Sometimes everyone needs a peptalk

Designers, just like everyone else, get down. But, when that happens, we need to remind ourselves of a few key things.

As a designer, we will often feel like our decisions to do things a certain way or when giving our ideas and suggestions about a project are correct. This usually stems from either knowledge gained through study in the field of design or maybe even a bit of innate instinct and we can't find the words to express why we feel that way. Unfortunately, unless you are the head designer of your own company and have the final say in every project you work on, I don’t think it matters how much we study our field or grow in our knowledge, because we will always be working for someone, and that someone will likely think they know more or understand it better. And if that someone is paying us, whether a side project or a full-time job, we sometimes have to bite our tongue and go along with the idea that may sit funny in our stomach or make us cringe.
But!

It is good to stand up for your work. When you think something won’t work or looks bad, mention it to the person who will be making the final decision. Mention it tactfully, but mention it. Always. If you think something won’t work, offer to try their idea and then, if it doesn't work, explain why. Use the knowledge you've learned and design terms (not to confuse the other person, but to show that you understand what you're saying and why). Be professional about it and understand that they may be happy with your rendition of their idea. Plus, by explaining it and showing them the example, sometimes you can show them that your idea might have actually had some merit and they may like it better than theirs in the end.

And if they do still prefer their option, remind yourself that just because someone doesn’t like your idea or suggestion doesn’t mean you’re wrong or don't know what you're talking about. It doesn't necessarily mean that they know more, but it certainly doesn't mean that you know less. Take comfort in that idea and believe in your own work and believe in yourself.

I'm not saying that all of this is easy, by any means. Designers are people, too, and for anyone in any field, it’s easy to get down when it feels like everyone has an opinion they think is better than yours. (I like the saying: Opinions are like assholes; everyone has one!)

But if you have had training and it feels like it doesn’t mean anything to them, it should always mean something to you.