Feeling Lost in Your Creative Career? Here's How Top Designers Found Their Way Back

Welcome to our latest advice column, Dear Boom. This week's dilemma resonates with many creatives: the gradual drift away from your true passion.

A designer shares: "I graduated in 2014 and work in a small agency where I've become a jack-of-all-trades—handling video shoots, editing, scripts, and more. I'm terrified that my lack of design work is ruining my career. I feel I've drifted too far to ever return and am drowning in self-doubt. How do I rediscover my path in design?"

The response from our community was swift and deeply understanding. It turns out career drift isn't just common; it's almost unavoidable in today's fast-paced creative fields.

But here's the uplifting news: you're never too far gone to make a comeback. Below, we highlight some of the best advice from our community. For the full conversation, check out our Instagram post. And to join more discussions like this, sign up for our free private network, The Studio!

You're More Valuable Than You Think

First, let's tackle the big question: has becoming a generalist hurt your career? Graphic designer Grace Abell disagrees. "Today's hiring market often prefers a designer who can handle video editing, animation, photography, and more for one salary," she notes. "So don't worry—you're actually more hireable than those who only design, no matter their skill level."

Designer and consultant Jenny Famularcano expands on this. "All the work and problem-solving you've done in other areas eventually enriches your design work," she explains. "Design often works behind the scenes in ways many don't notice. By unlocking design's full potential, you can add value to any project, and that's where the real magic happens."

Just Start Creating (No, Really)

When it comes to reigniting your design practice, our community's advice is wonderfully straightforward. Graphic designer James Junk says it plainly: "Stop overthinking and just start designing again! We put so much pressure on ourselves that we stifle our creativity before even beginning. The creativity is still inside you; you just need to give it room to emerge."

Strategic brand designer Sophie O'Connor recommends beginning with online design briefs. "This builds confidence and adds to your portfolio or social media," she suggests. "You could also enroll in online courses to boost your skills and self-assurance."

One of the most repeated tips from our community is to launch personal projects that spark your passion. For illustrator and graphic designer Atikah Daman, the answer was going back to basics. "Create projects for yourself based on what you truly enjoy," she advises. "I returned to sketching—no rules, no client demands."

Protect Your Energy

While self-initiated projects can be powerful, designer and art director Sonya Dyakova offers a crucial warning. "Side projects and personal initiatives are great for exploring ideas and flexing your design muscles," she says. "But if they pile on top of your regular work, you might end up working during rest times. Over time, that can become unsustainable."

Illustrator Joe Cutler learned this lesson painfully. "We designers often forget our most important client: ourselves," he reflects. After facing severe burnout, he even dreamed of working at a local store. "I had to pause and reconnect with my first love," he recalls. "No limits, no clients—just me and my sketchbook. I needed that to remember my desires, protect my creativity, and clarify what I wanted to contribute to the world."

Illustrator and visual artist Scarlett Yang, who shifted from interior design to freelance illustration, views this as a matter of identity. "Many in-house roles expect you to handle various tasks," she says. "But it boils down to where you see yourself. If you want to be recognized for design, think about dedicating extra time to honing those skills. If running your own studio is the goal, having a broad skill set is incredibly helpful. Ultimately, it's about what makes you unique, and the effort you invest will always pay off."

The key takeaway from our community? You haven't drifted too far, and it's never too late to return. Design student Ana Medvedec felt similarly stuck two years ago. "I chose to go freelance and give it a shot," she shares. "It doesn't have to be freelancing; it could be a side project in your spare time. In any case, practice makes perfect."

What stands out in all this advice is how it redefines career drift not as a failure but as growth. Yes, you might have strayed from pure design work, but you've acquired invaluable skills and insights along the journey. The real question isn't if you can return to design, but what kind of designer you want to be now, with all your accumulated experience.

The route back to your creative roots doesn't demand a radical career shift or a complete portfolio makeover. It often begins with a simple sketch, one personal project, or just allowing yourself to create for the sheer joy of it. And remember, action is the best remedy for anxiety. Your creativity hasn't vanished—it's simply waiting for you to carve out space for it once more.