Note to Self nº1

Note to Self nº1


How Top Designers Win


In the design world, where visuals take center stage, the subtle power of words often lurks in the shadows. Yet, words often set the stage, turning good designers into unforgettable ones. Let's paint a picture of two scenarios:

🎨 Scene 1:
A budding designer, Taylor stumbles upon the dream job post or that mentor she's always wanted to learn from. Eager, she turns to the vast web and copies a tried-and-tested, one-size-fits-all template, fills in the blanks, and hits 'send.' The result? Though brilliant, her email drowns in the sea of similar messages, and her portfolio never sees the light of day.

🎨 Scene 2:
Aïsha, another aspiring designer, faces the same crossroads. But she taps into her writing prowess. She crafts an email weaving her journey navigating three cultures, her passion for design, and her unique perspective on the very problem the job or mentorship might solve. The outcome? Not only does she grab attention, but she also etches an impression, turning her skills into a desirable asset.


The difference? The art of compelling storytelling.

Professionally, honing your writing skills can drastically transform your professional trajectory:

  • Clarifying Thoughts: Writing crystallizes vague ideas into actionable blueprints. When you've penned down your strategy, you're already a step closer to executing it.

  • Engaging Stakeholders: A clear narrative ensures your team, clients, or partners resonate with your vision, reducing the back-and-forth and amplifying productivity.

  • Powerful Portfolio: Narrating your design journey and the rationale behind each piece makes your portfolio not just a showcase, but a compelling storybook.

  • Content Mastery: Good design is more than aesthetics. With words, you shape interactions, guide users, and enhance their overall experience.

  • Thought Leadership: Sharing insights and stories can position you as an expert. Write articles or blogs and watch opportunities knock!


On a personal level, refining your writing opens doors to growth and self-discovery:

  • Reflection & Growth: Penning down your experiences lets you analyze your growth and the challenges faced become lessons learned.

  • Wider Perspectives: Writing broadens horizons. It pushes you to think differently, ensuring your designs are always fresh and innovative.

  • Skill Diversification: Why be a one-trick pony? Writing adds another feather to your cap, opening doors to content strategy, copywriting, and more.

  • Building empathy: Writing nurtures empathy. An empathetic designer always creates with the user's heart
    and needs in mind.


The smallest differentiators often have the most significant impact in the competitive design landscape. Being proficient with visuals is a given, but coupling that with compelling writing can take you from good to great.

It enhances communication, streamlines processes, and above all, it positions you not just as a designer, but as a comprehensive problem solver. Remember, sharpening your writing skills is investing in a more influential and impactful professional presence.


NOTE TO SELF
  1. Craft a narrative around your design, not just visuals.

  2. Make every interaction a story.

  3. Write regularly. Reflect. Learn. Grow.

  4. Diversify your skills. You're not just a pixel pusher.

  5. A designer who writes is like a unicorn. Everyone wants one. 🦄 


Peace and Love. ✌️❤️

By Mohamed Thiam


How Top Designers Win


In the design world, where visuals take center stage, the subtle power of words often lurks in the shadows. Yet, words often set the stage, turning good designers into unforgettable ones. Let's paint a picture of two scenarios:

🎨 Scene 1:
A budding designer, Taylor stumbles upon the dream job post or that mentor she's always wanted to learn from. Eager, she turns to the vast web and copies a tried-and-tested, one-size-fits-all template, fills in the blanks, and hits 'send.' The result? Though brilliant, her email drowns in the sea of similar messages, and her portfolio never sees the light of day.

🎨 Scene 2:
Aïsha, another aspiring designer, faces the same crossroads. But she taps into her writing prowess. She crafts an email weaving her journey navigating three cultures, her passion for design, and her unique perspective on the very problem the job or mentorship might solve. The outcome? Not only does she grab attention, but she also etches an impression, turning her skills into a desirable asset.


The difference? The art of compelling storytelling.

Professionally, honing your writing skills can drastically transform your professional trajectory:

  • Clarifying Thoughts: Writing crystallizes vague ideas into actionable blueprints. When you've penned down your strategy, you're already a step closer to executing it.

  • Engaging Stakeholders: A clear narrative ensures your team, clients, or partners resonate with your vision, reducing the back-and-forth and amplifying productivity.

  • Powerful Portfolio: Narrating your design journey and the rationale behind each piece makes your portfolio not just a showcase, but a compelling storybook.

  • Content Mastery: Good design is more than aesthetics. With words, you shape interactions, guide users, and enhance their overall experience.

  • Thought Leadership: Sharing insights and stories can position you as an expert. Write articles or blogs and watch opportunities knock!


On a personal level, refining your writing opens doors to growth and self-discovery:

  • Reflection & Growth: Penning down your experiences lets you analyze your growth and the challenges faced become lessons learned.

  • Wider Perspectives: Writing broadens horizons. It pushes you to think differently, ensuring your designs are always fresh and innovative.

  • Skill Diversification: Why be a one-trick pony? Writing adds another feather to your cap, opening doors to content strategy, copywriting, and more.

  • Building empathy: Writing nurtures empathy. An empathetic designer always creates with the user's heart
    and needs in mind.


The smallest differentiators often have the most significant impact in the competitive design landscape. Being proficient with visuals is a given, but coupling that with compelling writing can take you from good to great.

It enhances communication, streamlines processes, and above all, it positions you not just as a designer, but as a comprehensive problem solver. Remember, sharpening your writing skills is investing in a more influential and impactful professional presence.


NOTE TO SELF
  1. Craft a narrative around your design, not just visuals.

  2. Make every interaction a story.

  3. Write regularly. Reflect. Learn. Grow.

  4. Diversify your skills. You're not just a pixel pusher.

  5. A designer who writes is like a unicorn. Everyone wants one. 🦄 


Peace and Love. ✌️❤️

By Mohamed Thiam

A design mentor in your inbox

A design mentor in your inbox

A design mentor in your inbox

Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.

Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.

Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.