Campfire #38: How to survive as the first designer in a company?

When it comes to being the only designer on the team, it’s essential to remember three core pillars that will help you do your best work and bring value.

It finally happened! You’re now paid for the work you do as a designer! All the late-night hours practicing, learning, and talking to strangers was not a waste of time.

You’re proud. You made it! You can’t feel more ready for the first day. No more hypothetical scenarios; this is real work.

And then you face reality:

“Welcome! This is what our design looks like. And we want you to make it… better! Just give us some options and inspire us! Can you have a few drafts ready for next week? Thanks.”

Not what you expected? Good.

Because being a company’s first designer is challenging.

when you’re the only designer on the team pic.twitter.com/vJuRjK0x15

— daryl ginn (@darylginn) February 21, 2023

How to survive as a first designer in a company?

When it comes to being the only designer on the team, it’s essential to remember three core pillars that will help you do your best work and bring value. Here they are:

• Being proactive

• Being inclusive

• Being decisive