Discover What Type of Designer Are You?

Just like there are different client types, and different people in
general – there are a few different types of designers. In this article
we will have a look at some of the characteristics of some of these and
give you some tips on how to improve. Hopefully you will have a few good
tips on how you can become an even better designer when you’re done
with this article!



Have you ever thought that you’re unique? Or felt that you’re just
one of thousands out there struggling to get a project?


Picture by Piotr Bizior
Most likely, both of these statements are true. Many designers are
out there trying to get their next project and most of them are in a way
unique. Still there are some characteristics that we all have more or
less of. By understanding some of these and knowing how to take
advantage of your better sides while getting rid of the bad ones, you
will be more likely to succeed!
Different Characteristics
Very few are just one single type. Most of us have some
characteristics from several of these types, giving us hundreds of
possible combinations. So we are indeed unique. Being one specific type
doesn’t mean that you’re better than everyone else, or worse for that
matter. The best way to be is a nice mix of different ones if possible.
Even some of the more negative sounding types do have their positive
sides. Now let’s have a look at one way to divide us into these types:
The Over-worker


Picture by Ivan Prole
More common within the ranks of fresh designers is the over-worker.
This is the designer that spends a lot of time on even the smaller
projects believing that this is the answer to everything. On the good
side it’s always great when people try to make sure they’ve done the
best they can. On the other hand this can be a dangerous path to go as
you will have time for less projects during a month. If you’re being
paid by the hour your designs will be more expensive than with several
other designers and if you’re paid by the project there’s a good chance
you’re working a lot for every dollar you get in. The key here is to
learn when to say stop and getting more confident in what you do.
The Confident


Picture by ilker
Confident can be good. Actually it’s very good to some point. The
confident designer knows that he’s doing well and sometimes dares to
believe in his own gut feeling when making decisions. Balance is
essential though. If you’re too confident you may be missing some
important feedback from the client or not be critical enough to your own
work.
The Nervous Wreck


Picture by Farmer
Stephanie
I’ve met a few designers that are really nervous wrecks. They think
that everything they do is bad or that clients will be unhappy with them
no matter what they deliver. The confidence level is zero and I’ve many
times thought that it must be really painful to have it this way. For
some it can be just a matter of getting some quality feedback or
polishing the skills a bit to feel more confident. Ask fellow designers
for feedback, read up on what you do and do an evaluation of your
routines. Maybe you’re someone who’s better off in another job?
The Average Designer


Picture by Celal Teber
As the title says this is the average one. By average I don’t mean
bad, just someone who’s right there in the middle with thousands of
others without standing out much. A lot of us manage well in this
segment and get a nice share of projects on a regular basis. These
designers live by current trends without daring to take too many risks.
They have the basic skills and understanding and usually make an ok
living from designing.
The Creative Mess


Picture by Richard
Dudley
The creative mess has a lot of ongoing projects simultaneously.
He/she often has many projects outside the design terms as well, along
with personal projects and dreams – all in the creative field. This can
be a dangerous path to walk down if you’re not able to get done with
what you’re doing. Try to get balance (the next characteristic) and work
on time management. Sometimes it can be hard, but necessary to realise
that you can’t do everything you want always. Priorities have to be
made.
The Balanced Creative



Picture by Kostya
Kisleiko
This is the succesful version of the creative mess type. With a lot
of ongoing projects, this designer knows that it takes priority and hard
work. Having multiple projects can be a really good thing and this
designer has found the secrets to how to balance all projects in a
satisfying way.
The Unique


Picture by George
Georgiades
This designer works more for the design than for the money (usually).
A person that focuses on design that is uncommon and rarely seen. He
doesn’t always have enough work but occasionally there comes huge
projects along from clients that dare to go for his unique
groundbreaking style. Often this designer works part-time.
The Trendsetter


Picture by Alessandro
Paiva
Many times the trendsetter can own his own company or work with a
bigger one. But these can also be freelancers. This type is the first
one to start-up new trends and often has a lot of success. He can choose
from many available projects at most times and is well-known in his
niche. To be able to stay on top this designer will need to spend a lot
of time reading up on what’s happening in the market, have the latest
software and keep the skills polished.
The Ego-tripper


Picture by Robert
Aichinger
Haven’t we all met them at some point? The designer who believes he
is a trend setter or that his designs are absolutely awesome at all
times. This person needs to be better to listen to feedback and be more
realistic. Instead of attracting clients he will be likely to drive them
away. Clients that re-buy are few and he doesn’t understand why as he
is “perfect” in his own eyes.
The Copycat


Picture by Hilde Torbjornsen
There are some designers that copy others work almost for a living
sometimes. This will eventually be discovered and is a really bad thing.
It gives a horrible reputation and most of these designers have to stop
doing business after a short time. The secret is to do your research
properly and learn to use trends without copying someone elses work.
The Lucky One and the Unlucky One



Picture by Elke
Rohn
This is many times more a myth than a fact in my opinion. I’ve many
times hear someone say they don’t succeed because they have bad luck or
that someone else succeeded because they were “really lucky”. Obviously
you can have good and bad luck with everything you do, that’s a fact.
But using it as an excuse is not the way to go. While some succeed or
hit that one client that is great referral or has a lot of money, it all
comes down to hard work. The harder you work, the bigger the chance is
for success!
Conclusion


Picture by Joke
van Zomeren
There are many types of designers, and you’re probably a combination
of several of these. My advice to you is to have a look at these, make
up your own opinion and work towards becoming the type you think is the
best for you. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some characteristics, so feel free
to leave your feedback for everyone to hear. By doing things your own
way without blaming the situation and working hard instead, you will
have a better chance at success!
Good luck!
( Which type are you? )

The Average Designer


Picture by Celal Teber
As the title says this is the
average one. By average I don’t mean
bad, just someone who’s right
there in the middle with thousands of
others without standing out
much. A lot of us manage well in this
segment and get a nice share
of projects on a regular basis. These
designers live by current
trends without daring to take too many risks.
They have the basic
skills and understanding and usually make an ok
living from
designing.

yep this is me ...
thanx a lot