Reaching for Your Star: How to Shine as a Designer in Big Teams and Startups

Ever feel like you’re standing at the edge of a vast desert, staring at a lone star, wondering if you’ll ever get there? That’s exactly how I felt on my first day as a junior designer. I was bursting with ideas, but navigating the expectations, deadlines, and chaos of a growing company felt overwhelming.

I remember a specific moment when my manager gave me a blank slate to design a new feature. Excited, I overcomplicated the design with flashy elements. When I presented it, he simply said, “It’s pretty, but how does it work for the user?” That was my first lesson in simplicity – sometimes, the simplest designs shine the brightest.

Here are three tips I’ve learned to help you grow and thrive:

Learn to Navigate Uncertainty

In both corporations and startups, you’ll encounter shifting priorities. Embrace the unknown as a creative opportunity rather than a roadblock. Stay focused on the big picture, your “star.”

Build Relationships Beyond Design

Whether it’s with developers or business teams, knowing how to communicate your ideas in their language is key. Your ability to collaborate can make or break your design’s success.

Iterate Relentlessly

Your first design won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Learn to take feedback gracefully, revise your work, and remember that progress often feels like walking up a dune – slow but steady.

The star you’re chasing might feel far away, but every step, every sketch, and every conversation gets you closer.

Here’s my question for you: What’s the one skill or mindset you believe will guide you toward your own star in design?