relearn, adapting to the dynamic nature of digital media, and embracing the flexibility and creativity it offered.

Evolving into Brand Design

As I became more comfortable in the digital space, I was drawn towards brand design. It wasn’t just about creating visually appealing graphics anymore; it was about telling a story and building an identity that resonated across various platforms. This transition required me to think bigger, to consider the narrative behind the design, and to understand the psychology of branding and design thinking.

Brand design pushed me to step outside the confines of traditional design thinking. It was about more than just aesthetics—it was more about strategy, consistency, and creating a lasting impact. This shift forced me to grow and to see design not just as a creative outlet but as a powerful tool for communication.

The Leap to UI Design

The most significant change in my career came with the transition to UI design. Here, the balance between creativity and functionality became crucial. UI design is not just about making something look good—it’s about ensuring it works well for the user. This was a new challenge, one that required a different mindset and a willingness to constantly learn and adapt.

In UI design, I had to embrace the principles of usability, accessibility, and user experience. It was a divagation from the purely visual focus of graphic design, and it required me to develop a new set of skills. But it is also incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to see how design could directly impact people’s interactions with technology.

Embracing Change as a Designer

Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won’t Get You There taught me that success is not about holding onto past achievements but about being willing to evolve. In my design career, each transition from print to digital, to brand, and now to UI has required me to let go of what I knew and embrace the unknown. It’s this ability to adapt that has allowed me to grow as a designer and find success in each new phase.

Change, however, isn’t always easy. Each shift in my career came with its own set of challenges—learning new tools, mastering different design principles, and often stepping outside of my comfort zone. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But it was in those moments of uncertainty that I found the most growth. Embracing change meant accepting that discomfort is a part of the journey, and that true progress comes from pushing through it.

Ultimately, embracing change as a designer has not only expanded my skill set but also broadened my perspective. Each new role has taught me to see design through different lenses, whether it’s understanding the importance of user experience in UI design or recognising the power of storytelling in brand design. These experiences have shaped me into a more versatile and resilient designer, always ready to tackle the next challenge.

My Concluding Take

Rediscovering my love for reading has rekindled a passion for reflection and sharing.

As Marshall Goldsmith wisely puts it,

"What got you here won’t get you there. The only way to achieve meaningful success is to let go of what you’ve already achieved and be willing to start over, no matter how uncomfortable that may be."

This sentiment rings true in my journey as a designer. I hope that by sharing these experiences and insights, I can inspire others to embrace change and continue growing, no matter where they are in their careers.

I'm glad I finally rediscovered my love for reading late last week, which also nudged me to start writing about my take on topics that I find dear to me. I hope to share these insights that have not only resonated with my journey as a Designer but might also offer value to those navigating their paths in design and beyond.

Thanks for reading!