How to Stand Out as a Designer and Make More Money
How to Stand Out as a Designer and Make More Money
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the new technology flooding the market?
As a designer, you might wonder how you can still stand out. In this post, I'm going to break down some key areas that you need to focus on and give you practical tips to help you shine. Whether you're looking to earn more, land your dream job, or just stay relevant, these five strategies will put you on the right path.
1. Automation and AI: Friend or Foe?
Automation and AI are changing the game for designers. Tools like Canva, Photoshop, Squarespace, and Wix are making it easier for anyone—even non-designers—to create decent designs. This means fewer traditional design jobs are out there. But don't panic. Instead, it's time to up your game.
Here’s how:
- Learn the basics of coding: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript aren't just for developers anymore. As a designer, understanding these can make you more valuable. Tools like Webflow can help you get started without overwhelming you.
- Leverage AI: Use AI tools to enhance your design process. Whether it's generating ideas, optimizing workflows, or automating repetitive tasks, AI can be a powerful ally.
By adding these skills to your toolbox, you'll be better equipped to thrive in a tech-driven industry.
2. Dealing with Market Saturation
The design market is saturated. There’s no sugar-coating it. With so many designers out there, it’s tough to stand out. But the key is to be versatile. Businesses aren’t just looking for someone who can design—they want someone who can do it all.
How to stand out:
- Become a design generalist: Learn a bit of everything—product design, web design, marketing, even some engineering. The more skills you have, the more valuable you become.
- Think strategically: Don’t just execute tasks; understand the bigger picture. How does your design impact the business? How can you contribute beyond just creating visuals?
By broadening your skill set and thinking strategically, you’ll make yourself indispensable.
3. Combatting Commoditisation
Good design is everywhere, and it’s becoming more accessible thanks to easy-to-use tools. This has led to the commoditization of design—where your work can feel like just another checkbox. But don’t worry, there are ways to rise above the noise.
Strategies to stay unique:
- Focus on customer insights: Talk to the people who interact with your customers. Whether it’s the sales team, customer success, or the revenue department, these insights are gold. The more you understand the customer’s pain points, the better your designs will be.
- Create differentiation: In a world where design is becoming standardized, finding ways to delight and surprise your audience will set you apart. This could mean pushing creative boundaries or offering a unique perspective that others haven’t considered.
By staying close to the customer and pushing for uniqueness, you can ensure your designs don’t just blend in with the crowd.
4. Financialisation: The Business Side of Design
Designers today need to think like businesspeople. It’s not just about making things look good; it’s about understanding how your work impacts the bottom line.
What you need to know:
- Key metrics: Understand customer acquisition costs, lifetime value (LTV), and NPS scores. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential metrics that can guide your design decisions.
- Full customer experience: Think beyond just the product you’re designing. How does your work affect the entire customer journey? How can you make that journey smoother and more enjoyable?
By grasping these business concepts, you’ll be able to speak the language of decision-makers and show that your designs have real, measurable value.
5. Disintegration: Rebuilding Trust in a Digital World
We’re spending more time online than ever, and honestly, people are getting burned out. There’s a growing lack of trust in digital products, and as designers, we need to address this.
How to rebuild trust:
- Authenticity: People are craving real connections. Instead of just pushing products, find ways to humanize your designs. Show the faces behind the brand, tell real stories, and create experiences that resonate on a personal level.
- Less is more: With digital fatigue setting in, think about how you can create more meaningful interactions without overwhelming your audience. Sometimes, less really is more.
By focusing on authenticity and creating meaningful experiences, you can help rebuild trust in the digital world.
The Rise of the Design Entrepreneur
We’re entering a new era—the era of the design entrepreneur. It’s not enough to just be good at design anymore. You need to be entrepreneurial, multidisciplinary, and ready to create opportunities for yourself.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Create them. Whether it’s starting a side hustle, building a personal brand, or learning new skills, the more you invest in yourself, the more you’ll get out of your career.
- Embrace change: The design world is changing fast, and those who adapt will thrive. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
So, what’s the number one thing that stood out to you today?
Let’s keep the conversation going—drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
And if you’re looking for more tips and resources, check out my free course on design at laithwallace.com
You can also DM me on Instagram @LaithWallace if you want to chat more about your design journey.
Remember, the future is bright for those ready to seize it.
Take care, and I’ll see you in the next post!
