Something that they fail to mention in school is that your dating options really go out the window when you decide to be a designer. It’s a good thing that they don’t mention this small detail – I can only imagine the decline in design programs if schools would start to inform students of this harsh reality. Being a designer isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle, and it takes a special kind of person to understand this…like another designer. Here are a few examples of why designers are destined to be with other designers:

They understand why you are working at midnight on the day after Christmas
Some fellow designers and I lamented the fact that very few people understand our jobs or our schedules. They don’t understand why we work late, or on weekend and holidays. They also don’t understand that this is something we chose to do.  Being a designer is similar to being a doctor in the sense that you don’t leave the job at the end of the day. You are on call, you revolve around deadlines, and you wake up at 3am worrying about spot colors and trim sizes. While other people will be angry at your boss and the terrible injustices you suffer, another designer will understand that this isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle.

They will say I love you in the most attractive ways
Sure the message of the card is important, but really, the stock and design are more important. When something says “I love you”, it’s nice to know that someone checked the kerning as much as you will. Die cuts? Embossing? Interesting stock?! It’s the stuff of true romance.
*Bonus: You will have awesome wedding invitations.*

They will join you when you geek out
There are very few people who will let you talk about screens, fonts, and programs as much as another designer will. A few minutes into a conversation about the latest Apple offering and you can actually see someone’s eyes glaze over. They will pretend they can’t hear you talk, in detail, about the logo or typeface that catches your eye while you’re walking down the street. Start talking about upgrades or techniques in Photoshop and might actually kill a non-designer. Designers, on the other hand, will geek out just as much if not more than you. Instead of being a side topic, the shortcomings of the menu design can actually be the main topic of conversation (and they won’t think that is sad).

They come with a great music collection
I have met very, very few designers that didn’t have a totally killer music collection. When we work we listen to music, and we are constantly looking for new music to fill the hours. I know quite a few designers who design by day and are involved in music  at night. When you aren’t geeking out about design, you get to geek out about music to your hearts’ content.

They have passion
Designers are passionate about what they do. If they aren’t, they’re in the wrong field. Most of the designers I know have a constant stream of side projects that keep them entertained and exploring new ideas. It’s rare to hear a designer talk about how boring their job is because their job will most likely never get boring. This is a win for both people because you can share your side projects and interests and continue to learn and grow together. And passion in a relationship is usually a pretty good thing.