The Importance of Being Noob
By: Luis Hurtado » On: 11.03.2011
A few years back when I was freelancing at a couple different production companies and agencies, I ran the gamut on different creative offices and types of folk within them. I was fresh out of a large organization and I wanted to make my mark on the Los Angeles Design & Interactive scene. Typically, I was the “New Guy” on the team, which didn’t bother me very much, because everyone was always so friendly and open.
Most of the time, I would be sitting next to some of the most talented designers and animators, illustrious luminaries. I felt like a complete noob in comparison to them. I dreamt of one day, perhaps being lumped into the same group as them, but I knew I was far from it. Sadly, as things do, time moved on and we all went on to other projects.
Shortly thereafter, I landed a gig at a small, but up-and-coming Interactive shoppe. Everyone was incredibly nice, and I felt like I could definitely contribute to this organization. I sat down at my desk, looked around and saw nothing but young faces. For the first time in my life, I was one of the ‘Tribe-Elders.’
It felt good. I felt like I had arrived. I wasn’t the kid lookin’ up at, “Team Awesome” – Perhaps, maybe, I was one of those people lumped into that aforementioned group. I would walk in playing “Highway to the Danger Zone” in my head, giving finger-pistols to the cute, hipster receptionist chick. It was fantastic! I felt like Top Dog.
That’s when I sat down again, at my desk, looked around, and saw nothing but young faces. This time I had a moment of realization. I was the King of the Hill. But of what hill?
I could stay here and revel in ego. I could contribute tons to the organization, but would they be investing in me? I knew if I stayed I would not be learning or growing on a personal level. Every project handed to me would not challenge me in the slightest. I knew I could phone it in, and people would still be impressed. But I couldn’t do it.
There had to be some other hill, or mountain to climb, even if I couldn’t currently see it at that moment.
After a very long-winded story, my point is: if you aren’t continuing to grow or increase knowledge, then you are stagnating. It may be fun for a little while, but it’ll definitely end up biting you in the ass in the long run.
