A few months ago, I was invited to guest lecture at Algonquin for a course in their Design Foundations program. The professor invited various creative professionals to discuss their industries, and she asked me to present my work as a graphic designer. I was a teacher before I became a designer, so I jumped at the chance to spend an hour back in a classroom to refresh some of my old skills. 

While putting together my presentation, I tried to put myself back in the shoes I wore five years ago, when I started design school.

I remember being a bit confused about what a graphic designer does day-to-day, since the job title is so broad. I focused my presentation on clearing up some of the confusion around the profession, as well as discussing some of my favourite projects I had worked on. I assumed the students would be passively interested, and I’d have one or 2 brave people ask questions at the end. However, I was totally blown away by how engaged they were. The group frequently asked questions throughout the presentation and continued to ask questions after the class ended. When I showed some portfolio pieces, some students took photos; one audibly said, “Wow.” 

The classroom’s excitement was contagious and reminded me how lucky I am to be able to be a designer.

I remember being a bit confused about what a graphic designer does day-to-day, since the job title is so broad. I focused my presentation on clearing up some of the confusion around the profession, as well as discussing some of my favourite projects I had worked on. I assumed the students would be passively interested, and I’d have one or 2 brave people ask questions at the end. However, I was totally blown away by how engaged they were. The group frequently asked questions throughout the presentation and continued to ask questions after the class ended. When I showed some portfolio pieces, some students took photos; one audibly said, “Wow.” 

After a few years of being a designer, it’s easy to forget how excited I once was to enter this field. I hadn’t realized, but at some point, I had started taking that I had a dream job for granted. The classroom’s excitement was contagious and reminded me how lucky I am to be able to be a designerAt the end of the term, the professor of the class informed me that I had been voted the most influential speaker that term. I was thrilled that I had such an impact on the students, but as much as it’s a teaching cliché, they had just as much of an impact on my day-to-day life. It’s really helped me to remember why I do this job, and what I love about it. If you’re looking for some inspiration to get yourself out of a rut, see some of Initiate’s best work here.