Mayari’s Blog

I’m searching for a job in the creative industry and keep getting negative replies. It always says: “We don’t have any vacant position to make use of your skills at the moment”. Is the economy really that bad? Especially in bad times we need fresh designers to reinvent the system! Don’t we? Shouldn’t we create new positions today rather than tomorrow? Aren’t we young designers the best, sustainable investment during a crisis as we are relatively cheap yet good at finding new keys to current problems? That’s what we need now, isn’t it?

The problem of a very young concept designer is: We have little experience in the economy world but a very good theoretical education. I learnt about design principles, research, creativity methods, marketing, branding, intellectual property rights, project management - running a progressive business, really. Trying to built up Mayari and marketing my wallets - non-paid but passionately - I now understand how practise differs from theory. And ideals from reality! (Bills are real.) I would love to learn about the real world from older generations. I would love to work with them for us all and especially the younger generation. But the Seniors seem to be too busy fixing their own mistakes (or living their own lifes/dreams) and not listening to us youngsters. It’s pretty sad.

It’s true. As concept designers we can do everything: researching, contextualising, communicating. Yes, we can make nothing professionally. It doesn’t matter. I learnt how to learn, invent and express myself. Not how to use Illustrator by the book. However, I was animated to use software and hardware, because I needed to find means for communicating my often very new ideas myself. I learnt things by simply doing them. I did and can make graphic designs, I did and can make products, I did and can take photos, I did and can make clothes, I did and can make exhibitions, I did and can make websites. But most of all I do and can make design happen. Yes, this is possible. It’s valuable. I am Mayari. But also I am Tanja, a professional generalist eager to work with a team. I’m pretty good at both.

Honest and respected people and ex co-workers keep telling me:” You are a very talented designer”. I went to one of Switzerland’s best design schools. My diploma work was one of the two best final works and our design studies got special honours. I keep inventing and making new offers that people like. But I miss company (and I admit, a regular income) a lot. Why do I get no chance to work collaboratively in the creative industry? Are my skills and passion still not good (valuable) enough for the system? What if giving your best is still not good enough? Can you really always do better/give more? So many questions and no answers. My situation is pretty frustrating.

Lucky me, I’m an optimist and keep working, learning and improving. I keep applying for design jobs and at the same time creating value for Mayari - last but not least for my mental health. I’m sure, value will come back eventually, not for me but for my bills. Really, I can’t wait to become part of the society (which involves being able to pay for more than only the monthly bills) again.