Bob Wertz

Many years ago, I was having coffee with a successful designer. We were discussing career challenges and he just offhandedly commented “I just don’t love design any more. In fact, I’m thinking about winding down my business.” I was still a pretty young and ambitious designer and left the meeting stunned. How could a successful designer get to this point?

Fast forward to about six months ago. My oldest is in college and took a digital art class… basically the first design class. She did really well and thought about changing her major to graphic design, but she didn’t. “I don’t want to do what you do.” In fact, all of my kids are incredibly artistic, and none of them want to be designers. I shared this observation to my wife, who matter of factly commented “You don’t love design. You haven’t for a long time. They’ve watched you. Why would they be excited about it?”

Yesterday, I was in a work meeting and I found myself far more interested in data and far less interested in creative execution. I was thinking about all the different ways I could study a problem and understand it better.

I’ve been in graduate school for what seems like an eternity.¹ I went back to school to get a Master’s degree and fell in love with research. Specifically research surrounding design and visual communication. Mostly quantitative analysis. I’ve written journal articles and conference presentations. I finished my MA and rolled right into Ph.D. work. Grad school is literally what I choose to do in my “spare” time. It’s a grind and sometimes, it’s overwhelming, but I love it.

There are still aspects of design that I enjoy. I love creating typefaces and working on personal projects. Many of the things that made me a successful designer — asking questions, identifying problems and crafting creative solutions — are the same skills that I use as a researcher. Career wise, I’m still a creative director and designer, but the passion for the craft isn’t there like it used to be. I just don’t love design anymore.

I’m at peace with this revelation, but it’s a strangely emotional moment when you realize that the career you’ve built over the last 27+ years no longer fits you.

Bob Wertz is a type designer, Ph.D. student and researcher living in Columbia, South Carolina. He’s been blogging since 2008.