May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you’ve been struggling in any way lately, please know you don’t have to suffer alone. You don’t have to deal with it all by yourself. Speak up. Talk to someone. Put your hand up. This vlog is my version of doing exactly that. This one’s a little different from the usual videos… but I’ve only ever wanted to keep things real with you. That’s what these vlogs are about. Sometimes life feels inspiring, creative and exciting… and sometimes it feels messy and ugly. I hope this vlog gives you the courage to be honest about how you’re feeling too. And don’t worry… next week we’ll probably be back to the fun logo design stuff. Poem written and read by: Lucas Jones https://www.instagram.com/lucassjoness PREMIUM TOOLS FOR BRAND DESIGNERS 🤙✏️ https://www.seesidestudio.com/ Where else can you find me? 👇 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cj.cawley.design/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cjcawleydesign
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I literally NEVER comment anything online ever. I think this is literally my first time commenting on a video ever. CJ. Dude. Every single time I get a notification that you've posted a video, I get a huge grin on my face and I watch immediately. You inspire me so much to keep going on this design journey, Jack too, and you guys showing the reality of things is so darn refreshing. You deserve every single GOOD thing coming your way.
Bro is out here being a genuine role model expressing emotional depth and healthy masculinity. Keep at it dude. Sometimes, you just gotta be in those emotions and sulk in them a bit—that's how you move through it. Better than bottling it up any day.
I’ll say it again: you and Jack are my design champions and the way you’ve been riding this storm is admirable. Sharing it in it’s raw honesty is precisely what a young CJ, who looks up to you, needs right now. When he or she is ready to stand in their spotlight, they will know there will be times like these and that designrockstars like you aren’t immune to these feelings. Failure, doubt, shame and all types of fear. So besides being really good at your work you’re also really good at being human and showing it. Keep your head up CJ, go through it in brave honesty, like you do right now and I promise you, it will get better.
You know what I love about your videos? Whenever I'm working on something, I start thinking things like: "I'm too slow," "I'm not good enough," "This isn't as good as I wanted," or even "Maybe this isn't for me." And when I go online looking for some kind of comfort, all I see are amazing works—just like yours. But you have something different. You show the behind-the-scenes, the struggle, the process… and that’s when I finally realize: this is just our job. We’re always trying to create something new, different, unique—and we get frustrated when there’s no map for a place no one has gone before hahaha. But when we find someone facing the same struggles and still doing an amazing job, we realize: it’s okay. Let’s figure it out and just do our best. Thanks from Brazil for all your videos—you’ve been helping me keep going, man.
Hey CJ, keep going. I love watching a designer vlogs and you are on top. Next week i am also posting a vlog on my life too.
Bloody hell, that hit me like a ton of bricks. As a fellow designer and someone who has struggled with Mental Health for most of my life, I understand the struggles you are going through. In a world as scary and uncertain as this one, the last thing we need is to spread unjust hate online. Your work is fantastic, and I hope you know that. Your videos are absolutely brilliant and well-crafted. Keep it up! Think about the positives: you have your own design studio and are about to get married. These hateful comments are just from jealous people who wish they had the guts to contribute good to the world. "There is nothing you can't achieve if you put your mind to it... and don't let the bastards grind you down!" - Brian Blessed
Bro, what the hell? What other negative comments? I'm a designer, from the other side of the world. Central Asia. I've been following you from the very beginning. I'm just starting my design career, and it's tough to get commissions and money. But I see how you live and work. It's nice to know someone out there has been on a similar path and is still going strong. It makes it easier for me to develop in this field, watching a colleague from the other side of the world.
