How to Stand Out as a Designer (While Being Yourself)!

Hello Design Sketchers!

It’s Chou-Tac here : )

Today we cover the importance of thinking outside the box for student designers to become a creative designer.
Whether you’re into car design, footwear, fashion, or tech… this one’s for you!

I will help you to stop the temptation to please others with conservative ideas at your design school or company!

The Design School or Company “Comfort Bubble”

I remember those days in design school.
We’d spend hours together, sketching, creating, and bouncing ideas off each other.
It was awesome, but there was a catch:

• We lived in our own little “ecosystem”
• Our work started to look alike
• Ideas became predictable

Don’t get me wrong, following the pack is great when you’re learning.
We all need to experiment and draw inspiration from others.

But here’s the thing: your ultimate goal is to become a unique, standout designer.
Not an average one. The target I want you to reach is to be among the top 10% of students in your school.
So you will be memorable, remarkable from the design industry.

Become the “BLACK SHEEP”

How to Break Free from the Bubble

As a student designer, it’s easy to fall into the cozy trap of seeking approval from our peers.
But here’s the thing – true innovation happens when we dare to shake things up!

Do not wait for anyone to validate your sources of inspiration.

• If you love music no one else listen to,
• if you practice a sport no one in your surrounding is interested to, that is great.
• Or if you dig research where no one is looking at. Awesome!

That makes you special and perceive the world from a unique perspective.

You may feel it is risky, intimidating to propose ideas coming from sources none ever approved, but the magic is there! Look for new ideas like a chef travelling the world to find new flavours!

Embrace the Uncomfortable to Stand Out!

Disruptive ideas are like that spicy food that makes you sweat
– they might be uncomfortable at first, but boy, do they leave an impression!

Think about how Airbnb turned the hotel industry on its head. 
They didn’t just improve on existing ideas; they reimagined the entire concept of travel accommodation.

Most young designer’s censors their own ideas, in fear of negative reactions from their peers.
Don’t be shy. Be daring, be bold in your proposals!

That is how you want to become a true creative professional.
With practice, you will love being in that discomfort, because that feel would be a signal of a new idea!

Designers Question Everything

Channel your inner toddler and ask “why?” about everything.
Why do we design things this way?
What if we did the complete opposite?

Question and challenge the impossible!

Zaha Hadid created architecture with organic forms that defy the law of gravity.

Tesla didn’t just make a better car; they questioned the very essence of what a car should be.
Who would thing it would be possible to have a ride in a car, without “driving a car”?

Make Some Noise (and Let Others Feel Uncomfortable by Your Ideas)!

BREAK THE MOLD!

Your ideas should be like that one friend who always shows up to parties with a kazoo – impossible to ignore! Remember, the goal isn’t to please everyone; it’s to create something that makes people think, feel, and maybe even argue a little.

Any great ideas started to bother someone.
Kick the beehive! (That is an expression, please don’t do it, you might regret it! lol)

Fail Spectacularly

DESIGNER SECRET: The most innovative designers have a graveyard of failed ideas.
Each “failure” is just a stepping stone to something amazing.

So go ahead, propose that crazy idea that’s been lurking in the back of your mind.

The worst that can happen?
You learn something new!

Remember, as a creative designer, your superpower is your unique perspective.
Use it to challenge the status quo, ruffle some feathers, and maybe even change the world. That’s where the real fun – and the real magic – happens!

Examples

So, how do we break free from this creative bubble?

Here are some ideas:

1. Swim in a different pond: No need to change schools or ditch your classmates! Just seek inspiration from sources outside your usual circle.
2. Cross-pollinate your creativity: Explore fields beyond your specialty.
   For example:
   • Car designers: Check out architecture for interior inspiration
   • Footwear designers: Dive into nature and biomimicry for new materials
   • Tech designers: Study fashion to make your products more lovable
3. Be a creativity sponge: Keep your brain on high alert, always ready to absorb new ideas.
   Try:
   • New sports
   • Traveling
   • Taking photos
   • Sketching random ideas anywhere!

Remember, you might not use most of these ideas right away. But they’ll fill up your brain’s idea library, ready for that “Eureka!” moment when you least expect it. You will feel like a genius!

From Follower to Creative Leader

By broadening your horizons, you’ll transform from a follower into a leader of fresh, creative ideas.

Here’s how:

1. Don’t wait for assignments: Start your own research projects
2. Stay curious: Let your brain absorb inspiration like a sponge
3. Explore the unfamiliar: Visit new places, try new activities
4. Document everything: Take pictures, make sketches, capture ideas

The Power of Unexpected Connections

The magic happens when you start linking these diverse inspirations.
That’s when you’ll truly stand out and surprise not just others, but yourself too!

With a brain filled of plenty of ideas of all kinds,
You will live so many Eureka moments!

Good design or great ideas that will pop and connect in your mind will look obvious!

Your Design Superpower: A Unique Vision

Remember, becoming a valuable designer means developing your own vision – one that’s 100% yours to take credit for. It’s about making those unexpected connections and bringing fresh ideas to the table.

So, next time you’re working on a project, challenge yourself to think beyond the obvious or beyond your daily circle. Dive into new territories, mix and match ideas from different fields, and let your creativity run wild!

Are you ready to break out of the box and unleash your inner design superstar?
I can’t wait to see what amazing, unexpected creations you’ll come up with!

Happy sketching!
Keep creating, and most importantly, keep surprising yourself!

Cheers,
Chou-Tac