A PROFESSIONAL BUMMER

I have never felt vulnerable or unappreciated because I am a woman. That is, until recently.

I went to a local spot where I frequently work on projects and by happenstance met a man who was seeking design work for his small business, sending me an email with information on the spot. I continued to work and briefly visited with a male friend, after which the business owner stopped talking to me and later never replied to my emails. Only days following, I asked a male if I could take his photo and ask a few questions for a local zine feature-- approaching him as professionally as possible. He proceeded to sit by me and ask for my phone number.
               Maybe this is in part because I am still a student and only freelance?
               And I don't have printed business cards?
              Or maybe because everyone says I look five years younger than I actually am?
Despite the many other possibilities I came up with, I felt I wasn't taken seriously because I am a woman... and it was discouraging.

It is hard to imagine that even in a market saturated with creative, open-minded, and modern individuals, some bias may still exist. I guess that is assuming quite a lot, but it's an interesting thought.

After some time, I broke down the average incoming designer and realized this:
1. Designers tend to dress casually compared to those working in office situations
2. Designers often meet outside of the office in smaller, social-friendly settings
3. Designers may speak on a more personal level than in many work situations
4. Designers make great listeners and are creative, and those are attractive characteristics despite gender

Having a professional demenor is key for women in any field, but I feel women in design can be additionally vulnerable due to the above factors. That, and they tend to associate primarily with men. I like to believe that as I ease into the professional world I will be taken more seriously.

I aspire to engage clients with my strong design work and nothing more.