Category: Inspiration

  • How I Crossed the Bridge of Self-Doubt and Insecurity as a Designer (And How You Can Too)

    Hey you,

    I see you. I see the late nights spent overthinking your designs, the hesitation before sharing your ideas, and the voice in your head whispering, “Am I good enough?” I’ve been there. I’ve sat in that exact same spot, staring at my screen, wondering if I even belonged in this field.

    But here’s the thing: I made it through. And if I can do it, so can you. Let me share my story and the lessons I learned along the way. Maybe it’ll help you find your own path across that bridge of self-doubt and insecurity.

    1. I Realized I Wasn’t Alone

    When I first started, I felt like everyone around me had it all figured out. They spoke confidently in meetings, presented their work with ease, and seemed to know exactly what they were doing. Meanwhile, I was second-guessing every decision I made.

    But then I had a conversation with a senior designer I admired. I confessed how lost I felt, and to my surprise, they said, “I still feel that way sometimes.” That was a turning point for me. I realized that self-doubt isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you care. And caring is the first step to becoming great at what you do.

    2. I Started Small

    I used to think I had to create masterpieces right out of the gate. Spoiler: I didn’t. And neither do you. What helped me was starting small. I focused on one task at a time—whether it was perfecting a button design or improving the hierarchy of a landing page.

    Each small win gave me a little more confidence. Over time, those small wins added up, and I began to trust myself more.

    3. I Learned to Separate Feedback from My Self-Worth

    Early on, I took every piece of feedback as a personal attack. If someone didn’t like my design, I felt like they didn’t like me. It took me a while to realize that feedback isn’t about me—it’s about the work.

    I started asking better questions: “What’s not working here?” or “How can this better serve the user?” Shifting my mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “How can I improve this?” made all the difference.

    4. I Found My People

    One of the hardest parts of being a new designer is feeling like you’re on an island. I rarely spoke up because I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. But then I found a community—online forums, design meetups, and even a few coworkers who became my sounding board.

    Having people who understood what I was going through made me feel less alone. They encouraged me to share my ideas, even when I wasn’t sure they were “good enough.” And you know what? More often than not, they were.

    5. I Embraced the Messy Middle

    I used to think that great designers just magically came up with perfect solutions. But the truth is, design is messy. It’s about experimenting, failing, and trying again.

    I learned to embrace the messy middle. Instead of stressing over getting it right the first time, I focused on iterating and improving. Each iteration taught me something new, and slowly, I began to trust my process.

    6. I Stopped Comparing Myself to Others

    This was a big one for me. I’d scroll through Dribbble or Behance and feel like I’d never measure up. But then I realized something: comparison is a thief of joy. Everyone’s journey is different.

    I started focusing on my own growth instead of someone else’s highlight reel. I celebrated my progress, no matter how small, and reminded myself that I was on my own path.

    7. I Found My Voice

    Speaking up was terrifying at first. I’d rehearse what I wanted to say in my head, only to stay silent when the moment came. But I realized that my ideas mattered—even if they weren’t perfect.

    I started small. I’d ask a question in a meeting or share a thought in a Slack channel. The more I did it, the easier it became. And over time, I found my voice.

    8. I Learned to Be Kind to Myself

    This was the hardest lesson of all. I was my own worst critic, constantly beating myself up for not being “better.” But I realized that growth takes time. I started treating myself with the same kindness I’d show a friend.

    When I made a mistake, I reminded myself that it was part of the process. When I felt insecure, I acknowledged it without judgment. Slowly, I began to believe in myself.

    9. I Realized Confidence Is a Journey, Not a Destination

    Even now, I still have moments of self-doubt. But I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about never feeling insecure—it’s about moving forward anyway. It’s about trusting yourself enough to take the next step, even when you’re not sure where it will lead.

    You’re Stronger Than You Think

    If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or insecure, know this: you’re not alone. Every designer has been where you are. The fact that you’re here, trying to grow, shows how much you care. And that’s the mark of a great designer.

