Why I Needed to Step Away from Design After Graduation - The beginning of TGbrooch brand

Since graduating with my master’s degree in 2018, I’ve spent several years searching for something deeper than just a job or a creative routine—I’ve been trying to reconnect with my true design identity. The pressure I experienced during my studies left a lasting mark, and for a long time, I felt disconnected from my own creative instincts. But through all the uncertainty, one passion has remained constant: drawing. Especially drawing textile patterns. It’s the one form of expression that has quietly followed me through every phase—softly reminding me who I am as a designer and what truly brings me joy.

Design school was supposed to be a place where I’d find my voice. A place to grow, experiment, and discover what kind of designer I wanted to become. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself.

What started as curiosity and love for drawing, colors, and textile patterns slowly turned into anxiety, self-doubt, and confusion. I didn’t notice it right away—it happened little by little. With each project that was “not quite right,” with every suggestion that slowly turned into a demand, I began to shape my work around what the professors wanted.

In school, we’re taught to take feedback. And yes—constructive criticism is important. But what happens when that feedback isn’t about improving your ideas, but reshaping them into someone else’s?

There were moments I felt proud of what I made—only to be told it was “too simple,” “too decorative,” or “not conceptual enough.” I started second-guessing every choice. I stopped designing what felt natural to me and began making things I hoped would be approved.

When I graduated, I didn’t feel joy. I felt… tired. Disconnected. Like I had been trained to follow rules, not instincts. I didn’t want to draw. I didn’t want to sew. Even opening Illustrator felt like a weight on my chest.

No one prepares you for the identity crisis that can come after design school. You’ve been in this structured environment for years, and suddenly you’re free—but you don’t know who you are as a designer anymore.

So I stepped away. I gave myself permission to rest, even though it felt scary. I stopped forcing creativity. I didn’t post. I didn’t “build a portfolio.” I just… paused.

And in that space, very slowly, I started noticing things again.

Rebuilding your design identity after school takes time. You have to unlearn the need to impress. You have to stop designing for grades or approval. You have to get back in touch with the child who used to draw without fear of being wrong.

For me, that meant creating things that no professor would have assigned. Brooches shaped like bugs. Floral patterns full of softness. Slow, handmade work that didn’t follow trends.

If you're feeling lost after school...you're not alone. 

So many creatives quietly carry this feeling. You are allowed to step away. You are allowed to rest. And when you come back, it will be on your terms.

Forget what they told you was “good.” Create what feels like you.

Your design voice is still there. Just waiting for you to listen.