For years, I believed a designer’s job was simply to execute a vision. My own journey taught me that my most powerful tool wasn't a creative application—it was my ability to lead through clear communication.
When I started my career as a designer, I was convinced my job was to have all the answers. Given a brief, I’d fill in the gaps with assumptions, racing to deliver a flawless execution without asking a single question.
I quickly learned this wasn't just unproductive; it was a fundamental misunderstanding of a designer's role. I had to realize that not everyone understands how to brief a creative professional, let alone knows exactly what they need. As a designer, it’s not just our job to execute an idea—it’s our responsibility to lead the creative direction by clarifying the brief.
But for me, this was easier said than done.
My personal journey with communication has been a difficult one. Growing up in the Philippines, a culture that is often reserved, I was taught to keep feelings and emotions under the rug. I vividly remember times as a child when I felt like I couldn't defend myself or ask questions. Crying was seen as a sign of weakness, and questioning authority was viewed as being disrespectful or dumb. This cultural mindset, where you are expected to "just know" and everything should be common sense, can cripple your ability to speak up.
This upbringing created a barrier in my professional life. But I came to understand, as researcher Brené Brown says, that "connection is why we're here." It's impossible to connect with a client, a team, or a project without first communicating. This meant I had to overcome my own hesitations to truly lead.
I've learned that communication is the most vital part of my work. As a designer, I must be proactive:
- Clarifying the brief to ensure we're solving the right problem.
- Establishing a realistic timeline to manage expectations.
- Communicating the approach to build trust with stakeholders.
Great design isn’t about the technical nitty-gritty; it's about the message. Our work is an extension of our minds, and its ultimate purpose is to communicate an idea. By mastering the art of communication, we can ensure our designs don't just look good—they achieve the bigger goal of sending a clear and powerful message.