    Take it one step at a time. Celebrate your wins, learn from your mistakes, and keep going. You’ve got this.

    With love and solidarity,
    Someone who’s been in your shoes 💛

    P.S. If you ever need to talk, I’m here. Sometimes, just knowing someone understands can make all the difference.

  • Gandhi Jayanti: Lessons from Gandhi Ji for Design, Travel, and Creating a Larger Impact

    Gandhi Jayanti: Lessons from Gandhi Ji for Design, Travel, and Creating a Larger Impact

    As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi is one that transcends the boundaries of history. He was more than a freedom fighter; he was a thinker, an innovator, and a leader who used simplicity and empathy as his tools to inspire change. While we often speak of his non-violent resistance and leadership, there are valuable lessons we can apply to various fields—especially design, travel, and making a larger impact.

    Design with Purpose: Simplicity and User-Centricity

    At the heart of Gandhi Ji’s approach was simplicity. His iconic image—dressed in a simple dhoti, weaving khadi—was not just a personal statement but a design choice that connected deeply with people. He eliminated the unnecessary, focusing on what was essential.

    In design, we often get lost in aesthetics and trends, but Gandhi Ji’s life reminds us of the power of simplicity. A well-designed product isn’t about making it flashy; it’s about ensuring it serves its purpose efficiently. Gandhi understood his audience—the people of India—and tailored his actions accordingly, much like how designers should always keep the user at the core of their process.

    Lesson: Prioritize empathy and simplicity in design. It’s not about what looks good; it’s about what serves the user’s needs effectively. Good design solves problems and does so in the most intuitive way possible, much like Gandhi’s strategies.

    Travel as a Means to Connect and Understand

    Gandhi Ji was a man of the world—South Africa, England, and, of course, India. Each journey he undertook wasn’t for leisure but for understanding and connecting with people. Whether it was his travels to rural India or his time spent in the cities of Europe, Gandhi used travel as a way to immerse himself in different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in seeing travel as a break from work or a momentary escape, but it can be much more.

    As someone who loves travel, I’ve found that it’s not just about visiting new places but understanding the people and systems within them. It broadens your worldview and helps you design solutions that are more holistic. Gandhi’s travels allowed him to gather perspectives from different walks of life, and this understanding enabled him to communicate and connect with millions.

    Lesson: Travel with intention. It’s an opportunity to see the world through new eyes, to understand diverse user needs, and to be inspired by the world around you. Use these experiences to fuel creativity and empathy in your work, much like Gandhi Ji did.

    Impacting the World: Small Steps with Big Results

    Perhaps one of the most significant lessons we can draw from Gandhi Ji is that making a larger impact doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of consistent, small steps over time. From the Salt March to advocating for non-cooperation, his actions were methodical, strategic, and aimed at long-term change.

    In our world of design and product management, we often aim for massive, disruptive changes, but the truth is that lasting impact comes from thoughtful, incremental improvements. Whether it’s refining a user experience, enhancing accessibility, or working toward sustainability, these small shifts eventually lead to larger societal impacts.

    Lesson: Be patient and persistent in your pursuit of impact. Understand that even the smallest design tweak or project decision can have a ripple effect. Take it step by step, just as Gandhi did, trusting that your efforts will contribute to the larger whole.

    Final Thoughts

    Gandhi Ji’s legacy is not just one of political leadership but of profound empathy, simplicity, and action. As we reflect on his life this Gandhi Jayanti, let’s remember to carry his lessons into our work. Whether we’re designing the next big product, traveling to find inspiration, or striving to make a difference in our communities, we can look to Gandhi Ji’s life for guidance. In a world filled with complexities, sometimes the simplest, most human-centered approach can have the most profound impact.

    Happy Gandhi Jayanti! Let’s take these lessons forward as we continue our journeys—both personal and professional.

