S6 E9: How to Make an Impact in the World as a Designer

Do you ever think you’re not really doing anything “substantial” as a designer because you’re not saving lives and “just” designing logos and websites. Well we’re here to change that mindset! You can make an impact in the world as a designer in so many ways — both tangible and intangibly. Your skillset allows peoples’ businesses to grow and connect with people, bring joy, improved life, and touch the planet. In this episode we walk through ways to make your mark on the planet in positive, regenerative ways — like the list we talk through below!

You could…

• Donate a percentage of your work to a cause you’re passionate about
• Offer up spaces in your time to do pro-bono work or discounted rate projects.
• Direct your clients to sustainable and ecological sites to order their designed printed materials and packaging.
• Do the research to find which companies reduce their carbon footprint (through printing, shipping, etc.) + understand circular design.
• Teach your clients the importance of using multicultural, size-inclusive, LGBTQ+ photography and promoting diversity.
• Improve your design for visually impaired people by testing your color system contrast and accessibility.
• Continue questioning everything about your process. Continue learning, growing, and evolving to be better than you were yesterday!

Links Mentioned:
“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz
“Company of One” by Paul Jarvis
“Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” by Luke Sullivan
Kutoa Project
Stella’s Voice
PS Print — has options to use recycled paper and soy-based ink
Noissue — sustainable packaging that is eco-friendly
Hex Naw — color tester for accessibility
“Finding BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Stock Photography” by Sereth Design
The Circular Design Guide

Inbox Question:
"How can a designer convey the value of brand design to a client with numerical evidence? Can they?” — Joshua Hill

This Episode’s Partner:
Design Biz Mastery with Morgan Rapp
Grow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/betterto learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.

Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.

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