The Independent Designer: Why It's Important to Be Both Independent and Interdependent

In today's economy, it's more important than ever for designers to be both independent and interdependent.

On the one hand, you need to be able to work independently in order to be a successful freelancer or entrepreneur. But on the other hand, you also need to be able to rely on other designers when it comes to collaboration and networking.

Here's why:

The Importance of Being Independent.

As a designer, one of the most important things you can do is develop a strong sense of independence. This means being self-motivated, driven, and organised. It also means being able to work efficiently and effectively without supervision.

When you're self-sufficient, you control your own destiny. You're the one who decides what projects you take on, how much you charge, and when you work. This can be both beneficial and detrimental. On the one hand, it's great because you have complete freedom and flexibility.

On the other hand, it can be challenging because you have to wear many hats and juggle multiple balls at once. But if you can learn to master your time management skills and stay focused on your goals, being independent can be extremely rewarding.

The Importance of Being Interdependent.

While independence is important, so is interdependence. This means relying on other designers for help, advice, and support. It also means being open to collaboration and networking.

When you're interdependent, you realise that you don't have to do everything on your own—there's strength in numbers. And while it's important to be independent, there are some things that are simply better done with help from others.

For example, if you're working on a design project that requires coding skills, it would make sense to partner with a web developer who can help bring your vision to life. Or if you're starting your own design studio, it would be helpful to join forces with other like-minded individuals who can help with things like marketing and sales.

By being both independent and interdependent, you'll be able to tap into a wider range of skills and expertise—which will ultimately make you a more well-rounded designer.

In today's ever-changing economy, it's more important than ever for designers to be both independent and interdependent. By developing a strong sense of independence, you'll be able to gain control over your own destiny and build a successful freelance career or design studio.

But by also being open to collaboration and networking, you'll be able to tap into a wider range of skills and expertise—which will ultimately make you a more well-rounded designer. So embrace both sides of the coin—independence and interdependence—and watch your career soar!

Thanks for reading!
—Gary