I think the real reason so many creatives doubt themselves is because deep down we already feel like we’re not good enough. You can be praised to high heaven and somehow still not fully believe it, but one negative comment can feel like a ton of bricks because it hits the exact fear you’ve always carried. But don’t let those comments become a reflection of who you are. A lot of people throwing hate are angry because they never had the courage to put themselves out there the way you have. It’s easier to criticise someone chasing their passion than risk failing at their own. You show real emotion, you let yourself be seen, and that takes courage most people will never understand. Don’t carry the weight of someone else’s insecurity. Keep doing what you’re doing — the good you put out will always outweigh the noise. Never stop making these videos CJ! You’re speaking for a lot of creatives who don’t have a voice.
who tf even hating designers these days. love your work and enjoy watching the vlog from you, keep going
Never accept criticism from those who you wouldn’t seek advice from. Chin up brother! You got this. ❤
It madens me the extent people will go to, to push someone down to their level / under them. Thank you for being an honest voice in today's world filled with so much fake. Happy I found your work and channel, keep it up man. Can't wait for the next one, but most importantly, take care of yourself <3
Hi, CJ, I’ve been following you on social media for a while now, and your videos have helped me so many times—both creatively and emotionally. Thank you so much for showing me that it’s okay to feel the way I do sometimes. For showing me that you can’t be 100% every day. Your work is incredible, and I think it’s not just about the visuals, but also about the stories they convey. So if you ever feel like your skin isn’t thick enough, remember all of us you’re helping—that’s your armor! And whenever you need me, I’m here for you. 🤙🏻
Cj, you are not what anyone else says you are or has made you feel. You are not even who you say you are. You are who God says you are—chosen, redeemed and created with purpose. You are not only incredibly talented but such a genuine soul and light in this world. Keep on doing God’s work. It continues to be a privilege to see you shine 💛
You hit the nail on the head right at the beginning: it's just easier to be mean than it is to be kind. The passions behind the meanness are probably not as high as they are behind the encouragement and compliments. If you confronted the people who give you a hard time online face-to-face, they would probably back down. Because their negativity has nothing to do with you, the YouTube comment section is just their outlet. It has nothing to do with you. You are great at what you do, and more importantly, you are a kind human being. That's already obvious, and I don't even really know you. Thank you for sharing this.
I'm out of words. Amazing video CJ. Mental health is so freaking important... 😞 If everyone had a therapist and dealt with their shit, than they wouldn't hurt others... You're an amazing human, CJ. Thank you for your bravery and kindness ❤
man i'm not trying to show you empathy but you are really so inspiring mate i started design logos just because of you i started making content and trying use what i have because of you i've learnt a lot from you mate, thank you so much❤
As Olaf so aptly said in Frozen: "You feel what you feel and your feelings are real." I applaud you for stepping out and sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. That takes courage and vulnerability! Some people can be so hurtful and mean and it especially hits home hard when someone you look up to punches you figuratively in the face. Those people are not worth it. YOU are WORTH it! I hope this message and the other positive ones can shine a bit of light in this feeling of darkness. Just keep repeating them and keep talking to your loved ones. Eventually the light will drown out the darkness. Your art & design and your positivity shine a bright light in my life and I'm sure in others as well. Please don't stop, you're made for this! And as the beautiful poem at the end said: 'Goodness dies in silence, So I think you should speak.' Always speak up CJ, you are worth listening to. You are worth loving, and you are worth creating. Giving you a virtual hug!♥ . . I also want to give you a poem in return, by Emily Dickinson: “Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm - I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me.
Keeping it real as always 🤙🧡
Hi CJ! I can see how much you're sruggling these past few weeks and I get that even though I haven't experienced it myself. Just want you to know that for me you're a absolute design boss and person I look up to and person that inspires me sooo much. I love every video you post on yt, every reel, whatever it is, it always makes my day. You ARE a great designer (for me the best haha :D) and there are plenty of people that do think the same about you. Unfortunately, the few mean comments are usually the loudest.
Hi CJ, I've been following your work for a long time because I feel inspired by your life story and also because I love your work! You're very creative. It takes a lot of courage to speak about your feelings, I also struggle wiht it. I know how it feels to receive many positive comments but only one negative one can make you forget about the good ones. What helped me was knowing that the person that said it has unsolved issues. I learned to not take it personal because it's not directed at you, it's directed at what you represent. You're showing that person what they don't want to see. Keep up the good work and congrats on your upcoming wedding!