Welcome back. Framer just dropped a game-changer for creators: The new Marketplace Dashboard hands creators the keys to their own digital storefronts. As someone who's been in the trenches of design entrepreneurship, I can't overstate how huge this is. It's not just about organizationâit's about empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned template maker or just starting out, this is your moment to turn side hustles into serious businesses. âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe:
How to Build a Career NetLet's talk about growing your UX career. But forget about climbing laddersâwe're weaving nets. Why? Because, as Jason Mesut (Design Partner at Group of Humans) put so well, "The problem with ladders is that you either go up, down or fall off. Pursue a net, not a ladder. Move up. Move down. Move sideways." So, how do we actually do this? Today, Iâm breaking down five key strategies that'll help you weave a robust, flexible career net â 1. Map Your Current PositionBefore you can grow, you need to know where you standâfrom a 360° view. Try this:
Pro tip: Don't just focus on hard skills. Soft skills like communication and leadership? Those separate good designers from great ones. 2. Identify your "net strands"Your net isn't just made of UX skills. It's a combo of your experiences, interests, and potential growth areas. Let's map 'em out:
3. Weave your netNow comes the fun part: actively building your career net. For one of the key skills you identified, create a plan to level up. It's all about that "try, fail, learn, succeed" cycle. Some examples:
4. Document your JourneyKeep track of how your net evolves. This isn't just for youâit's ammunition for performance reviews and job searches:
5. Cultivate your "net"-work (sorry, had to)A strong career net isn't just about your skillsâit's about the connections you build. Your network can provide support, opportunities, and different perspectives:
Remember, building a career net is an ongoing process. It's not about reaching a final destination, but constantly expanding your reach and adaptability. Quick reality check: I get it, some companies do have pretty rigid career laddersâbut you can still get crafty and weave your web while playing the ladder game. Hereâs how:
â Together with FramerâFrom design to live site â no coding requiredSick of waiting for developers once your website design is ready? Then cut out coding. The next best no-code website builder for designers, Framer:
Ready to get your design live faster? Check out Framer now. News, Tools, and Resources: Career growth
*: This is sponsored advertising content. The Evolution of the T-Shaped DesignerThe "T-shaped" designer concept is old news. In today's rapidly evolving UX landscape, we need a new model. Let's talk about the "Broken Comb Designer"âa concept presented by design expert Jared Spool. Here's what the broken comb model means for your career:
The broken comb model embraces the messy reality of skill development. It's not about having an evenly distributed skill set: Itâs about cultivating a unique combination of strengths that make you valuable in various contexts. In UX, change is the only constant. Being a broken comb designer gives you the flexibility to pivot, grow, and thrive. UX Tools Job Board
Where have you hit a roadblock in career growth? Hit reply and tell me about it. Enjoying this newsletter? Let us know here. |
Practical lessons, resources, and news for the UX/UI community. Learn the real-world skills, methods, and tools that help you build user-first experiences. We make resources like practical tutorials, the Design Tools Survey, the Design Tools Database, and UX Challenges. Join 60k+ other designers and sign up for the newsletter to get product design mastery in just 5 minutes a week.
Welcome back. This week's gem: Mobbin's new abtest.design site. It's a goldmine of A/B test results from top apps, and I'm loving it. These resources are crucial for upping our design game. Seeing real-world UX wins and fails is invaluable, and reminds us why the design community rocksâwe're always sharing knowledge. By being open about our hits and misses, we all get better. âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe: Four (actually useful) design principles How to conduct a heuristic evaluation...
Welcome back. Over the long weekend, I've been thinking about isolation in designâand how it can tank your career in this unpredictable tech landscape. That's why I'm doubling down on community and continuous learning. So here's your post-holiday challenge: As we dive back in, think about how you're pushing your craft forward. Join a Slack group. Hit a virtual meetup. Share what you know. Every bit counts. âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe: Five tips for mastering micro interactions Create...
Welcome back. As designers, we often focus on technical skillsâŠbut what about the subtler signs of growth? This week, I shared a LinkedIn post outlining seven key indicators that you're evolving as a product designer. Spoiler alert: It's not about tools. It's about transforming how you think, communicate, and solve problems. So, as we dive in today, ask yourself: What's been clicking for you lately that has nothing to do with your technical skills? âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe:...