Chapter 1: The Designer’s Value Beyond Stereotypes

As someone with various "designer" roles listed on my resume, I've encountered numerous dismissive remarks suggesting that my design experience lacks relevance to business or product development. This stereotype is not only misleading but also detrimental, as it overlooks the multifaceted skills that designers possess.

Designers are often adept at using online tools and practices, thanks to their personal creative endeavors. Reflecting on the designers I've encountered over the years, it's clear that they engage in a variety of creative activities outside their professional roles. They are musicians, painters, potters, knitters, and more. For many, these pursuits serve as essential outlets for creativity, whether as side projects or simply as a means to thrive.

Designers typically understand the business aspects of their creative practices. Almost every designer has an online presence—be it a YouTube channel, a Soundcloud profile, or an Etsy shop.

If a designer doesn't seek to monetize their hobbies, they likely possess knowledge about sharing their work digitally. For instance, musicians excel in distributing tracks, while creatives are skilled in creating and disseminating MP3s, MP4s, and PDFs. Regardless of their creative focus, designers acquire a range of technical skills.

At a minimum, designers develop portfolio websites to showcase their work, much like developers utilize GitHub repositories to display their code. Though these sites may require updates, the process of planning and creating a portfolio reflects their understanding of personal branding.

In addition to portfolio sites, many designers engage in building their brands through online stores or social media platforms. This endeavor involves several intricate considerations:

Go-to-Market Strategies: Ignoring these can lead to an online store without customers. Simply listing work for sale online doesn’t guarantee immediate interest. Designers often strategize about outreach methods—whether through Instagram, Facebook, or local promotions like postcards in coffee shops. They may also utilize newsletters to enhance visibility. Designers often have insights into effective strategies that could spark valuable discussions with marketing teams.

Online Payments: Designers with online shops generally understand the intricacies of accepting payments. They might utilize PayPal or credit card processing and have knowledge about invoicing clients for side projects. These considerations are part of their routine, allowing them to have insightful conversations with accounting teams.

Business Development: If a designer operates their own business—be it a primary venture or a side hustle—they possess insights into customer preferences and effective communication. They are skilled in crafting newsletters, producing videos, and developing pitches. Additionally, they may have experience with pricing strategies and proposals, enabling engaging discussions with sales teams.

Beyond these aspects, designers inherently contribute a unique perspective. They possess the ability to view situations differently, respond constructively to feedback, and articulate their thoughts in comprehensible ways—a skill set often referred to as "design thinking."

While designers bring significant perspectives to the table, they are frequently among those most knowledgeable about establishing a business from the ground up. Their experiences with side hustles or freelance work equip them with the skills to promote their work, advocate for themselves, and ensure payment.

These communication skills are precisely what many organizations need to enhance collaboration across departments, breaking down barriers to innovation. Forward-thinking companies recognize the immense value that creative professionals can add.

Given this context, the myth that artists are always unconventional and financially struggling is utterly baseless. Creative individuals possess substantial business acumen that they carry with them into any environment. This knowledge can prove invaluable, regardless of a company's size or industry. They may even surpass some colleagues in their understanding of business dynamics.