How does one make the big bucks in the design industry? How do you become the next super star designer with all the respect, notoriety and have people clamoring to get your two cents on the pulse of design?

Well… I wish I had the answer. Truthfully, it is simply a super hard industry to be in. The landscape and technology are evolving at the speed of light, trends change every month, AI is running laps around our brains, and managing clients is a different animal all together. I know I just painted a very bleak picture and while the industry can be intimidating, having the solid foundation on which to build your career is the absolute most essential principal to consider. Even if you are well into your career (18 years right here), you will evolve as a designer and as a person.  It is something you must manage and reevaluate to ensure that where you are going is aligned with your authentic personal brand and is keeping up with the ever changing market.

What is Personal Branding?

Personal branding is the representation of who you are and what you’re about.  It showcases your values, ethics, passions, and messaging. Much like what you might already do for clients, it’s switching it around and turning the focus on you. The way the landscape stands, we as designers must make a mark and own it. It’s not about standing out far, you only need to stand out an 1/8 of an inch. Just enough to be noticed. Whether you’re an entrepreneur. Solo-prenuer, and especially if you are on an in-house team - having your personal brand be authentic, will be the make or break.

What are the Benefits of a Personal Brand?

There are so many because it truly touches every aspect. Personal branding gives you the confidence in making decisions that align with your vision, allows you to be able to communicate confidently and clearly in collaboration settings and to clients. It helps you to stay inspired, and more importantly – keeps you pointed in the direction of your passions.

Potential Clients

Clients are constantly on the lookout for designers who not only possess the technical skills but also bring a distinctive touch to their work. Personal branding allows you to showcase your individuality and highlight what makes you a valuable asset. When clients can see the designer's personality and unique style shine through their portfolio and branding, it becomes easier for them to make an informed choice. This transparency in the designer-client relationship fosters trust and increases the likelihood of successful collaborations.

Even as a design team member, I have utilized this many times with designers when staffing for projects as an art director.  By understanding the designer style and brand, I knew who would work well for the client. Even if you’re on a team, having a personal brand is an asset in helping to get you staffed on projects that you can feel passionate about.

Creates a Solid Framework for Producing Work

A well-defined personal brand serves as a North Star when you’re in the creative process. It provides you with a clear vision, style guidelines, and a sense of purpose. When you know exactly what you stand for and what your brand represents, it becomes easier to make design choices that align with your identity. This consistency not only enhances the quality of your work but also makes it instantly recognizable. Even if you need to tweak your style to fit in with the clients, it still gives you a compass in which to stay true to yourself.

Collaborating with Other Designers

Collaboration is quite often the key to success.  Your personal branding plays a crucial role in this aspect. When you have a strong personal brand, it becomes easier for you to communicate your vision and style to fellow designers. Sharing this understanding fosters smoother collaborations, minimizes misunderstandings, and results in a more effective and harmonious experience. Moreover, designers with established personal brands are often sought after as collaborators because their unique perspective can add depth and value to any project.

Inspiration for Your Work

Personal branding isn't just about how others perceive you; it's also about how you perceive yourself. By creating your personal brand, you can articulate your creative ethos, which becomes a well of inspiration. When faced with creative blocks or challenges, you can revisit your core values and style, reigniting your passion and creativity. It serves as a constant reminder of what you are capable of and where you want to go, pushing you to continually evolve and refine your craft.

Creating your Personal Brand

It all begins with an honest look into their unique style, values, and aspirations. In a way, it’s a journey of self-discovery that can be incredibly enlightening. By identifying your core strengths, passions, and what sets you apart from the crowd, you can create a brand that is an authentic reflection. Self-awareness serves as a guiding light in your creative journey, helping you make informed decisions about the projects you want to take on and the direction you ultimately want to go in.  I like to call this “dream-building”.  Taking all this into account and evaluating it with an honest lens, will keep you accountable to yourself and help you to cultivate an overall fulfilling career. 

Finding your personal brand workshop

If you’d like to know more about finding your personal brand as a designer, I will be creating a series of finding your authentic personal brand and navigating the in-house design industry called “Designed for Success”. Join me on Instagram for updates, journaling prompts and other valuable information on the series!