Value

I always get asked for advice from young designers or reflections on what I would tell my younger self. It is hard to put that into words as we all come from different backgrounds and thinking. Our personalities shine through our work.

The fundamentals are straightforward: listen, read, seek help, and engage with your community.

I wish someone had emphasised that the key to everything revolves around value.

Now, value is seen as monetary, and yes, this is true, but it goes deeper than that. When struggling with or starting a new project, I always ask if I can add value to this work.

Is this project slightly outside my comfort zone? Can I enlist someone else's help or advice to enhance its value?

How can I present my skills, not merely through a portfolio, but by demonstrating the value I can provide in my work process and how the client can contribute value to the creative process?

You are not achieving anything by simply reading a brief, doing some strategy and coming back with three routes.

If you add value to that process, it transforms the outcome. It grants you the freedom and trust to develop the work collaboratively. Remember, the client understands their business far better than you could, so merging both values can lead to more engaging results.

So

Add value to your approach

Add value to your process

Add value to how you think

Add value to your thinking process

The list goes on.

As designers, what distinguishes us is our unique approach to our work. Each individual's method is valid and effective in its own right.

My core values are different from those of others. Embracing this perspective allows you to communicate your identity and principles effectively. Taking your values and some inward honesty defines what motivates you and how you present yourself. You will encounter many differing opinions and circumstances in our line of work. However, your commitment to honesty can serve as a solid foundation. This authenticity will earn you greater respect and value from your colleagues and clients.

I've participated in countless agency meetings where I struggled to believe in or value the presented work. This discomfort stemmed from the value being reduced to just "doing," which rarely yields positive results. At that point, it becomes a mere service that offers little to no impact.

When I look at all the brilliant work being developed around me, I envy how they added value to that brand, and it feels so unexpected. Adding value makes me a better person and designer.

Value yourself

Value people

Value the process

Value is way more powerful than you think! It's not just about the monetary aspect but the transformative effect it can have on your work and relationships with clients and colleagues. So, if we aim to add that bit of ourselves to the work or our lives, we can always ensure we add value.

We all suffer from some form of anxiety in this rollercoaster of a business, and life isn't the easiest of tasks.

Value has always allowed me to stay consistent, and in the most challenging times, value always sees me through.

Written for Path Recruitment