Where Do Old Graphic Designers Go?

Where Do Old Graphic Designers Go?
I’ve been a designer for decades. I’ve watched people climb the ladder, become creative directors… and then vanish. You rarely see a 65-year-old still in the trenches, obsessing over kerning or nudging pixels at 2 a.m.
So where do they go?
Do they “consult”?
Do they pour lattes at Peet’s?
Do they hand out samples at Costco?
Here’s my truth: I love the creative process too much to give it up. Managing pays more, sure—but it takes me away from the thing I actually do best: designing.
So why does the industry assume that once you hit a certain age, you should stop making and start managing?
If you’re a younger designer, this is worth thinking about.
If you’re an older designer, you already know.
Personally? I’d rather grow old with Illustrator open than a hairnet at Costco.
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