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September 9, 2025 38 mins

Every designer chases originality like it’s the holy grail. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: originality doesn’t exist. Nothing you’ve designed is original, and believing otherwise is killing creativity faster than bad clients ever could.

Graphic designers hate to hear this, but most of you are guilty. You worship originality, terrified that influence makes your work invalid. The few designers who thrive know the opposite is true: influence fuels design, while chasing “original” ideas traps you in imposter syndrome and mediocrity.

This week on The Angry Designer Podcast, we tear apart the myth of originality in graphic design, exposing why it’s nothing more than ego disguised as creativity and how this mindset is holding you back.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why chasing originality is a design trap that kills your career
  • How influence and remixing create better graphic design than “original ideas” ever will
  • The truth about imposter syndrome and why fearing influence makes you a weaker designer

This isn’t just about originality. It’s about your career. Because if you keep clinging to the myth of originality, you’ll burn out, stay stuck, and watch other designers pass you by with work that’s influenced, effective, and unmistakably theirs.

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