👨‍⚖️ You have to be unique · The Bunker #42

This week I haven't spilled any coffee, I'm proud. (No comments 🤣)

Today, I want to share something very special that I have learned on my journey as a designer.

I have learned many things, but I would bet my life that this is perhaps the most important one, the one I would teach to a designer who has just started.

I want to emphasize that this is advice that I would also give to designers who are feeling a bit lost because uncertainty or confusion arises from a lack of clarity.

Something I always say is that most of the time when we feel uncertain or lost, it mostly comes from a lack of clarity in things.

Well, let's get to it:

When I started as a designer, I was filled with excitement and a strong desire to make beautiful things.

But soon, I realized it was easy to get carried away by what others were doing and end up creating stuff that looked like everyone else's.

Then, a wise designer friend shared their secret with me.

They told me that it's crucial to find your own design personality right from the start.

This means understanding who you are as a designer and not being afraid to show it in your work.

It's like having your own special design superpower!

Imagine a world where everyone designs the same way.

It would be pretty boring, right? That's why embracing your uniqueness is so important.

And something that is very difficult to implement in every designer.

Especially when we start, it's tough because we don't know anything about this world. It's normal for the first things you do to resemble what the people you just started following on Twitter are doing.

And it's normal. In fact, you should do that from the beginning.

Take the people you like and copy what they do to analyze and learn how they do things.

What you should do next is, once you understand why things are done, try to do it in your own way.

And it's very important to emphasize the word "try."

Because it's not always easy.

But it's the act of trying that already puts you a little ahead of the rest.

The thing is, this first step (following people and copying), is where 99% of people stay, few move beyond that.

It allows you to stand out and make designs that are one-of-a-kind. It's like adding a sprinkle of magic to your work!

Few are the ones who add a part of themselves in their designs, and this becomes very boring. We need designers to unleash their full potential and showcase their personalities.

Creating your own design style is like painting a picture of who you are as a designer.

You don't have to follow what's popular or trendy.

Instead, you get to explore new ideas, try different things, and create designs that truly reflect your personality.

Ah, one very important thing. Don't try to reinvent the wheel, it's not about that.

It's about giving things a different touch, not inventing a different operating system than iOS or Android.

I'm telling you this because it would be very easy to fall into creative frustration.

And remember, design is meant to be iterated. In other words, it's intended to be constantly updated, improved, and evolved.

Another reminder: Picasso created over 50,000 artworks, and we only remember about 3,000. And I dare say that a "normal" user only remembers 3.

When you have your own design style, people start to notice.

Clients and employers are always on the lookout for fresh perspectives and unique ideas.

Being true to yourself, you attract exciting opportunities and open doors to success.

Developing your personal design style might take some extra time and effort, but trust me, it's worth it.

If you try to incorporate your personality into your designs, little

by little you will create what we call "your own style."

The funniest thing is that often we don't realize that we have our own style.

We only make the effort to → Put a bit of ourselves into this → Reflect our personality → After creating 50 designs with this intention → A pattern emerges → Our own style.

You can only create your own style when you have done +50 designs. It's very difficult to determine it with just 3 designs.

Imagine going on an adventure where you get to be the captain of your own design ship.

You can sail to unexplored design lands, discover new techniques, and create something that has never been seen before.

The best part is that your personal design style becomes a wellspring of inspiration.

It's like having a secret garden full of fresh ideas that only you can access.

When you pour your passion into your work, it becomes contagious.

People can feel the love and effort you put into every design you create.

So, my friend, let me tell you this story as a reminder.

Don't be afraid to unleash your design magic. Start by embracing who you are, creating your own unique style, and dedicating time to nurture it. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth, where you can create designs that truly represent you.

Now, let's raise our cups and toast to the exciting adventure ahead. Cheers to discovering your design magic and leaving your mark in the world of design!

Good luck, is what I can say.

Until next time,

Cheers, Jordi Espinosa.