Growth by design: the ways God is growing me and my business.
Growing up loving drawing and arts and crafts, the pursuit of a fine arts degree was a practical choice. Little did I know then that that choice would eventually lead me to the entrepreneurial path of being a graphic designer.
Did I dream of this since I was a kid? Certainly not. I used to dream of becoming a scientist mixing stuff in test tubes that will eventually be the greatest scientific experiment the science world has ever known. Or a doctor for poor communities. Those were my 2 dreams growing up.
I can tell you all the details how God orchestrated everything for me to be here, but that would take more than a thousand words. Instead, I’d love to share encouragements about growth that my Gardener has taught me thus far on this journey.
Designing takes courage.
Acorns don’t turn into oak trees overnight. Growing my creative and professional skills took years. Years of prayer, trying, failing, and trying again. God gave me Joshua 1:1-9 as a Word to hold on to every time I feel afraid or intimidated by clients and projects. Working on new design projects became His consistent invitation for me to be strong and courageous.
Pruning is part of the process.
If you think or feel like you’re not growing, check in with the One who planted you. There might be roots and branches that need pruning—perhaps it’s a good thing but it isn’t a God thing, an unhealthy relationship, or a toxic thought pattern. Pruning is painful, but God’s love is our healing balm so that slowly but surely… we’ll keep growing.
We grow better together.
I struggled a lot with comparing myself and my progress with my peers in the design and advertising industry. Comparison became a trap that God had to rescue me from. So instead of comparing and competing against my fellow creative professionals, I started to see them as a community I am a part of. God has given us unique gifts and voices and it’s better to see that as an opportunity to collaborate!
Gratitude is powerful.
Some clients and projects can be so taxing, and I have the tendency to grumble as I plow through the workload. It doesn’t help that this industry can feel like a thankless job. Gratitude reminds me that everything I have—from the very breath in my lungs to the laptop I’m typing this on are all gifts from above. Even demanding clients (the main object of my rants) are a blessing! That’s why I try to start my day by writing thank you’s in my journal.
That’s why there’s a 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 at the footer of my website. It’s my prayer that in everything I design, there will be joy. Whatever I am working on, I start with a prayer. So my Maker would always find me…gratefully creating.
Thank you for reading!
Quick intro: my name is Gielizza Calzado. I used to work in advertising and marketing as a copywriter and an art director. I’m currently based in the sunny archipelago of the Philippines—crafting illustrative visual identities for purpose-driven brands, and designing vibrant k-pop merch and stationery. All for the glory and honor of God.