  • Holistic Design That Drives Business: Key Takeaways from the Target Design Meet

    Holistic Design That Drives Business: Key Takeaways from the Target Design Meet

    As a design leader, sharing insights from significant events like the Target Design Meet can provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to the broader design community. The recent Target Design Meet, themed “Holistic Design that Drives Business,” offered a wealth of information on achieving design excellence through inclusive design, retail marketing, and brand building at scale. Here are the detailed takeaways from this insightful event:

    1. Tarzhay: The Magic of Target

    Speaker: Prashant Chandrashekar, Director of CGI/3D

    Key Insights: Prashant took the audience on a journey through the history of Target, highlighting the brand’s evolution and the immense value it has brought to the world. He emphasized how Target has consistently used innovative design and CGI/3D techniques to create a unique and engaging brand identity. These efforts have not only enhanced the visual appeal of Target but also strengthened its connection with customers.

    Takeaway: Understanding the historical context and the strategic use of design can significantly contribute to building a brand that resonates with people on a deeper level.

    2. Crafting Branding at Target

    Speaker: Swetha Mohare, Creative Director at Brand Design Lab, Target

    Key Insights: Swetha provided an in-depth look at the meticulous branding strategies employed at Target. She discussed how a cohesive brand identity is crafted through careful design choices and consistent messaging. By focusing on the details that matter to customers, Target has managed to create memorable experiences that drive brand loyalty.

    Takeaway: Cohesive branding is crucial for creating lasting customer relationships. Every design element should work together to tell a consistent and compelling brand story.

    3. Panel Discussion: In Pursuit of Design Excellence

    Host: Rakesh Mishra, SVP Marketing and Digital, Target

    Panelists:

    • Dr. Geetha Narayanan, Founder Director, Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology
    • Anushka Saini, Founder & Creative Director, Thought Over Design
    • Susan Mathen, Co-founder and Strategy Director, Hue & Why

    Key Insights: The panel discussion explored various dimensions of design excellence, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Each panelist shared their unique perspective on what it takes to achieve excellence in design and how thoughtful, innovative approaches can solve complex problems and drive business success.

    Takeaway: Design excellence is a multifaceted goal that requires innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across different disciplines. Engaging with diverse perspectives can lead to richer, more effective design solutions.

    4. Inclusive Design at Target

    Speaker: Sneha Stephen, Creative Leader – Retail Marketing

    Key Insights: Sneha highlighted the importance of inclusive design in creating shopping experiences that are accessible and equitable for all customers. She shared strategies for integrating inclusivity into Target’s retail marketing efforts, ensuring that all customers feel valued and represented.

    Takeaway: Inclusive design is not just a moral imperative but also a business strategy that can lead to broader market appeal and increased customer loyalty. Designing with inclusivity in mind ensures that all users have a positive experience.

    5. Brands at Scale

    Key Insights: This session focused on the challenges and strategies for building and maintaining brand consistency across diverse markets and platforms. It highlighted the importance of scalable design systems in achieving global brand recognition.

    Takeaway: Scaling a brand requires consistent design systems that can be adapted to various markets without losing the core brand identity. This consistency helps in building a recognizable and trusted brand worldwide.

    6. Driving Relevancy for Retail Media

    Key Insights: The discussion centered on how retail media can be leveraged to enhance customer engagement and drive sales. It emphasized the role of data-driven insights in creating relevant and impactful marketing campaigns.

    Takeaway: Utilizing data-driven insights can help in crafting marketing campaigns that are not only relevant but also highly effective in engaging customers and driving business outcomes.

    Networking Opportunity

    The event concluded with a high tea and networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and foster collaborations.

    Takeaway: Networking is a vital component of professional growth. Engaging with peers and industry leaders can lead to new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities.

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    Conclusion

    The Target Design Meet underscored Target’s commitment to design excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. It showcased how thoughtful design, when aligned with business goals, can drive significant success. As design leaders, it’s essential to incorporate these insights into our practice, continually striving to create designs that are not only functional but also meaningful and inclusive.

