Your design skill is not enough!
Sorry fam.
If you’re reading this, then there’s a fair chance that you are a designer: product, branding, illustrative, motion…. the works.
But, like you, there are thousands of other designers out there in the same field as you, all hustling to nibble off the limited pool of clients. I know how much effort goes into honing your design skills. But here's the thing—and I hate to break it to you buddy — being a great designer isn't just about crafting beautiful visuals anymore.
To truly thrive, you need to broaden your expertise and adapt to new challenges, so today, let’s talk about the other stuff you can add to your skillset that’ll make you not just a better creative, but a more rounded designer.
1. Understanding Business Goals
Your designs need to do more than look good—they must align with business objectives. Learning the basics of business strategy can help you create designs that not only impress but also drive results. Understanding KPIs, target markets, and ROI will elevate your design work from beautiful to indispensable.
2. Mastering Communication
Design is about solving problems and telling stories. Effective communication ensures that your vision is understood and appreciated by clients and team members. Improve your verbal and written communication skills to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively.
3. Embracing Technology
The design landscape is ever-changing with new tools and technologies emerging constantly. Stay updated with the latest design software, but also explore AI, AR/VR, and other technologies that can revolutionize the way you work and what you can offer to clients.
4. Honing Project Management Skills
Design projects often involve multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines. Project management skills can help you keep projects on track and ensure a smooth workflow. Familiarize yourself with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira to streamline your processes.
5. Building a Personal Brand
In a crowded marketplace, a strong personal brand sets you apart. Consistently showcase your unique style, values, and expertise through a professional website, social media, and networking. Your personal brand should reflect not just your design skills but your professional identity and ethos.
6. Networking and Collaboration
Building a network of industry contacts can open doors to new opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and collaborate with other creatives. Networking isn't just about finding new clients—it's about learning, growing, and contributing to a community.
7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The best designers are lifelong learners. Take courses, read industry blogs, and stay curious. Whether it's a new design trend, a marketing strategy, or a technical skill, continuous learning keeps you relevant and competitive.
The competition out there is tough— there are more designers today than there were 3 years ago. But you can give yourself the extra edge by expanding your skill set and embracing a holistic approach to your career, ensuring that your designs are not only beautiful but you are able to deliver value to your customers and clients by being a strategic partner in the creative process that produces the right outcomes and results.
Interesting things I found this week
WeirdWonderful AI-Art has a wonderful catalogue of —sref codes for Midjourney, if you’re into that sort of thing
You can add Fractal Glass effects on your framer websites
If you want direct inspiration from God, here’s a good place to start
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Love!
Just shared a similar post few days ago focusing on how crucial a systematic approach to design is and the influence that individual, groups and societal conditioning can have on design products