Finding Talent
What makes a great design(er)
Over the years I've had the privilege of working with some amazing talent. Unlike accountants and operational folks, creative people don't just fill a seat on the bus, they have the ability to inspire and create the remarkable. However, finding the right talent can be like chasing unicorns. Here is my Top 10 list of qualities we embody and look for in others when hiring or collaborating. Bonus miss the bonus #11 that might be more important than all of them.
01. Inspired
Great designers possess a high degree of creativity and originality. Challenge convention in generating novel ideas and execute design challenges with innovative solutions.
02. Detailed
Designers pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element of their work is well-crafted and visually cohesive. They have a keen eye for typography, color palettes, and overall composition.
03. Aesthetic
Great designers have a strong sense of visual composition, understanding how to arrange elements in a visually appealing and balanced manner. They possess a natural talent for spatial awareness and can effectively utilize space to communicate strong narratives.
04. Articulate
Designers need to effectively communicate with clients, stakeholders, and team members. They can translate abstract concepts into visual representations, listen actively to client requirements, and articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.
05. Proficient
Proficiency in design software and tools is essential. Great designers are skilled in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, or other relevant software depending on their design specialization.
06. Resourceful
Designers are problem solvers. They can analyze design challenges, identify user needs, and develop creative solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. They approach design problems with a thoughtful and strategic mindset.
07. Curious
The design field is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and techniques emerging. Great designers embrace change, stay up to date with industry developments, and are open to learning and mastering new skills.
08. Collaborative
Designers often work as part of a team, collaborating with clients, fellow designers, developers, and other stakeholders. Great designers have strong interpersonal skills, can effectively communicate their ideas, and collaborate harmoniously to achieve shared goals.
09. Empathetic
Exceptional designers prioritize the end user's needs and experience. They conduct user research, gather insights, and incorporate user feedback into their designs to create intuitive and user-friendly solutions.
10. Purposeful
Great designers have a genuine passion for design. They are constantly seeking inspiration, experimenting with new ideas, and pushing boundaries in their work. They have an intrinsic motivation to continuously improve their craft.
11. Friendly
In business, design is a contact sport. So, whether you’re working with clients or creating art for art’s sake, at some point you’ll be looking for your audience, in which case, kindness is a most worthy endeavor.
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