For almost two to three years, I was stuck.
Not because I didn’t love graphic design — but because I was discouraged.
The journey toward becoming a profitable designer felt painfully slow. I wasn’t seeing results, and little by little, I stopped creating.
I originally learned graphic design at Dot ICT, but at some point, I completely paused. When you step away from something you once loved for a long time, something strange happens: you lose confidence in it.
The day I opened Photoshop again felt almost magical — and frustrating at the same time.
Simple things that used to be easy, like removing a background, suddenly felt difficult. I had to return to YouTube, relearn the basics, and rebuild my confidence step by step.
During this period, CorelDRAW actually saved me.
I was more efficient with it, and it helped me continue working for clients. Yet in the industry, there’s this unspoken pressure:
“If you don’t use Photoshop or Illustrator, you’re not a real designer.”
That mindset pushed me back into Photoshop — even though it was uncomfortable.
What truly changed everything for me was people and inspiration.
A close friend of mine, Ike, kept reminding me:
“Keep redesigning other people’s work. Keep practicing. Put in the effort every day.”
Another friend, InspiredDZZ, inspired me deeply. I watched him consistently post his branding projects online. Right before my eyes, opportunities started coming his way — simply because he showed up and shared his work.
Then one day, I watched a YouTube video that felt like it was speaking directly to me:
Nothing comes easy.
You need a plan.
You need consistency.
Results come to those who put in the work — not those who wait.
So I started again.
Quietly.
Consistently.
Without pressure.
I began posting work I had done — without reaching out to anyone.
And then something unexpected happened.
People started sending me DMs.
Different people. Same period.
Jobs started coming in.
That moment reminded me of something important:
Consistency compounds.
Visibility matters.
Effort is never wasted.
If you’re reading this and you feel stuck — especially as a creative — please don’t quit.
Pause if you must. Relearn if you need to. But don’t give up.
Your breakthrough might be closer than you think.
P.S. Don’t mind what’s on my screen — I was editing a music video for a friend 😅