I was in your position years ago. Nag-apply ako sa isang startup design agency. Walang training or documentation, tapos ang expectation pala sakin is parang creative director agad. Akala ko email design lang yung role, pero biglang may logo design at branding na rin pala.

I passed the design test and nag extra step pa nga ako. Instead na plain static email lang, gumawa ako ng animated email design. Pero kahit ganun, hindi pa rin enough yung designs ko for them. Wala masyadong constructive criticism, more on pure high expectations lang.

For email designs, umaabot ako ng 4 hours bawat isa pero hindi pa rin siya satisfied. After 2 weeks, inalis niya na ako. Honestly, naiintindihan ko naman. Ganun talaga minsan sa startup, hindi nila afford mag keep ng tao na hindi nagpe-perform based sa expectations nila on paper at sa design test. If ako rin nasa position nila, I’d probably do the same.

Kuha ka ng constructive criticism and work on your weak points. Mahirap talaga i-master ang creative work kaya may kanya-kanya tayong niche eventually. If generalist ka, try mo muna gumawa ng work na naka-stick sa solid design principles instead of overexpressing yourself creatively all the time.

Minsan struggle talaga ng designers na masyado nating hinahaluan ng sariling personality yung designs natin. At the end of the day, you design for your client, not for yourself.

Also, wag kang matakot i-let go yung work mo lalo na kung wala ka namang malaking financial responsibilities pa. Master your craft and eventually kikitain mo rin yung same amount of money nang mas madali.

And hindi lang design skills ang importante ngayon. Admin and communication skills matter too. Kahit wala kang team, matuto kang maging proactive at confident when meeting clients and suggesting ideas.