The Worst Job I Ever Had
Let me start by saying — I’m proud of where I came from. I didn’t land in a dream role right away. Like many creatives, my path started with a few hard lessons, and one particularly toxic job that nearly made me question if I should even be a designer.
Ironically, working at the worst design agency I’ve ever experienced was also the push I needed to build the business I have today. A total blessing in disguise.
When Burnout Replaces Creativity
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Even as a kid, I was the one coming up with business ideas and selling handmade art at school. So when I landed my first “real” design job, I was ready to learn and grow. But what I walked into was the kind of agency that drains every ounce of creativity out of you.
We weren’t encouraged to think strategically or explore our ideas. We were expected to move fast — no matter the quality. I was responsible for over 400 billable hours per month (yes, you read that right), and it became painfully clear that both clients and employees were being taken advantage of.
It wasn’t just exhausting — it was soul-crushing. The kind of work that made me forget why I loved design in the first place. The kind of work that made me question if I was even good at it.
Where the Human Side of Design Was Missing
What bothered me most wasn’t the pace — it was the complete lack of connection. Clients were treated like numbers. Designers were just production machines. There was no room for collaboration, no desire to understand the client’s story, and no appreciation for the thoughtful process behind good design.
I believe design is deeply personal. It’s not just about checking boxes — it’s about telling a story, creating a feeling, and building something with purpose. But in that agency, creativity was dismissed as inefficient, and the human element was completely missing.
Quitting Was the First Step Toward Alignment
I knew I couldn’t do work I wasn’t proud of — and I couldn’t keep pouring my energy into a business that didn’t care about people. So I quit. I found a flexible remote job that gave me breathing room, and slowly began building what is now Nat Marie Design.
I started my business with one clear mission: to be people-first. That means real relationships, thoughtful design, and treating every project with the care it deserves. I know what it feels like to be burned out and undervalued — and I’ve built a business that will never make my team or my clients feel that way.
Business, But Make It Human
Leaving that toxic job taught me more than any course ever could. It showed me the kind of business I don’t want to run. It reminded me that work should never cost you your peace, your passion, or your relationships.
At Nat Marie Design, I’m proud to run a studio that values collaboration, strategy, creativity — and most of all — people. We don’t just design logos or websites. We build brands that reflect the heart of a business. We tell stories with strategy, soul, and intention.
And most importantly, we treat others how we want to be treated. I truly believe that how you treat people is your brand — and when that’s your foundation, success follows.
