Ah, the good old Wayne's World quote: We're not worthy!
Starting around July of 2018, my role at New Balance changed and I was at a standstill. What role could it be? Janitor? Bobâs replacement at the front desk? Or Colorway super-user? Donât get me wrong, I could never really fill Bobâs role, nor our janitors. So yeah, I became the Colorway super-user. Colorway is a 3D software that helps designers color their designs. Link below if you want to learn more about the program. (If you would like to hear more about my experience with Colorway, I'll write a seperate piece on that)
When this change happened, I was tasked to step away from product design and into UX design. I felt that my momentum with color design was going in a good direction. My projects felt like they were finally a well thought out representation of me and the brand. Hereâs where it gets tricky.Â
When one decides to attach themselves to something, there is an emotional attachment that comes with it. Iâve always associated my designs as my babies. You canât help it but be proud of your work and build an ego. When you become attached to your work, it becomes a big part of your identity. The danger comes when it takes over every aspect of your life. Your dreams. Happiness.
I knew I wouldnât have any sneakers coming out in Spring/Summer 2020. I wouldnât be able to go on the New Balance webpage and say, âhey, I helped color that sneaker.â A part of me was afraid that my worth wouldnât be represented in any way. How could I not have anything tangible to represent what I did for half the year.
Here is what I learned:
You are worthy no matter what part of the creation process you are in.
When I was helping the Colorway team, I realized that there was a huge chunk of people trying to make a difference in the company. IÂ became very close with my friend, Doug, throughout this whole process. Doug is a saint. He brings light into every conversation and it makes the experience 10 times better. Without his positive attitude, I don't know how i'd fair trying to put the pieces together. Doug's worth isn't measured in how many shoes he creates; he's happy with the progress he's made nonetheless.
From the merchandiser (I canât believe Iâm saying this), to the project manager, design, development, sourcing, the factory workers; we all make a difference.
Without vulnerability, creativity and growth cannot exist.
There seemed to be a sigma for creative people to not show vulnerability within the work place. I've come across multiple situations where people are paralyzed from doing a better job from the fear of failure. As creatives, we should be able to have a percentage of risk and failures to create a better product. Innovation is bred through these terms. Being vulnerable makes us realize that we're all trying to figure it out. Once you've thought you know it all; you've lost the growth game.
We are all human and itâs what connects us as a whole. Being vulnerable allows us to connect with one another through product.
There will always be SMU projects that need your help.
Even though I was off products for three months, 2020 seems to be the year of designs I think will be the most meaningful. IÂ had the opportunity to work on NB Hoops with a short timeline.Â
I can't talk about them all just yet, but i'll be sure to update the website once they release.
All in all, where ever you are in your life; you are worthy. The work does not define you as a person. Be vulnerable. Spread goodness.Â
Thanks for reading!
-Tuan Nguyen