Do Not Make a Career in Design

By- Kriti Kusum, Faculty at SSPAD

Ah, design—a field where you get to spend your days doodling, playing with colors, and arranging furniture, right? Wrong! If you’re thinking about making a career in design because it sounds like fun, let me stop you right there. Do not make a career in design. Unless, of course, you’re ready for a life filled with creativity, innovation, and the ability to shape the world around you. But seriously, don’t do it. Unless you’re okay with changing the way people live, interact, and experience the world.

Now, let’s be honest. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already a bit of a rebel. You’ve heard people say, "Design isn’t a real career," or "What do you even do as a designer?" And you’re still here, aren’t you? So, let’s dive into why studying design in the current era is one of the best decisions you could make, even if I’m telling you not to.

1. The World Needs More Problem-Solvers (Yes, That’s You!)

Design is all about solving problems. Not just the "which color goes with what" kind, but the "how do we make this work better for people" kind. In a world that’s constantly evolving, designers are the ones who step up and say, “Let’s make this better.” Whether it’s creating user-friendly apps, designing sustainable buildings, or crafting products that improve lives, design is at the forefront of innovation.

But no pressure. It’s only the future of humanity we’re talking about here.

2. Creativity Pays the Bills (And Then Some!)

Contrary to popular belief, a career in design doesn’t mean you’ll be living in a van down by the river (unless, of course, that’s your design aesthetic). Designers are in high demand, and companies are willing to pay top dollar for those who can think outside the box. Whether you’re into UX design, architecture, product design, or graphic design, the opportunities are vast and varied.

So, if you like the idea of getting paid to do what you love, design might just be the career you “don’t want.”

3. You’ll Never Be Bored (Or Boring!)

Let’s face it: the 9-to-5 grind isn’t for everyone. If you’re the kind of person who craves variety and thrives on new challenges, design is your playground. One day you might be sketching out concepts for a new product, and the next, you’re collaborating with engineers to bring that idea to life. Every project is different, and every day is an opportunity to learn something new.

But sure, stick with that safe, predictable job. Who needs excitement anyway?

4. You Get to Make a Difference (Even If It’s Just Making the World Prettier)

Design isn’t just about aesthetics, but let’s not kid ourselves—making things look good is a big part of it. And who doesn’t want to live in a world that’s a little more beautiful, a little more user-friendly? As a designer, you have the power to influence how people experience their environment, products, and even emotions. That’s a pretty big deal.

But hey, if you’d rather not have that kind of influence, there are plenty of other careers out there.

5. The Design Community is Awesome (And You’ll Fit Right In)

Designers are a quirky bunch, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The design community is full of passionate, creative individuals who are always pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. If you enjoy collaborating with like-minded people who see the world a little differently, you’ll feel right at home.

But maybe you prefer to fly solo. In that case, design might not be for you.

6. The Future is Designed by Designers (So, No Pressure Again)

The future isn’t just happening; it’s being designed. From the way we interact with technology to the buildings we live in, designers are shaping what’s next. If you want to be part of creating that future, then maybe, just maybe, design is the path for you.

But if you’d rather be a bystander to the changes happening in the world, feel free to ignore everything I’ve just said.

Final Thoughts: Why Design (But Not Really)

So, there you have it. A bunch of reasons why you should absolutely not make a career in design. Unless, of course, you want a career that’s challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunities to make a real impact on the world.

But no pressure. After all, the world can always use more accountants, right?

So, if you’re ready to defy expectations, embrace creativity, and take on the challenges of tomorrow, then maybe design is exactly where you belong. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

See you at Symbiosis School of Planning Architecture and Design, Nagpur. Or not. Your call.