Build Your Design Skills: Tips from Creative Leaders
01. Build your ambition and confidence
First of all, to really push your creative boundaries, you need to develop the confidence to take risks and the ambition to explore beyond your immediate role. The best designers are open to play, experiment, and learn—constantly seeking inspiration outside their comfort zone.
— Terry Stephens, founder and executive creative director at Studio Nomad
02. Embrace the unexpected
Playing it safe leads to predictable work, which helps to pay the bills. But true creativity comes from experimentation – even if it means failing along the way. Instead of obsessing over perfection, embrace the unexpected and push your designs into bold, unconventional territory.
— Jenny Theolin, educator and creative director at Studio Theolin
03. Seek out new perspectives
Great design isn’t just about what you create – it’s about how you grow as an individual. Broadening your perspectives through books, travel, and new experiences will make you a stronger, more well-rounded designer.
— Craig Ward, design director at Ward Studio
04. Stay adaptable
The most successful designers aren’t just skilled – they’re constantly learning and evolving with the industry. Staying curious, absorbing inspiration from the world around you, and embracing change will keep your work fresh and relevant.
— Ben Christie, founder and creative partner at Magpie Studio
05. Grow your ability to solve problems
At its core, design is about solving problems in new and unexpected ways. Training your mind to think creatively and strategically will make you invaluable as a designer. And so, as Stuart Radford, executive creative director at Design Bridge and Partners, advises: “Invest in your brain. Continuously develop your capacity to think creatively and solve problems. The ability to consistently come up with original and unexpected ideas is more valuable than anything.”
06. Embrace uncertainty
The problem is, however, that we rely on data and measurability so much these days, we’re in danger of losing the deep understanding and insights that are at the core and essence of original thought.
— Vanessa Eckstein, creative director at Blok Design
07. Find things to excite you
Passion fuels originality, and the best designers are those who stay true to what excites them. Instead of following trends or fitting into industry norms, lean into what makes your perspective unique.
— James Hurst, creative director at Tinder and Punk Works
08. Improve your communication skills
Developing as a designer is all about building your core design design skills, knowledge of the design process, and understanding user experience. And if there were two words that summed all that up neatly, they would be "communication skills".
— Bill Strohacker, designer and educator at Strohacker Design School
09. Develop soft skills
Finally, technical skills may get you noticed, but teamwork, and professionalism will make you indispensable. And so, being reliable, collaborative, and accountable is just as important as having an eye for great design.
— Dan Rose, creative director at We Make Awesome Things
Conclusion
To truly grow as a designer, you need to focus on building your skills, staying curious, and being open to new perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t be discouraged by failure – it’s all part of the creative process.
FAQs
Q: What are the most important skills for a designer to have?
A: Confidence, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.
Q: How can I improve my design skills?
A: By staying curious, learning new things, and pushing yourself to try new things.
Q: What is the most important thing for a designer to remember?
A: To stay true to what excites them and not be afraid to take risks.
