Life & Work with Aaron Christian of Los Ángeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Christian.

Hi Aaron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I believe that the reason I’ve reached where I am today is that, through constant exploration, I’ve gradually gained a clearer understanding of who I am. During my time at ArtCenter College of Design, I experimented with a wide range of disciplines, from fine art, print media, and letterpress to motion design and brand design.

I’ve never been afraid to try new things; even when I felt uncomfortable or unsure if a field was the right fit for me, I remained willing to explore. Each experience deepened my self awareness and helped me identify what I am truly passionate about. It is precisely this process of exploration that has led me to where I am now, working as a designer at Siegel+Gale. While I am still very much in the midst of figuring things out, perhaps it is this very uncertainty that makes the journey so exciting.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
That’s not the case at all. My journey has been marked by quite a few setbacks. My time in design school was incredibly grueling; I would often stay up until 3:00 a.m., racking my brain to perfect my work. I constantly second guessed every decision I made, even questioning whether I was truly cut out for a career in design.

One of the hardest parts was the tendency to compare myself to those around me. When you’re surrounded by exceptionally talented people, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind; or to suspect that others have figured out some secret that remains hidden from you. There were several moments when I seriously considered giving up, unsure if I was even suited for this field. I would pour countless hours into refining a project, only to feel that the result still wasn’t good enough. Worse, I struggled to separate feedback on my work from an assessment of my own worth; if my work fell short, I felt that I, as a designer, was a failure.

At one point, I realized that my initial passion for design was beginning to fade. I had once dreamed of starting my own design studio, fueled by a genuine love for branding, 3D design, and motion graphics. But as my skills and the direction of my career came under intense scrutiny, I began to doubt myself. I ended up on a path entirely different from what I had originally envisioned, which dealt a heavy blow to my self confidence. Things that once thrilled me transformed into a burden; a means by which I felt I had to “prove” my own value. Instead of finding joy in the act of creation, I began to wonder if I should even remain in the industry. For a while, I genuinely contemplated leaving design altogether.

I also went through a long period of uncertainty, unsure of which path to take. I explored various facets of design; while this eventually helped me discover what truly interested me, it also meant spending a great deal of time feeling lost. I kept asking myself: Am I making the right decisions? Am I actually good at what I’m doing? Will the time and energy I’ve invested ever truly pay off? Looking back, I realize that those struggles were a necessary part of finding my footing. Every project that didn’t go as planned, every piece of harsh criticism, and every moment where I felt overwhelmed; all of these experiences taught me something valuable. I’ve come to understand that being an excellent designer doesn’t mean knowing everything, nor does it mean getting everything right on the first try. Sometimes, it means being willing to start over, accepting feedback with an open mind, and keeping, moving forward even when you feel frustrated with yourself.

Over time, I’ve discovered the design field that truly suits me, and I’ve learned to comfortably embrace the fact that I am “still learning.” While I may still experience self-doubt from time to time; a feeling that perhaps never fully disappears; I’ve learned to channel it into motivation rather than letting it become a stumbling block. The most important lesson I’ve learned is this: you don’t need to have all the answers from the very beginning. Sometimes, you simply need to stay committed to the process; in time, you will naturally discover where your strengths lie and what it is that you truly want to do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a designer by profession, but I see myself as much more than that. My work spans brand, graphic, motion, and 3D design; I enjoy exploring how to weave these disciplines together to tell a story or bring an idea to life. I have never wanted to confine myself to a single niche, as I believe that many of the most compelling ideas emerge when one steps outside their comfort zone.

What I am most proud of is my own growth; not just as a designer, but as an individual. I spend a great deal of time reflecting on who I am, what I believe in, and the kind of future I want to build for myself. While there is still much for me to learn, I take pride in the fact that even when I’ve felt lost or uncertain about the path ahead, I have always kept pushing myself forward.

I believe what sets me apart is my curiosity and my deep interest in things well beyond the realm of design. I am passionate about cars, history, and nature; I love exploring unfamiliar places and uncovering how things work. Beyond my professional life, I am also a son, a partner, and a friend; roles that shape how I view the world and naturally inform my thinking and creative process.

Lately, I have been reflecting more on creating work that is truly my own. I don’t want my entire identity to revolve around my job or how I earn a living. I want to explore ideas, take risks, and create something meaningful; to see what I am capable of beyond working for others. I am at a stage in my life where I can take pride in being a designer while also allowing myself to explore further possibilities and become a more multifaceted person.

Ultimately, I want to create work that holds personal meaning, remain curious, and build a life that makes me look forward to waking up every single day. I don’t have a perfect answer yet as to exactly what that will look like, but I am thoroughly enjoying the process of discovery.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best piece of advice I can offer is this: don’t be afraid to reach out to others, even if you feel you aren’t yet at their level. When I was a student at ArtCenter, I was surrounded by people I deeply admired; which, at times, felt quite intimidating. But I eventually realized that, at the end of the day, everyone is just a human being. You never know what kind of opportunities might arise from a simple conversation or a new connection.

Furthermore, it is crucial to build genuine relationships; don’t approach people solely because you want something from them. Show curiosity about their work, ask questions, and demonstrate a sincere eagerness to learn. You don’t need to enter every conversation with the specific goal of landing a job or finding a mentor. Sometimes, the most valuable connections are those that develop naturally over time.

Many of the most rewarding experiences in my life have come from spending time with more experienced individuals and humbly seeking their guidance. During my internships, I had the chance to work alongside incredibly talented designers, observing how they analyzed problems, handled feedback, and refined their creative ideas. By simply paying close attention, asking thoughtful questions, and remaining open to constructive criticism, you can gain a tremendous amount.

Also, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to find a “perfect mentor.” Mentorship doesn’t have to be a formal, structured arrangement; former professors, colleagues, internship supervisors, or even fellow designers you chat with occasionally can all serve as mentors and friends. Stay in touch, share the work you’re currently doing, and let these relationships evolve organically.

Ultimately, you need the courage to step outside your comfort zone; even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. The worst-case scenario is simply that someone doesn’t respond, and that’s perfectly fine. Everyone starts from scratch; don’t limit yourself or hold back from reaching out just because someone seems “out of your league.” You never know what you might learn from others, nor do you know what kind of value you might be able to offer them in return.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aaronchristian.org
• Instagram: @stillclearworks
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-christian-7b0489262/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StillClearWorks