Summary

In this conversation, Dylan and Rowdy discuss their current projects and backgrounds. They explore the topics of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, particularly in the context of design work. They discuss how to manage perfectionism in both agency and product environments, including the importance of defining quality and measuring success. They also touch on the challenges of recognizing user standards versus designer standards and integrating business goals into design work. In this conversation, Rowdy and Dylan discuss various topics related to design, including gaining experience, shifting focus, setting priorities, and saying no. They also explore the importance of defining a design vision, surrounding yourself with the right people, and embracing fear and vulnerability. Dylan shares insights on training your visual eye and idea generation skills, breaking patterns, and getting out of your design bubble. They conclude by discussing the role of designers as facilitators and craftsmen and the importance of being comfortable with the unknown.

Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome and perfectionism are common challenges for designers.
• In a product environment, it is easier to measure the quality of design work and iterate based on user feedback.
• Defining quality and setting a bar for design can help combat imposter syndrome.
• In an agency, it can be more challenging to innovate due to time constraints and client expectations. To gain experience as a designer, it's important to seek opportunities outside of traditional agency work, such as working for an IT consultancy or integrating with clients' businesses.
• Designers should shift their focus to consider the impact of their work on clients' businesses and develop a broader understanding of design, technology, and business.
• Setting priorities and saying no to tasks that don't align with your vision as a designer is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Designers can train their visual eye and idea generation skills by studying and analyzing the work of other designers, experimenting with different styles, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources.
• Breaking patterns and trying new things is essential for innovation and growth as a designer. Designers should challenge conventions and explore unique solutions.
• Designers should actively seek inspiration from sources outside of the design industry, such as art, photography, music, and film, to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to their work.
• Designers are both facilitators and craftsmen, responsible for delivering value and solving problems while also pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.
• Being comfortable with the unknown is a valuable skill for designers. Embracing vulnerability and taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Having a clear vision of the kind of designer you want to be and actively working towards that vision can help guide your career and decision-making as a designer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Projects

01:10 Background and Study

08:15 Dealing with Perfectionism in a Product Environment

12:12 Quality Definition and Measuring Success

21:42 Recognizing User Standards vs. Designer Standards

25:49 Differentiating Between Agency and Product Environments

29:09 Transitioning from Agency to Product Work

30:35 Integrating Business Goals into Design

30:53 Gaining Experience and Shifting Focus

32:10 Becoming a Good Product Designer

34:23 Setting Priorities and Saying No

36:31 Defining Your Design Vision

38:40 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

39:10 Embracing Fear and Vulnerability

42:40 Training Your Visual Eye and Idea Generation Skills

46:26 Breaking Patterns and Trying Something New

50:53 Getting Out of Your Design Bubble

55:00 Designers as Facilitators and Craftsmen

01:00:23 Being Comfortable with the Unknown

Summary

In this conversation, Eleonora, a freelance designer, discusses her background and work in the Netherlands. She shares her involvement in the food industry through her partner's fermentation food business and her collaboration with a startup building a robotic kitchen. Eleonora expresses her interest in networking and events in the startup field and her desire for more in-person interactions. The conversation also explores the importance of positioning and communicating oneself effectively, particularly in the music industry. The chapter concludes with a discussion on focusing on passionate assignments and the possibility of meeting in Amsterdam.

Takeaways

1. Freelance designers can benefit from networking and attending events in the startup field to expand their connections and find new opportunities.
2. Positioning and communicating oneself effectively is crucial for attracting the right clients and projects.
3. In-person interactions and physical events can provide a more meaningful and effective networking experience compared to online interactions.
4. Focusing on passionate assignments and targeting specific industries or niches can lead to more fulfilling and successful work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:18 Freelance Design Work

01:05 Involvement in the Food Industry

03:20 Networking and Events in the Startup Field

06:00 Approach to Networking and Finding Clients

08:52 Creating a Target Audience

12:18 Challenges of Online Networking

13:12 Importance of Physical Events

14:37 Positioning and Communicating About Yourself

16:26 Being a Multidisciplinary Designer

20:19 Updating Portfolio and Targeting Specific Projects

22:18 Dream Client and Industry Interest

24:06 Positioning in the Music Industry

26:17 Startup Scene in the Music Industry

28:07 Licensing and Distribution in the Music Industry

29:02 Focusing on Passionate Assignments

32:41 Meeting in Amsterdam and Final Thoughts

In this conversation, Dylan and Cristiano discuss strategies for finding job opportunities in the design field. They explore the hiring funnel and the importance of networking. Cristiano shares his target companies, and Dylan provides insights on approaching them. They also discuss the importance of online presence and messaging to attract the attention of potential employers.

In this conversation, Dylan de Heer provides Cristiano Dalbem guidance on optimizing his LinkedIn profile and portfolio to appeal to his target audience. They discuss the importance of prioritization and communication skills for product designers.

Dylan emphasizes the need for a visually appealing portfolio and the significance of making a strong first impression. They also explore the power of networking and expanding one's bubble to find the right fit. The conversation concludes with key takeaways, including the importance of networking and optimizing for the target audience.

Takeaways

• Networking is crucial in the design field, as designers often hire other designers.
• Targeting specific companies and connecting with the right people within those companies can increase job opportunities.
• Building an online presence that appeals to the target audience is essential.
• Taking a proactive approach, such as reaching out to designers at desired companies, can lead to valuable connections. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and portfolio to appeal to your target audience.
• Prioritize and communicate effectively as a product designer.
• Create a visually appealing portfolio that makes a strong first impression.
• Expand your network and connect with designers who share your worldview.