How Sartre’s Existentialism Made Me a Better Designer

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Existentialism? Isn’t that just a fancy word for an existential crisis?” Well, kinda, but it’s so much more than that. Imagine this: you’re cruising through life, doing your thing, when suddenly you’re hit with this overwhelming sense of, “What the heck am I doing with my life?” Yep, that’s the existential crisis knocking on your door.

But here’s the plot twist: existentialism isn’t about drowning in despair. It’s about finding meaning and purpose in the midst of chaos. And for me, it was French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre who served as my guiding light through the murky waters of existential angst.

Now, you might be wondering, “What does all of this have to do with design?” Well, buckle up, because here’s where it gets juicy.

At its core, existentialism is about radical freedom and that we are all responsible for creating meaning in our lives. Sartre famously articulated this notion in his concept of “existence precedes essence,” suggesting that we exist first and then define our essence through our choices and actions. This philosophical framework challenges us to confront the fundamental questions of existence and purpose, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

As a designer, I’m constantly tasked with creating something out of nothing. It’s like being handed a blank canvas and being told to paint a masterpiece. Talk about pressure, am I right? But instead of succumbing to the weight of expectations, Sartre’s philosophy taught me to embrace the freedom and responsibility that comes with being a creator.

See, according to Sartre, we’re not just passive beings floating through life. We’re actively shaping our own existence through the choices we make. And as a designer, every decision I make — from story telling to solving complex problems — contributes to the larger narrative of who I am and what I stand for.

But here’s where things get really interesting. Sartre believed that we’re all inherently free, but that freedom can be pretty terrifying. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the abyss of infinite possibilities. The existential dread we face confronts us with the responsibility we have to take when we make certain choices.

Yet, it’s precisely these existential crisis in my life that has propelled me forward in my journey as a designer and as a human. It forced me to confront the uncomfortable truths about myself. What do I truly value? What legacy do I want to leave behind? And most importantly, who do I want to become?

Oh hello Imposter Syndrome, good ol’ friend
By grappling with these existential questions, I’ve been able to strip away the superficial layers and tap into the core essence of my being. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, embrace uncertainty, and take bold risks in my designs. I’m still struggling with these feelings, as someone with endless interest always wondering if I made the right decisions. Always dealing with that infamous “Imposter Syndrome”. It takes vulnerability and courage to self reflect on a deeper level. It can feel like the ground beneath your feet sinks and all is left is these questions that you are left with. At the end of the day, it’s not about playing it safe — it’s about daring to create something that resonates deeply with yourself.

Embracing our quirky selves
Sartre’s emphasis on authenticity and individuality has encouraged me to embrace my unique voice as a designer. In a world saturated with trends and conventions, existentialism reminds me of the importance of staying true to my own vision and values. It encourages me to question the status quo, challenge conventional wisdom, and forge my own path forward. And so should you. I truly believe we are all here to express our own individuality but at the same time realise how alike we all are, that is the funny thing about all this. As if we are consciousness experiencing itself through different eyes, but in our core we are so much alike.

So, here’s to embracing the absurdity of existence and channeling it into our creative endeavours and showing our (geeky) sides. Here’s to Jean-Paul Sartre for showing us that even in the face of existential uncertainty, we have the power to shape our own destiny. And here’s to all the fellow designers out there, navigating the tumultuous waters of creativity with courage and conviction.