Finding authenticity in design
When I wrote “The Design Game Has Changed, and I Don’t Know Where I Fit Anymore,” I wasn’t trying to make a statement — I was just being honest.
I was (and still am) standing at a crossroads, looking back on two decades in design, only to realize that the industry around me was shifting faster than I could — or even wanted to — keep up. It wasn’t just about the craft anymore. It wasn’t just about passion or process. It felt more like a game — one that rewarded branding, followers, and self-promotion over real impact.
I didn’t expect what happened next.
The response was overwhelming. My inbox was flooded with messages from designers, creators, leaders, and even executives who felt the exact same way. “It’s like you wrote this for me,” many said. People I had never met before reached out, sharing their own stories of disconnection, burnout, and frustration with an industry that once felt like home.
Some of the best discussions I’ve had in my career came after publishing that last post. Designers at every level — from juniors to seasoned leaders — opened up about their struggles, their disillusionment, their search for meaning in design.
It made me realize: we’re all feeling this shift, and we’re all figuring it out together.
Matt Fangman who reached out via LinkedIn after reading my article so elegantly put it:
At some point we have to figure out how/where to compartmentalize our needs, desires and goals. And understand what is truly in our control and what isn’t. Designers are an interesting bunch because the vast majority (myself included) choose to rely on an external impetus to be the spark for our creative and intellectual activity. And with this comes financial considerations. That will always put us at risk from things outside of our control affecting our mental and physical well being.
The illusion of one-size-fits-all success
There’s been a huge push toward escaping the 9-to-5, building a personal brand, and monetizing creativity. And don’t get me wrong — that’s an amazing path for some.
I felt the urge too. The FOMO to jump in, start creating content, and turn my expertise into something profitable. I tried. I really did.
I shared design tips. I talked about how to grow in the industry and become a better designer. I followed the playbook of online creators. But something felt off.
Maybe my content wasn’t what the algorithm wanted. Maybe it wasn’t optimized for engagement. Maybe it wasn’t even good. But the bigger realization was this:
Was I actually helping others level up — or just feeding the content machine?
The pressure to constantly produce, to package insights into bite-sized posts, to chase visibility — it started feeling more like a grind than true impact.
And that’s when it hit me.
The turning point
For a while, I kept telling myself that maybe I just needed to try harder — post more, engage more, and force myself into the game.
But then one day, I caught myself refreshing a post’s engagement stats like it actually mattered. And I realized: this isn’t what I set out to do.
I didn’t become a designer to chase vanity metrics. I became a designer because I love solving problems, building systems, and helping people grow.
That moment shifted everything for me.
Dan Koe says passion isn’t something you find — it’s something you develop. You don’t wait for it. You commit to something, you show up for it, and through mastery and momentum, it becomes your passion.
So, after failing — uh, I mean learning — about content creation on LinkedIn and X, and after reading Dan Koe’s book, I had a real moment of reflection.
I realized something important:
I don’t want to create content about grids or fancy button animations — even though I know they get soooo much traction online.
So… what now?
Honestly, I don’t know. But what I do know is this:
I love writing.
Fulfillment isn’t found on every path and why that’s okay!
But let’s be honest: it’s not the only path to fulfillment.
Some of the most meaningful and impactful design work happens inside organizations — not just as a solo creator, but alongside smart, driven people who challenge you to grow in ways you never could alone.
- You don’t fail at life because you choose to work at an agency.
- You’re not “less ambitious” because you decided not to go all in on freelancing.
- You don’t lack vision because you’re not trying to be a design influencer.
There’s more to life than work.
What matters most is whether your work aligns with your values, your strengths, and what actually makes you feel alive.
Your personal brand is your superpower — inside and out
Here’s the thing: Your personal brand isn’t just about how you show up online.
It’s about how you show up in your work.
Your value as a professional isn’t about how many followers you have — it’s about how much value you create. And the more value you create, the more opportunities come your way.
After two decades in the design field — designing, building, leading, and scaling — I’ve learned that your reputation, your influence, and your impact go far beyond job titles and portfolios.
So, how do you build a personal brand that actually matters?
- Be known for solving real problems. Titles will change, but your impact won’t.
- Communicate with clarity and conviction. If you can’t articulate your thinking, your influence will always be limited.
- Be valuable before you’re visible. Stop chasing visibility — be so valuable that people can’t ignore you.
- Master internal influence. Your personal brand isn’t just external — it’s about how you operate within a team.
- Teach, mentor, and give back. The fastest way to build credibility? Help others grow.
- Design at scale. Early on, craft is your leverage. Later, your ability to scale design is what defines your impact.
Your personal brand is your legacy — whether you work for yourself or within a company.
You might forget this story at some point, but remember these 3 principles if you strive to build your personal brand to achieve your goals:
- Craft: Define and refine your personal brand so it aligns with your growth, values, and aspirations.
- Share: Regularly express your insights and experiences in ways that connect with others. Whether through blogging, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or another platform, choose the format that feels most natural to you.
- Nourish: Continuously develop and adapt your personal brand by engaging with others, gaining real-world experience, and allowing it to evolve over time.
A pledge to myself
I’m here to lead with the heart and create with authenticity.
I no longer want to chase validation.
Everything in life is energy. The intentions we set, the work we put out, the way we show up — it all carries a frequency. And when we align with our truth, when we pour the right energy into what we do, that same energy finds its way back to us.
- I don’t want to post for the sake of visibility.
- I don’t want to showcase every pixel I push on X just to play the algorithm game.
Yes, I know that’s how many people get opportunities. But I also know I’d rather break the rules and create my own path.
“The odder, the better.” — Bill Bensly
Bill Bensley, a renowned architect, has built a successful career by following his passion for design. Since moving to Singapore in 1984, he’s designed over 200 hotels across 30 countries, drawing inspiration from his travels throughout Asia. His approach blends natural landscapes with architecture, creating innovative and immersive spaces. Bensley’s willingness to challenge traditional design norms and embrace unconventional creativity shows how authenticity can drive unique, visionary design. His work encourages designers to break free from the ordinary and express their true creative selves.
Let’s build something real
I’m exploring what it means to design, write, and create from a place of real authenticity. Not chasing trends, not forcing strategies that don’t feel right — just doing work that actually matters.
And from the messages I’ve received, I know I’m not alone in this.
So let’s figure it out together.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear where you stand. The journey ahead may not always be the easiest or most visible — but I believe it’s the one most worth taking.
Let’s talk.
