Sometimes Conflicted…I JUST LOVE DESIGN!
A mash-up of two designers & teachers stories
by David Hogan & Todd Bertsch
“Good morning, my name is David Hogan. I have been a graphic designer for 15 years, starting with a small jewelry manufacturer back in ’93, throughout the years, I have worked as a freelance and professional designer at companies large and small. Today I am here to teach you a few things about…“
That’s my usual introduction when first I stand in front of a class of young, would-be designers aching to get their hands dirty. Their eyes shine and, if they were squirrels, their tails would be twitching in anticipation. It’s a delight to see, and during the first few minutes, although there is a little bit of stage fright, one just falls into the routine of letting people know who you are, having them introduce themselves (and whatever other information you want to pry out – perhaps the reason they want to be designers) and getting to the basics of the course.
After that point, you move into the interesting part, getting people to understand what it is they are doing. If I taught a boring class like physics, history, or basket weaving 101, I would probably be asleep with the rest of the students in the back. But, I don’t teach those courses, I teach design, and design to me is a dynamic ever-changing and always interesting field. There’s nothing more that I enjoy than seeing the expression of surprise or excitement in a student’s face when they learn a new trick in the software or start furiously scribbling down notes about some technique that I’ve just taught them. The warm fuzzy feeling that I get from that was what hooked me on teaching in the first place.
Of course, that’s not all there is to teaching. After the students leave class, you’re stuck there making notes, marking papers writing out possible exam questions or trying to come up with answers to questions that students asked that didn’t come off the top of your head. Then, it’s time to go home and make sure that if nothing else, you stay at least one step ahead of the students. It’s hard to be an instructor when you have students who know more than you. That’s the boring, tedious part of teaching. It always takes more time than expected, as marking something rather interpretive is a task in itself, and it can wear a person out.
In seeming contrast, there is the reason I was introduced to teaching in the first place – my first love – design.
Just as much as I am hooked on that warm, fuzzy feeling from a student’s excitement, I am also addicted on the feeling when I push back from my desk and smile at what I see on the monitor. Or, when the client pats me on a shoulder and tells me they like what I did. I love the act of creating beauty out of chaos, it’s a fascinating endeavor that lets me really explore my creativity and work the most important muscle – my brain.
In all of this, I feel I only have one difficulty to overcome – being torn between the two. When I teach, all my focus is there, helping the students understand why they should align certain elements or tighten tracking on their typefaces. When I am designing, my focus is on providing my client the best design. Doing both leads to burn-out, as I quickly discovered.
Back when I was in school, I had an instructor that used to say “bring me solutions, not problems!” Still, I have yet to find a solution for my problem.
Perhaps a trip to the psychologist might be good for me.
Good afternoon, my name is Todd Bertsch.
I have been a graphic designer for over 13 years. I’ve been involved in all aspects of design working for a sign company, high-end printers, small design groups, internal marketing teams, to now a small advertising agency. I’ve also taught several different design courses over the years as a part-time instructor.
As Dave mentioned earlier, I too am conflicted...
I love to teach design. No matter the class, or level. There is something about it that is invigorating. I enjoy the PURE, green freshness of each designer as they start to learn and figure out their style. There is something about the “pipeline” to the college campus that injects through your veins. The energy is awesome. It’s like being tapped into a whole new network. As Dave said, you have to force yourself to stay up on the latest technologies and software’s. There is always that one kid in class that will know more and TRY to ask all the difficult questions. This can work for you and give you a reason to push yourself to keep learning. However, it can work against you as well, and drive you into the ground with “burnt out”! All the extra work of being a teacher, is EXTRA work, and lots of it. If you work full-time and teach part-time it can really be difficult to balance your days.
What is the answer? I don’t know. Ever since I started my new job, with added responsibilities, I have not taught another class. I would like to. I just can’t seem to muster up enough energy.
Maybe one class a year would work? But are schools willing to do that? Once you’re out of the loop, you’re usually out of the loop!
I believe one day I will be back to teaching. At the very least, I can say that I did do it, and really enjoyed it. I guess in some ways I am still teaching. I write several articles and publish the DesignDump for graphic designers. If I can help one or two designers, and get them excited about this field…then I’ve done my job.
Maybe that is the answer?