Self-Doubt in the Design Process – It Means You’re Halfway There
In the creative world, self-doubt is not a sign of failure—it’s proof that you’re making progress. Every designer, whether novice or expert, experiences moments of uncertainty. It happens when you question your choices, wonder if your ideas are good enough, or feel stuck between iterations. But this isn’t a setback—it’s a crucial part of the design process.
Design is about problem-solving and exploration. When you reach a point of self-doubt, it means you’ve moved past the easy, obvious solutions and are diving deeper into the unknown. Great designs don’t emerge instantly; they evolve through trial and error.
Instead of resisting self-doubt, embrace it. It’s a sign that you are thinking critically. Keep refining, testing, and iterating—because when doubt appears, it often means you are just steps away from something truly great—hopefully:)
The design process is an emotional rollercoaster. Every designer, artist, and creative thinker goes through a cycle of excitement, frustration, and self-doubt. According to Adam Grand, most creatives experience these six stages:
- This will be awesome! – You start with excitement, full of ideas and love of the job.
- This is hard. Reality sets in, and the challenges become a no-way out.
- This is shit. Hello frustration, a black hole where nothing helps.
- I’m shit. – Self-doubt creeps in, making you question why on earth you are a designer.
- This might be OK! – That light at the end of the tunnel.
- This is awesome! Finally the excitement is back. .
Don’t give up if you find yourself stuck at step 3 or 4. It means you’re halfway there, and remember: self-doubt isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a natural part of the creative journey.
Don’t miss the next essay. Signup for our newsletter
⸻ Newsletter signup
What are you buying with a designer?
Every designer has a special superpower: a feeling. Our feeling about branding and visual direction and the only way to get it is through experience.
To all the misfits who jumped to freelancing
We’ve been broke. Burned out. Ghosted. Underpaid. But we still say no to shitty jobs. We’d rather spend endless hours on a good one — a real one — that actually means something to us. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Because we love this shit — and we’re damn good at it.
WRWD Concept: Write, Read, Walk, and Draw Daily
The WRWD Concept: Write, Read, Walk, and Draw Daily—is a simple as possible way to get you throughout the week.
Side projects
Our work is not easy. You need to stay excited all the time, and that is impossible. You need to find something that drives you—things that blow out some steam.
Good design is for good clients
We have had this signature for a long time. And it is still valid. Perhaps the only thing that changed is that we can change the client's term to friends.
What is a good design
I am sure we have all read a few definitions of good design; they all sound perfect and motivational, don't they? Some of them are really good.