Stepping out of your comfort zone is usually a daunting and uncomfortable feeling. It’s so much easier to just remain the same. Who’s wants to be the exact same person two, five, 10 years from now? No me! If you take the easy way out now, your life will become difficult later on. When challenges are avoided, growth is prevented.

In university I was given the opportunity to take a minor. I was intimidated because I knew that the majority of my classmates would be majoring in the program. They would be more knowledgeable and experienced. Scary though initially? Heck ya! After I got over those negative thoughts I began to realize that there would be more career opportunities. It would also give me the chance to expand my drawing and painting practice! Design and Fine Arts can go hand-in-hand.

I decided to minor in Graphic Design and I had absolutely zero experience. Was it more work? Yes, absolutely it was. Was it difficult switching from a “Fine Arts brain” to a “Design brain”? Yes! Did I enjoy it? Yes! Did I struggle? At times. Did I learn? You bet I did. Was it beneficial? 100%. Am I a different person because of it? Yes, I am and I would say that I am also a better person.

I can’t take all the credit for diving into Graphic Design. It was my mom would actually pointed out that she could see me in the design field. I am so grateful for her and her constant love and support! I would not have done this without her.      

Typeface Specimen (I created my own font!), 2016

It’s important to try something new even if you’re unsure of the results. You will never know if you really like or dislike something unless you try. The experience of minoring in Graphic Design taught me to be more of a go-getter. If I make mistakes on something that I’m trying for the first time it doesn’t bother me because I know that I am learning something new. If I fail, at least I tried and I know that it’s not for me. If I succeed, that’s amazing and I’ve just discovered something new about myself! Life has a way of showing you interesting things about yourself as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there. Most of the time it doesn’t happen instantly, but everything will unfold when it is supposed to. Patience and perseverance are key!

Not everyone will necessarily agree with your decisions or even understand them, but you need to remember that you are making these choices for yourself and how you want to build your life. If you’ve been meaning to explore a different route, but haven’t done so just yet, I hope you find the courage to do so. I can guarantee that you will learn something regardless of the outcome!

Erica