Design Values
March 15, 2025
Creating
This might seem like an obvious value to have as a designer. We create graphics, animations, videos, and more to inspire, often to promote a service or product by highlighting intangible benefits to help clients build stronger relationships with their audience or customers. I want to emphasize the process of creation and the desire to share it with others. In my experience, creating can build resilience and community. Design provides an opportunity to create and share experiences that can last for a few moments or a lifetime. I’m elated that clients trust me to create for them and grateful for my ability to do so. I’m learning to embrace all aspects of creating more than ever before.
Discovery
Going to art exhibits is always an enjoyable experience for me, especially on opening night when there’s a lot of excitement and there’s a chance of meeting the artists. That being said, my primary focus remains on the art itself. To fully immerse myself in the experience, I prefer to be there early, so I can complete two uninterrupted walkthroughs. This allows me to approach each piece with an open mind and to carefully examine the various elements and to make new discoveries.
When I design, I strive to maintain this same sense of exploration and discovery. Whether working with a client or creating something for myself, I begin with a preliminary discovery meeting or a personal reflection, with a focus on intentions, audience, and objectives. Ultimately, I want to convey my discoveries effectively through my creations.
Purpose
Be present, give back, and try to avoid causing harm—these are the fundamental principles that guide my life.
While there are additional “subcategories” to consider, these form the foundation of what I consider to be my purpose. This is about a lot more than design to me and I’d like my design work to speak for itself. Sharing these values isn’t about making resolutions for 2025, it’s about embracing vulnerability, accepting accountability, and fostering a desire to build and create for others.
Meaningful Work
Before discovering design, my passion was photography. I was inspired by the works of photojournalists like Nick Ut, Gordon Parks, Eddie Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and others. The candid and genuine moments captured in photojournalism showed me that photography can be a powerful tool for a variety of outcomes.
Fast forward to 2025, and design has my interest for similar reasons. These days, it’s obvious that there’s work to do and designers have the skills and creativity to drive multiple desired outcomes. I have chosen to focus on working with clients who are committed to making a positive impact on their communities and the world, while also engaging with and supporting the Chicago design community.
Uniqueness
In general, having a distinctive quality is crucial to design. For instance, all the design values graphics I’ve shared are based on my original photographs, adding a personal touch. I also believe in taking time to observe, ask questions, and truly embody the values of a design project. I might have the language and tools for creation but sometimes intuition plays a role in the process. I also love not wearing shoes and being able to move around when I design.
Design is in an interesting place right now. It’s easy to become disinterested in the repetition of similar work, goals, and strategies. It can lead to a loss of focus. However, we can still define ourselves by our response to these challenges. Problem-solving and finding creative solutions is a big part of what we do as designers.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness allows me to be fully present for any experience. While this is simple in theory, it becomes more challenging when emotions become intense and visceral. In my personal life, mindfulness has been invaluable in helping me move through feelings of imposter syndrome, rejection, and even success as a designer. It’s also been beneficial during my design process when I’m facing creative blocks or need to refocus and reignite my motivation. Mindfulness will always be a priority for me.
Intimacy
Last but not least, intimacy is something I think about more in the context of my personal work, but at times, it can also inspire and connect with my client projects. Cultivating intimacy in my personal projects allows me to nurture empathy and compassion in both my personal and professional life. It provides me with a space to become familiar with the discomfort and beauty of my existence and to acknowledge the sacrifices that were made by those who came before me, enabling me to experience life as a designer and much more.
