The highest award for a designer: finished work, payment, and client bragging
While prestigious design awards like Red Dot are sought after, the true milestones in my designer’s career are always more practical: getting shit done, getting paid, and, above all, having a client brag about your work.
- Getting Shit Done
Completing a project shows that your work is valued by both you and your client. It represents a journey of collaboration and mutual effort, and for a designer, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a project come to life. - Getting Paid
Exposure is nice, but true recognition comes when clients are willing to pay for your skills as soon as you issue the invoice. Fair compensation shows that your design has real value and that your hard work is acknowledged and respected. - Client Bragging
The ultimate reward is when a client proudly showcases your work. This means your design didn’t just look great — it was effective, resonated with its audience, and exceeded expectations. Word-of-mouth from a satisfied client is priceless, as it validates both your talent and the impact of your work.
While formal awards were once the goal, true success for a designer now lies in these real-world achievements: a finished project, getting paid, and satisfied clients.
Don’t miss the next essay. Signup for our newsletter
⸻ Newsletter signup
Have You Ever Tipped a Designer?
We tip for almost everything—meals, cab rides, haircuts. It's a small but meaningful gesture that says, “I see your effort. I value your time.” But in the world of design, tips or extra appreciation? That’s a rare thing.
There Is Only One Right Way to Publicly Commission Design
A transparent process for commissioning design services that respects both the profession and the public interest. This way of working aligns with best practices in design and public procurement.
Everything beautiful is analog
We can't avoid digital; it is everywhere, and not all is bad, of course, but we are focused on it way too much, staring at our phones, for instance. Just think that everything beautiful that has ever happened to you was analog.
Should designers code?
Yes, of course, you should seek it, but we should also focus on everything that helps us become better..
It is not ok to fail
It is not okay to fail; it never was and never will be. As simple as that. I am not saying you should not try, but rethink twice before you do.
Is it sexy?
The design is more than beauty; this is what I use when I describe good branding that is easier to understand and has everything I want to say in it.