  • Embracing Kaizen: A Creative Mind’s Guide to Continuous Improvement

    Embracing Kaizen: A Creative Mind’s Guide to Continuous Improvement

    In the world of creativity, where innovation and inspiration are paramount, the concept of Kaizen can be a powerful tool. Originating from Japan, Kaizen means “change for better” and revolves around the idea of continuous improvement. By integrating Kaizen principles into your daily life, you can unlock your full creative potential. Here’s how creative minds can use Kaizen to enhance their lives, with practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable takeaways.

    1. Embrace Small Changes for Big Impact

    Tip: Break down your creative projects into smaller tasks. Focus on making tiny improvements every day.

    Example: A writer working on a novel can aim to write just 200 words daily instead of trying to complete a chapter in one go. This consistent effort adds up and prevents burnout.

    Takeaway: Consistent, small steps lead to significant progress over time. Celebrate each small win as it brings you closer to your larger goals.

    2. Involve Others in Your Creative Process

    Tip: Collaborate with peers, seek feedback, and involve others in your creative journey.

    Example: An artist can join a local art group or an online community to share their work, receive constructive criticism, and gain new perspectives.

    Takeaway: Collaboration and feedback from others can spark new ideas and provide valuable insights, fostering continuous improvement in your work.

    3. Standardize Your Creative Routine

    Tip: Establish a regular creative routine that works for you and stick to it.

    Example: A musician could set aside one hour every morning for practice and composition, making this time a non-negotiable part of their day.

    Takeaway: A consistent routine creates a structured environment where creativity can flourish, making it easier to maintain momentum and track progress.

    4. Focus on Customer (Audience) Satisfaction

    Tip: Understand your audience’s needs and preferences, and tailor your work to meet or exceed their expectations.

    Example: A content creator can use analytics to understand what type of content resonates most with their audience and refine their approach based on this data.

    Takeaway: Keeping your audience in mind ensures that your creative output is relevant, engaging, and appreciated by those who consume it.

    5. Identify and Eliminate Waste

    Tip: Recognize areas where you might be wasting time, resources, or energy, and find ways to eliminate these inefficiencies.

    Example: A photographer might streamline their editing process by using presets and batch processing, reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.

    Takeaway: By minimizing waste, you free up more time and energy to focus on the aspects of your work that truly matter, enhancing overall productivity and creativity.

    Real-Life Examples of Kaizen in Creativity

    • Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar employs a Kaizen-like approach by continuously refining their storytelling techniques and animation processes. Regular feedback sessions, known as “Braintrust” meetings, allow them to identify and address issues early on, leading to consistently high-quality films.
    • IDEO: This design and consulting firm uses iterative design processes, where they create multiple prototypes, test them, and make incremental improvements. This method ensures that the final product is both innovative and user-friendly.
    • Musicians and Songwriters: Many musicians, like Ed Sheeran, follow a disciplined, iterative approach to songwriting. They write and refine numerous songs, continuously improving their craft through practice and feedback.

    Actionable Steps to Implement Kaizen in Your Creative Life

    1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Define what you want to improve and break it down into manageable tasks.
    2. Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use apps to monitor your daily improvements and identify patterns.
    3. Seek Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open to new techniques, tools, and perspectives in your field.
    4. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and make necessary adjustments to your approach.
    5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for each small improvement, no matter how minor it may seem.

    Kaizen is more than just a business strategy; it’s a mindset that can transform your creative life. By embracing continuous improvement, involving others, standardizing your routine, focusing on your audience, and eliminating waste, you can enhance your creativity and achieve remarkable results. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as these incremental changes lead to significant creative breakthroughs.

    Incorporating Kaizen into your daily life can be the catalyst for unleashing your full creative potential. Embrace the journey of continuous improvement, and let your creativity soar to new heights.

  • Experience Sharing in Coaching and Mentoring

    Experience Sharing in Coaching and Mentoring

    I stumbled upon this image on Instagram and it got me thinking. In coaching and mentoring, the process where someone uses their own past experiences to guide and assist another person is often referred to as “experience sharing” or “experiential learning.”

