Design Is a Job

Introduction to 'Design Is a Job'

Design is much more than just pushing pixels, creating stunning visuals, or chasing artistic perfection. It’s a profession, and like every other profession, it requires more than technical ability: it requires understanding people, building trust, solving problems, and most of all, getting the job done. In 'Design Is a Job', I shift the focus from craft to the conversations paramount to building a sustainable, ethical design practice. This book is as much for seasoned designers as it is for newcomers who want to build a realistic, sustainable career.

'Design Is a Job' is a no-nonsense guide on transforming yourself into a professional designer who knows how to negotiate contracts, build strong client relationships, handle difficult feedback, and say "no" when necessary—all without losing your sanity. It’s about embracing the unglamorous but deeply fulfilling aspects of being a designer.

Detailed Summary of the Book

The book serves as a primer on the practical and emotional skills that designers need to thrive in their careers. It is not a book about Typography or User Interfaces or Design Thinking—though all of that is important. This is a book about the things we often overlook: running a business, setting boundaries, and communicating effectively with clients. It contains the kind of advice people wish they received when they started their careers.

The book is divided into practical, digestible chapters that cover everything from finding clients and writing proposals to handling criticism and delivering bad news when necessary. Emphasis is placed on communicating the value of design effectively, ensuring that you're not only creating good work but also being compensated appropriately and fairly for it.

'Design Is a Job' also tackles the importance of ethics in design—how every decision you make affects the people who use what you design. It challenges readers to think about the consequences of their choices while encouraging them to take responsibility. In short, this book is as much about preparing designers for the boardroom as it is about preparing them for life.

Key Takeaways

• Design is a service, not a commodity, and designers need to understand their role in solving problems, not merely creating aesthetics.
• Building trust and maintaining clear boundaries with clients is just as important as your design skills.
• Negotiation is an essential part of being a designer—whether it’s about budgets, priorities, or timelines.
• Conflict with clients isn’t something to fear; it’s something to manage respectfully and effectively.
• Ethics in design matter. Designers must take responsibility for the impact of their work on users and society at large.
• You can't do your best work unless you're being compensated fairly and setting strong boundaries.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Clients are not the enemy, but they’re also not your friends. They’re your clients."

"Saying ‘no’ to a client gives value to your ‘yes.’"

"If you’re good at your job, you’re the expert in the room. Act like one."

"The work you do belongs to you as much as it belongs to the client."

Why This Book Matters

For too long, the design industry has perpetuated myths about what it means to be a successful designer. Many young designers are blindsided by the realities of the business side of design—things like writing contracts, dealing with difficult clients, and setting boundaries. 'Design Is a Job' breaks through this noise to provide a brutally honest and incredibly practical guide to navigating the profession.

It’s a book that puts the responsibility in the hands of designers, empowering them to take charge of their careers rather than being carried along by the whims of difficult clients or vague expectations. It underscores that being a designer is not just about what you create but also how well you engage with the people and systems you work with in the creative process.

Whether you're in the early stages of your career or looking to refine your skills as a seasoned designer, this book is a must-read. It doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, and that’s exactly why it resonates. Because at the end of the day, 'Design Is a Job'—and it’s time we start treating it that way.