Why I don’t like ‘hot design takes’

Social media has been great for me and my career. Without it, I most certainly wouldn’t be where I am now.

But over the years, as industries have become more saturated and everyone (including their grandparents 👵) wants to build an online audience, I’ve noticed an increase in black-and-white thinking (when in reality, life works in shades of grey).

What I mean is that it’s common to see people state opinions as facts just to be controversial and increase their engagement.

And to be honest, I understand it to a certain degree because controversy sells, and it can be hard to grow a unique personal brand when you’re neutral on every topic.

But on the flip side, I can see how it potentially confuses and overwhelms people, especially when it comes to education and, in this case, the design industry.

I’m sure you’ve seen content where someone states a controversial opinion like:

• Logos don’t matter that much.

• Using Canva means you’re not a ‘real’ designer.

• AI will take over design jobs.

• If you can’t draw, you’re not going to make it as designer.

  
  

While I think there is some truth to these opinions, they can never be entirely true or false because they’re opinions. And stating opinions as facts can mislead and confuse others in the industry, especially those just starting out.

One that recently got a lot of attention was:

“If you’re a brand designer with a specific style, then you’re not a good designer.”

The argument behind this was that brand designers with a signature style might have difficulty adapting their work to meet different clients’ needs.

Looking through the comments, I found a lot of opposing strong opinions.

Some designers supported this view, arguing that versatility is essential for serving diverse client needs.

However, there were others who countered that they specifically seek out designers with a distinct style because it matches exactly what they’re looking for.

Now both sides are right and both are wrong. There’s nothing wrong with stating your opinion, but don’t be attached to it and be willing to hear another person’s point of view.

Think in shades of grey, not black and white.

For example, I definitely fall under the bracket of “a designer with a specific style.”

But in my case, I’ve never encountered a problem where a client has requested something I couldn’t deliver, and that’s because my clients come to me for my style.

I don’t tend to attract big corporations because my style isn’t what they’re looking for, (and I’m fine with that).

With that in mind there’s a big part of me that disagrees with the statement “If you’re a brand designer with a specific style, then you’re not a good designer.”

However, I understand where this person was coming from, (professional designers should be adaptable).

But because it was presented as fact rather than opinion, people immediately attacked the person for it.

I guess the message I’m trying to get across in this newsletter is that people on social media - whether creators or consumers, regardless of industry - need to practice critical thinking, avoid tying their identity to their opinions, and stay open to healthy discourse (which is honestly one of the best ways to learn).

I know this was a bit of a different topic this week, but it’s something that’s been on my mind a lot recently.

Anyway, I’ll be back with more design/business-related content next week! Chat soon,

Abi

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