    This can include sharing personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and insights gained from similar situations to help the mentee or coachee navigate their current challenges. It’s a way of leveraging one’s own journey to provide practical advice and support.

    Having said that, if an individual is not receptive, helping them becomes challenging. Effective mentoring and coaching rely on the mentee’s openness and willingness to engage, listen, and reflect. Without this receptiveness, even the best guidance may not have the desired impact.

    Here are some do’s and don’ts in this approach:

    Do’s:

    • Be Empathetic: Understand and relate to the mentee’s feelings and challenges.
    • Share Relevant Experiences: Offer anecdotes and lessons that directly relate to the mentee’s situation.
    • Encourage Openness: Foster an environment where the mentee feels safe to share and discuss their issues.
    • Listen Actively: Pay attention to what the mentee is saying without interrupting or immediately offering solutions.
    • Be Patient: Allow the mentee time to process and reflect on the shared experiences and advice.

    Don’ts:

    • Overwhelm with Information: Avoid sharing too much at once; focus on the most relevant experiences.
    • Impose Your Views: Respect the mentee’s perspective and avoid forcing your opinions on them.
    • Be Judgmental: Approach the mentee’s situation without criticism or preconceived notions.
    • Assume One-Size-Fits-All: Recognize that each individual’s journey is unique and tailor your advice accordingly.
    • Ignore Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback from the mentee and adjust your approach as needed.
  • Designing a Balanced Life: Insights for Artists and Designers

    Designing a Balanced Life: Insights for Artists and Designers

    Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for creatives who often pour their hearts into their projects. Let’s explore some practical tips and strategies to maintain equilibrium between your professional endeavors and personal life:

    1. Solo Adventure Day

    Consider dedicating one day each week to self-care and adventure. Use this day to recharge, explore new places, try new activities, or simply relax. Whether it’s hiking, dancing, or lounging in bed, prioritize what helps you rebalance.

    2. Task Time Capsule

    Start your day by tackling the most challenging or least enjoyable task first. This approach, known as “eating the frog,” sets a productive tone and makes the rest of your day feel more manageable.

    3. Limit Perfectionism

    Distinguish between working hard and striving for perfection. Perfectionism can lead to burnout. Instead, focus on progress and excellence without overextending yourself.

    4. Leave Work at Work

    Create clear boundaries between work and personal time. When you’re off the clock, unplug and disconnect. Prioritize self-care and relaxation during non-work hours.

    5. Gauge Your Health

    Regularly assess your physical and mental well-being. Listen to your body and mind. If you need rest, take it. Prioritize health over excessive work.

    6. Participate in Personal Hobbies

    Engage in activities that bring you joy outside of work. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or gardening, these hobbies nourish your soul.

    7. Spend Time with Loved Ones

    Nurture your relationships. Quality time with family and friends provides emotional support and reminds you of life beyond work.

    8. Establish Your Own Balance

    Remember that work-life balance is unique for everyone. Define what balance means to you and adjust accordingly. Prioritize what truly matters.

    9. Love Your Career

    Passion fuels creativity. Cultivate love for your craft, and it won’t feel like work. Find purpose and fulfillment in what you do.

    Remember, achieving balance is an ongoing process. Adapt these strategies to your creative journey, and create a meaningful life beyond your projects.

  • Mindfulness and Design: How Practices Like Mindfulness and Meditation Enhance Creativity and Productivity

    Mindfulness and Design: How Practices Like Mindfulness and Meditation Enhance Creativity and Productivity

    Introduction

    In the fast-paced world of design, where creativity and innovation drive success, finding ways to enhance productivity and foster original ideas is crucial. Enter mindfulness—a practice that has gained significant attention for its positive impact on cognitive processes. In this blog post, we explore how mindfulness can benefit designers, boost creativity, and lead to more effective design outcomes.

