When I started freelancing as a graphic designer, I realized that sometimes my age and gender often spoke louder than my portfolio.
On calls, I was asked how long I’d been “actually” doing design, as if being young automatically meant being inexperienced. Some clients, usually male business owners, assumed they knew better simply because they owned the company. My strategic decisions were often replaced with personal preferences. My professional comments were politely heard and then ignored.
It wasn’t disagreement that frustrated me. As if my expertise needed extra validation just because I was a young woman.
On calls, I was asked how long I’d been “actually” doing design, as if being young automatically meant being inexperienced. Some clients, usually male business owners, assumed they knew better simply because they owned the company. My strategic decisions were often replaced with personal preferences. My professional comments were politely heard and then ignored.
It wasn’t disagreement that frustrated me. As if my expertise needed extra validation just because I was a young woman.