Purpose: The Intersection of Talent & Passion

Purpose drives everything. It informs, inspires, and motivates. People spend their lives trying to find it and fulfilling it. No matter your field of study or career, finding your place is crucial to your success.

Each project is an opportunity to accomplish something. During my client on-boarding process, after reading through the answers to the client questionnaire, I ask follow up questions. These questions get to the heart of who they are and why they are starting this project. It’s not enough to want to start a business. You need to know why. The why determines the what and shapes the how. I’ve discussed the advantages of positioning yourself in a particular niche. You won’t be able to hit your target unless you have a properly defined purpose.

The purpose is the intention. The purpose is the reason something exists. The purpose is the nucleus of everything. You’ll get closer to your true purpose once you arrive at the intersection of what you’re good at (talent) and what you’re passionate about.

For example, I feel like I am living in my purpose right now. I’ve been the Publications Manager & Multimedia Designer at Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters since 2013. In 2003, I was initiated into the Iota Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at North Carolina A&T State University. Who knew that, 10 years after becoming a brother, I would be doing what I love (design) full-time for the fraternity I love at the national level. It is a blessing to do what you love for a living. It’s even sweeter when you can take on projects that you are passionate about and make a true difference.

I am routinely in awe of the people in the Makers of Sport community. These are designers who are great at their craft who work within the wide world of sports. Being a sports designer means living at the corner of talent for design and passion for sports. Knowing where you want to be gives you an extreme focus that can not be easily shaken. I’m still discovering all the spaces graphic designers can inhabit within the industry.

Whether you are a practicing professional designer or studying to be one, there is a place for you. If you love music, you can be a graphic designer or art director for music artists. Music artists need branding, too. If you love movies, you can be the graphic designer for feature films. Love apps? Become a user interface designer.

A great life is lived when you apply your talents and strengths to areas and causes you care about. You are the most effective and the most confident when working in your purpose.

~b.