    What Is Mindfulness?

    Mindfulness is the art of paying attention intentionally, in the present moment, and without judgment¹. It involves techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and focused observation. By quieting the mind’s noise, mindfulness creates space for clarity and creative thoughts to flourish.

    The Impact of Mindfulness on Creativity
    1. Enhanced Focus and Attention: Just a few minutes of mindful meditation before diving into design work can improve focus and attention span. As designers, we often juggle multiple ideas and tasks. Mindfulness helps us stay present and engaged, leading to better concentration.
    2. Divergent Thinking: Mindfulness encourages divergent thinking—the ability to generate a wide range of creative ideas. By letting go of preconceptions and judgments, designers can explore unconventional solutions and push boundaries.
    3. Reduced Overthinking: Overthinking stifles creativity. Mindfulness practices help us avoid the trap of endless deliberation. Instead, we learn to trust our instincts and allow ideas to flow naturally.
    4. Clarity in Problem-Solving: When faced with design challenges, mindfulness provides mental clarity. It allows us to step back, assess the problem objectively, and find innovative solutions.
    Practical Tips for Designers
    1. Morning Mindfulness Routine: Start your day with a short mindfulness practice. Sit quietly, focus on your breath, and set positive intentions for your design work.
    2. Mindful Sketching: Before creating digital designs, sketch your ideas on paper mindfully. Pay attention to each stroke and let creativity flow.
    3. Design Sprints with Mindfulness Breaks: During intense design sprints, take mindful breaks. Step away from the screen, breathe deeply, and reset your mind.
    4. Mindful Critique Sessions: When receiving feedback, practice active listening without judgment. Mindfulness helps you absorb feedback constructively.
    Conclusion

    Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for designers. By incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine, you’ll enhance creativity, boost productivity, and create more impactful designs. So, take a deep breath, be present, and let your creativity flourish!

    Remember, the canvas of your mind is as important as the one on your screen.

    I hope you find this blog post insightful! If you have any other topics you’d like me to explore, feel free to ask.

  • Travel and Design: A Creative Journey

    Travel and Design: A Creative Journey

    Let’s delve into the fascinating connection between travel and design.

    1. Igniting Creativity Through Travel

    When interior designers embark on journeys, they unlock a treasure trove of inspiration. Here’s how travel fuels their creativity:

    • Neurological Impact: Traveling stimulates our neural pathways, enhancing creativity. Just as CBD and mushrooms can expand our mental horizons, immersing ourselves in new cultures, languages, and experiences sparks fresh ideas.
    • Change in Perspective: Travelers become more open-minded and confident. Exposure to diverse cultures allows designers to see things differently. From toilets to interior décor, each country offers unique design executions. By embracing these differences, designers broaden their creative possibilities.
    • Aesthetic Exploration: Travel exposes designers to global trends and aesthetic fixations they might not have noticed before. These newfound influences enrich their work, resulting in more beautiful and culturally informed designs.
    2. Cultural Influence in Design

    Understanding different cultures deeply enriches design. By celebrating diversity and collaborating across borders, designers create work that resonates globally while honoring local uniqueness.

    3. Artistic Inspiration from Travel

    Artists, too, find solace in travel. Here’s how it shapes their artistic choices:

    • Escape from Routine: Travel breaks the monotony of daily life, allowing artists to immerse themselves in diverse cultures.
    • Broadening Horizons: New insights gained during travel expand artistic perspectives. Exposure to different art forms, traditions, and landscapes fuels creativity.
    • Influencing Choices: Artists draw inspiration from their travel experiences, incorporating elements they’ve encountered into their work.
    Conclusion

    Whether you’re an interior designer or an artist, travel serves as a wellspring of creativity. So pack your bags, explore the world, and let its beauty infuse your designs and art! 🌟✈️🎨

    Note: Inspiration can emerge anywhere, so even short trips can spark creativity. Keep your eyes open!

    Feel free to share your thoughts or ask for more details!