Design careers aren’t one-size-fits-all—but every path demands passion, accountability, and the right relationships at the right time.

It used to be that folks acknowledged the phases of this journey for what they are - process steps in career development.

A designer's career has real milestones and at each one there are new responsibilities and new kinds of accountability. Not everyone moves at the same pace. Not everyone starts with the same level of talent / skill—but the necessity of having both are un-refutable.

One thing to add—no-one should be starting a design career unless they are passionate about design. You can't fake this. I'm not the most talented designer by any means but I realized I wanted to be one when I was 12 (no kidding).

For Designers Starting Out

The first MAJOR hurdle you need to overcome...

Relentlessly seek a strong mentor(s): Learning from the best and the brightest - folks who know how to crush it - used to be the norm for juniors. Designers learn by observing their thinking, process, and standards. It's your time to hear, obey and develop muscle memory.

Partnering with great mentors gives juniors the opportunity to see what getting to the 10,000 hours milestone might look like - the skills, efficiencies, methods, etc. that will establish a foundation of their vocational value proposition.

This is a critical time in a designer's career—their chance to go beyond being just a commodity—to learn how they might differentiate their offering over the long haul and make it sustainable. It's not something they can or should do alone.

This is a critical time in a designer's career - their chance to go beyond being just a commodity - to learn how they might differentiate their offering over the long haul and make it sustainable. It's not something they can or should do alone.

Now you're a Senior

Keep grinding up the food chain...

The best designer's seek out the best people to team with, to learn from. Synergy and camaraderie are multiplying forces that aren't delivered to one's doorstep. Being proactive and finding good collaborators are skills that need to be nurtured and practiced.

Continue to be a great mentee: Build relationships by being helpful and interested; it's not just about receiving, but contributing value. Look for mentors in other domains—strategy, management, business, operations. Always look for opportunities to learn from the best! Your currency is providing them value. The mentors is in providing guidance and adding to your skills.

Own big challenges: Taking responsibility and following through builds trust and shows readiness for growth. Never let a project sit quietly, ignored. Be the one who keeps the ball rolling. See things through like your mean it.

Weekly hygiene: Maintain regular communication with your manager—proactive check-ins, no surprises. It builds alignment and trust.

Be fun to work with: Strong skills aren’t enough—being collaborative, respectful, reliable, genuine and personable helps build your reputation.

Customer service mentality: Even at a senior level, designers must treat peers, PMs, engineers, and leadership as customers—be responsive and helpful.

Design Management Path

Ready to lead?

Understand the role: Management isn’t a promotion—it’s a different job. It’s about enabling others, not being the hero.

Champion the team: Represent your team’s work to leadership, tell compelling stories, and get them the recognition and resources they need. Learn how to effectively provide aircover without being a mother hen. You're raising animals for the wild not for the zoo.

Be a connector: Play your part in keeping design culture alive and vital—make introductions and help your team connect the dots with other designers, client team members, leadership. Help and encourage them to build relationships (and not burn bridges).

The relationships they create on their journey will be the foundation of their network. Help them find their forever people—the collaborators they'll will work with now and in the future. It's all about gaining efficiencies through long-term collaboration and shared practice.

Be there for your employees as a mentor: Be critical and analytical. Invest the time and provide constructive, qualitative feedback on employee's work and work persona. Holding back isn't doing your mentees any favors - they need to hear your feedback and guidance (see above on their role in this partnership). It's what design management is all about.

Career IC

Not everyone is on the same path...

You don’t have to be a manager: ICs (individual contributors) can grow by deepening their craft, becoming thought leaders, or owning complex systems.

A life of mastery and continuous self-improvement: Not everyone is cut out to manage and there are a few bright lights of talent that should just stay with the work. Great designers and managers seek feedback, evolve their skills, and never stop learning. Passionate practitioners are the worlds the greatest mentors and collaborators. It's their work that brings talent into the profession and keeps the torch of the design discipline burning brightly!

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