Feeling isolated is something a lot of creatives go through, particularly if they’re working from home. How important is human contact as a designer? Is there a happy medium between a full-time office job or working from home alone? What are some effective ways to connect with like-minded people? How should your personality type dictate your work life? We cover all this and more in today’s episode of The Honest Designer’s Show.
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Show Notes for This Episode:
[1.00] We’re all isolated
[2.00] Why your personality type dictates your level of isolation when working
[2.50] Ian’s experience working with a team
[3.15] Our collective desperation for human-connection
[4.00] Ian’s coffee breaks and Dustin’s loneliness!
[6.00] How Skype calls can help
[6.50] Adapting your situation around your mindset
[7.45] Ian escaping to London to get people time in
[9.15] Why face to face interaction matters
[10.30] Lisa’s tips for outside activities reducing isolation
[12.00] Lisa finding mental balance (talking to her pets!)
[13.20] The importance of making a non-work schedule
[14.15] Why you shouldn’t be one dimension with your interests
[15.20] Design conferences and communities
[17.20] Ian and Dustin meeting in real life at a conference
[18.30] How the average person has no idea what creatives do
[21.20] The importance of ‘doing you’
[22.20] There are options, and there can be a middle-ground
[23.30] Ian’s friend’s dad who was living the designer dream!
[24.40] The freedom of being a freelancer
[25.50] The benefits of working in an office
[29.30] How offices can also be bad for your mindset
[30.30] Why the atmosphere where you work is everything
[31.30] Dustin paying attention to his ‘biological rhythms’
[32.30] Dustin having the freedom to nap every day
[34.00] Lisa needing more balance and less isolation
[36.15] Lisa being a machine!
[38.20] How Lisa’s personality type is so determined and dedicated (dictating her work life set up)
[40.00] Being grateful for your work-life balance
[43.00] The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
[45.30] Escaping from the daily routine
“A must for every creative freelancer (or those aspiring to freelance). Thank you for being so… honest! Such a wealth of information from people I admire who have ‘been there and done that’. Listening to the podcast every week feels like I’m among friends. Can’t wait for more episodes!” – AG_GD
Great show ! thank you for sharing your thoughts ! It really helps – good advices ! :))
Great discussion guys! I’m a freelance animator who is a bit of an introvert, so I do struggle a bit socially when I have to come out of my cave to interact with people. That never really happened when I worked full time in agencies, constantly being around a team, having lunch buddies etc. So I think I’ll be changing back to full time soon – I’ll miss the freedom of making my own hours, but being around others is so important.
Thanks Wendy, that’s really appreciated :). Not to worry about the review, your lovely comment is motivation enough for us to keep going! I really hope that you continue to enjoy the show.
I love this show. Seriously. YOU guys are my welcome relief from isolation!
I am a recent graduate of a web design/developer program and live in a remote area. Thank you for all of your advice. I especially enjoyed the isolation episode.
Thanks a ton Becky, that’s so kind of you :). I hope you enjoying the upcoming episodes.
Aw thanks a lot Natalie, that’s so great to hear :). I hope you continue to enjoy the show!
Thanks Gabi, we really appreciate the kind words :).
Thanks so much Tracey! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the podcast. I hope you’ll get value from the upcoming episodes, and please know that you’re not alone – we’re always here to help if you should need something.
This is great :) I’m listening while I work! I’m a self-employed graphic designer and at home ALL the time. I have two children and I find it hard to have ADULT conversations/interactions. I’ve made it a point to join a fitness gym and work out 5 days a week for one of the main purposes of SOCIALIZING with other adults. I’m mostly an introvert but I need that human connection :)