5 Things I wish I Knew as a Newbie Designer
5 mins read
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September 25, 2024
The journey to becoming a product designer is both challenging and exciting. I still remember the struggle of finishing my design course and the joy that came with completing my first project. Now, four years down the line, I'm grateful I stuck with it. As a newbie product designer, you might have many questions: Is this the right path for me? How do I land my first job? When will I become as skilled as the designers on Instagram who make buttons float in Figma? My advice: relax! In my early months as a product designer, I had all these thoughts and more. Some days were reassuring, while others were filled with doubt. But after four years in the field, here are five things I wish I knew earlier:
Be confident, you're not an imposter
Many times as a newbie product designer, you come across work from experts that makes you rethink if you’re really good at this design thing. I’ve also walked in these shoes, so I know how it can feel. I want you to understand that product design is a skill that is learned, not innate. There are principles, rules, and processes that need to be mastered. But that’s not all, the most important tip to becoming a really good designer is practice, and that’s what the expert has that you don’t: years of practice and hands-on experience.
When you plant a tree, it takes time to grow, and this time also depends on the type of tree. But the tree doesn’t run under a shed because it’s not big enough, it understands it needs the sunlight to grow. Be good enough for your experience level, and be confident in the work you do. It takes time to be badass. Learn, practice, learn again, and practice again. You chose design for a reason, and you are where you’re meant to be.
We’re all winging it
One thing the experts don’t tell you enough is that perfection is a myth. There is no perfect designer or a designer that knows it all, no matter how many years of experience they have. To be honest, what makes one designer better than another is their problem-solving skills. The tech space is fast-moving and constantly evolving. New trends and new tools to learn are always emerging. What makes you a great designer is your ability to adapt quickly and solve complex problems.
It might interest you to know that a lot of senior designers learn a thing or two from their junior designers. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a way to get better. There is no such thing as a designer who knows it all; there are only great problem solvers who adapt quickly.
Put yourself out there
I know you’ve probably heard this a lot, but I can’t stress how important it is, especially with how crowded the market is. The first step is building your confidence, which I talked about earlier. Be confident in your work. As a newbie designer, you don’t need to be as good as an expert—you just need to be a great newbie designer. Compare your work and processes with other new designers and find ways to stand out. Then, post your work!
You can share designs, processes, problems you’ve solved, and even problems you encountered while solving them. There are plenty of platforms to start with: some of the most popular are Instagram, LinkedIn, Dribbble, Behance, TikTok, and Twitter (highly recommended for Web3-focused designers). I got my first job by being active and networking on Twitter. Although I didn’t get it by posting my work, I’ve since realized that posting is far more effective. That’s why I recommend sharing your work, it could be how you land your first job or gig.
Remember, a new tree needs sunlight to grow. Posting your work gives you an edge; it increases the chances of people seeing how good of a designer you are and helps you make connections.
Also, don’t take feedback personally. I understand that some feedback can be harsh, while some can be constructive. Just introspect without bias, take the correction, and move on. If someone gives you harsh feedback, it reflects more on them than on your work. Don’t take it personally.
Embrace the process
It’s easy to feel like you should be progressing faster, but every stage of your design journey is valuable. You might think you’re ready to call yourself mid-level or senior after just a year, but it’s not just about the designs—it’s about problem-solving experience and handling responsibilities. If you rush through the process, you could miss important learning opportunities or end up in a role where the expectations are overwhelming. Trust the process, and take time to develop your skills fully.
Be proactive and disciplined:
This is something I learned early on that really helped me grow as a designer. Once you land your first job or gig, focus on keeping that job and building a reputation for being reliable. Meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and tackle problems proactively. When you spot potential issues, suggest solutions. Be engaged in meetings, and make sure your voice is heard by contributing valuable ideas. While some things may be out of your control (like layoffs), ensure you're doing your part well.
TL;DR
Becoming a product designer can be challenging, but you're not an imposter! Confidence comes with practice and experience. All designers, even the experts, are constantly learning and adapting. Put yourself out there by sharing your work and engaging with the community. Trust the process, don’t rush your growth, and be proactive and disciplined once you land your first gig. Confidence, patience, and continuous learning are key to thriving in your design journey.
