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 your...
6 days ago â˘Â 5 min read
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...
13 days ago â˘Â 5 min read
Welcome back. As designers, we often focus on technical skillsâŚbut 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:...
20 days ago â˘Â 4 min read
Welcome back. Lately, I've noticed a trend of designers dismissing new tools and ideas without truly exploring them. It's made me wonder: How often do we let skepticism morph into creativity-killing cynicism? The truth is, every game-changing product started with someone willing to try something new (like this Twitch icon whose tweet changed my entire life). So this week, I'm challenging myselfâand all of youâto approach our work with open minds and a willingness to experiment. Who knows?...
27 days ago â˘Â 6 min read
Welcome back. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the product graveyardâyou know, that digital cemetery for once-beloved tech products. It's got me feeling nostalgicâŚand curious. Why do some products die while others thrive? What can we learn from their demise? In a new TikTok series, I'm diving into the stories of memorable defunct products (think: Google Reader and Vine) and the lessons they offer for designers and product folks. Turns out, there's a lot we can learn from these digital...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 6 min read
Welcome back. I've been on a design tool bender lately, diving into some niche up-and-comers. You know how it goes: One minute you're browsing Product Hunt, the next you're five tabs deep exploring InfaAI's design system superpowers or how Dessn ships design changes without code. In this X thread, I share some favorite finds. Try them out and let me know what you think. âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe: How to influence your team at each phase of org growth The "right" time to start a...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 5 min read
Welcome back. Whatâs your design mantra? Iâd love to know the short saying, old adage, or phrase thatâs on repeat when youâre elbows deep in Figma and trying to keep your head on straight. This one really stuck with me â âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe: Thereâs no universal blueprint for team-building Defining team strengths đŞ What are the best ways of working? How to Build a Design Team From the Ground Up If youâve ever been a design team of one working on a high-growth product with a...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 4 min read
Welcome back. No matter how stressful your week may get, just remember: Thereâs no way itâs as stressful as the week the engineering team at CrowdStrike is having (you can read about the chaos right here). Life is all about perspective, huh? âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe: The Venn diagram of PMs and designers What PMs need to know about design Some great UX jobs Navigating the PM x Designer Overlap If youâve ever lived with a roommate, partner, or really anyoneâŚyou know things run more...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 4 min read
Welcome back. I have a confession: I donât love listening to design podcasts. I know, I knowâsomeone whoâs all about leveling up your career with self-taught tactics should *probably* be more into podcasts. But I havenât beenâŚat least not until now. I recently found two shows I love: Sneak Peek, which gives listeners an inside look at top designersâ Figma files, and Dive Club, which features interviews with super talented designers from some of the biggest firms around. Do you listen to...
2 months ago â˘Â 5 min read
Welcome back. Letâs face it: We all want to level up our skills, and improving your visual design is no exception. But thereâs not a magic solution to suddenly become the designer youâve always wanted to be (at least not yet). What we can do? Practice, practice, practice. You know Iâm all about putting in the work to earn your edge as a designer, and today is about doing just that. Letâs roll up our sleeves and get to work. âTommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe: My POV on taste vs. mechanics A...
2 months ago â˘Â 5 min read