simplepretty

My dream job would be to design stationery.  Problem is, it seems to be everyone’s dream job!  Not a day goes by that I don’t come across yet another letterpress/stationery/cute stuff designer.  Proof?  Today’s discovery is Erin Condren – love it!  You definitely should check her work out.  Then there are the design magazine annuals (Print, HOW) with their “best ofs”.  And since I’m not even sure of my skills (I think I’m pretty good at spotting cool stuff, but could I design it?) the dream is slowly catching up to reality.  A good compromise would be to have a stationery store, but I also know that owning a store means lots of hours.  Does that mean I’m not committed?  I don’t think so, I just think I’m a realist.  So, what to do?  I think ideally I’d like to just work for someone who was truly gifted in the design field – like say, for Paper + Cup, or Carrot & Stick Press – but suburban Chicago doesn’t exactly scream “Creative Capital”.  Is this a mini mid-life crisis?  Or is it enough in life to simply enjoy good design?  Or, do I need to work a little harder (and dream a little less) to find that which is fulfilling?