The Thrill of Starting a Creative Career

There’s no feeling more thrilling (or gut-twisting) than starting a new job. Especially when that job involves telling everyone you’re creative and full of ideas… and then realizing you actually have to be creative and execute those ideas. And then you have to come up with more of those ideas, forever and ever and ever. And God forbid… you have to let people look at your work. What artist doesn’t shudder at the thought?

Working as a graphic designer at Drive Social Media felt just like that. It was like opening a gift I asked for but had no idea how to use. It was exciting, terrifying, and full of opportunities. It was fast-paced, challenging, and the most fun I’d ever had at a job. (Foreshadowing: it was a classic case of not realizing you’re in the “good old days” until they’re gone.)

I spent three years learning all about social media strategy, about running successful marketing campaigns, and designing for every type of audience. At the same time I was honing my design skills, and spending countless nights trying to teach myself new programs, on top of what I learned from the wonderful people I worked with (managers and fellow designers). I was constantly inspired and always reaching for more. I watched one million Photoshop tutorials. Name one. I’ve watched it. It was exhausting. And it was wonderful.

This experience taught me the importance of continuous learning and adaptability; skills that are crucial in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Transitioning into the Corporate World

Eventually, like many of us, I started wondering what else was out there. What else could I do with these new technical strengths, social skills, and energy? A friend of a friend put in a good word, and suddenly, I found myself in a far more corporate world. It was nice. It was safe. And I was happy with safe. It felt good to put my arms down on the roller coaster for a bit. But then I realized I’m actually energized by the wild, unpredictable environments where things move fast, ideas fly, and the ground is always shifting a little. It’s the kind of creative chaos that keeps me sharp and engaged.

Clearly, I missed the electricity that came with Drive. I missed being asked to do things I had no idea how to do (but saying I’d figure it out anyway). My time in the corporate world helped me reflect on what really lights me up: the thrill of creative problem-solving (even if it’s messy), and the opportunity to see the impact of my work unfolding in real time. That passion for creativity and growth is exactly what brought me back to Drive Social Media, a place where innovation and impact are at the core of everything we do. I wanted to go back to Drive, but I didn’t want to return to the same role I’d had for four years. Thankfully, Drive has a way of reading your mental dream journal, and they offered me a new position.

And so began my time as a web designer.

From Graphic Design to UX/UI Thinking

Let me be clear: I don’t code. I’m not writing long lines of HTML or wrestling with JavaScript. My world is still design, but designing for the web is a completely different ballgame than designing for social media campaigns. Being a graphic designer first was integral to becoming a web designer for me. The same design principles apply: contrast, hierarchy, balance, whitespace, etc. But web design adds another layer to the process, and that was exactly what I had been looking for.

Shifting from Visuals to User Experience

When you design for the web, you’re not just thinking about how something looks. You’re thinking about how it works. How people interact with it. Suddenly, it’s not enough to say, “This looks good and communicates the message.” Now I have to ask:

“Can someone actually use this?”

“Does it help them accomplish what they came here to do?”

“Will this help the client get tangible results?”

This is where I had to rethink my role as a designer. Graphic design is largely about what people see. Web design is about what people do.

A website isn’t just a pretty digital poster. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure experience, where users make decisions, click through options, and find their way. That means I can’t just think about the visuals or animations – I have to imagine myself in the user’s shoes. If I’m a potential customer, do I know where to click? Can I find what I’m looking for? Does the site guide me naturally, or do I feel lost?

I’ve learned that the best online user experiences don’t call attention to themselves. Instead, they quietly guide users along a path. The goal isn’t just to make someone stop and admire the layout (though who doesn’t want that too?), it’s to get them to take action, without friction. Flow and functionality matter just as much as visuals.

Longevity vs. Trends in Web Design

This transition shifted how I think about design. For example, it’s taught me to consider longevity vs. short lifespan. Web design can be trendy, sure – but trends fade fast. How do we lean into popular movements without sacrificing longevity? What UX/UI rules never change? How do we capture the scroll-stopping power of an ad, while maintaining clarity and timelessness?

This shift has been energizing. Learning a new side of design gave me the same motivation I felt when I first started at Drive. Every project comes with new challenges, and each one forces me to grow. And honestly? It’s really fun. It’s like solving puzzles all day long – except the puzzle pieces are users, businesses, and design principles. When everything clicks, you don’t just get a beautiful picture, you get a website that works, that drives real results for a business.

Collaboration and Growth in My Career Journey

Of course, I didn’t make this transition alone. Throughout this journey, I’ve realized that collaboration is key. Working alongside talented teams has been instrumental in my growth. My Drive team has been incredible. They’ve helped shape me professionally and encouraged me every step of the way. Coming back to Drive has felt like coming home – but with a new perspective. I’m not the same designer I was when I left, and the company isn’t treating me like I am. I get to step into this new role with the insight of someone who’s been in a job that wasn’t quite right. And who now knows the difference. I don’t take the challenge for granted.