Is design right for you? Only you can decide. But if you need help, here is a checklist to start you in the right direction. None of these apply to everyone, and none are deal breakers – except having an intuition for design, or else what are we doing here. But there are many signs and characteristics that may indicate this is the path for you.

The signs

□ You collect business cards and other design tokens
□ You’ve had a passionate conversation about a font
□ You’ve been known to spend too much time perfecting the look of your papers and Powerpoints
□ You obsess over christmas cards or other visual projects
□ You get excited when you see a nice sign
□ You loved art in school
□ You like making things look good
□ You’re good at research
□ You’ve been influenced by a pretty package
□ You’ve judged a book by its cover and have no regrets

The skills

□ You’re good at computers
□ You’re good at drawing
□ You just *know* when things look good
□ You know where to find inspiration
□ You know how to make a nice looking document

The Personality

□ You like solving problems
□ You’re a good listener
□ You consider yourself creative
□ You’re willing to hear criticism
□ A LOT of criticism
□ You don’t stop until things are done
□ You look for inspiration everywhere
□ You love learning
□ You believe the right answer is always out there
□ You’re a curious person
□ You’re a good daydreamer

The drive

□ You’re willing to work a lot for a little to build your skills
□ You’re willing to sacrifice a lot of free time
□ You’re willing to go out of your comfort zone
□ You’re willing to pretend you know how to do something and then scramble to actually learn it (every new designer goes through this – it’s necessary and terrifying and the best teacher)
□ You have the confidence to ultimately demand what you’re worth

The fun stuff

□ You want to spend your day making pretty pictures
□ You want to work in the park or on the couch
□ You want to (sometimes) watch TV while you work
□ You value creative fulfillment

The not so fun stuff

□ You can handle being up all night
□ You can handle a headache
□ You don’t mind a little hustle