What is a 10x Designer?
I’m convinced that, alongside 10x developers, there are also 10x designers out there. The term “10x developer” has been around for a while. These are essentially the developers you want on your team; they solve your product problems in 1/10th of the time with 1/10th of the code. Sounds great, right?
In this story, I’ll discuss what I believe makes a designer a 10x designer and why I think aspiring to be one is a worthwhile goal for many designers.
Before we delve in, it’s worth noting that the term ‘10x Designer’ isn’t official. It’s a label I’ve coined for designers who excel in multiple design disciplines and also master peripheral skills associated with the craft, making them, in my opinion 10 times more effective than an average designer and invaluable in any team or collaborative effort.
The qualities of a 10x designer
A 10x designer’s power lies in their broad skillset. They aren’t satisfied with mastery in just one domain but are continually seeking to enhance their expertise across areas like brand, visual, web, product design, and more. Because of this extensive skillset, they are invaluable assets for new projects and startups. Such designers are also ideally positioned to become founders, but we’ll touch on that later.
Another hallmark of a 10x designer is a growth mindset. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and innovate. This mindset drives their insatiable curiosity, propelling them to stay abreast of new techniques, tools, and design trends. With every new endeavor, they stretch their creative boundaries, aiming not only to enhance their technical skills but also complementary abilities like communication. This holistic approach ensures they can rally others around their solutions.
A 10x designer is never content with mediocrity. They aim for the pinnacle in everything they craft. They’re meticulous, refining their work until it’s impeccable, and consistently strive to outdo expectations. They don’t merely execute; they challenge and enhance the brief. This relentless quest for perfection is intrinsic to their design ethos, making them standout collaborators and reliable contributors to any project.
Because of the consistent delivery of unparalleled results across multiple design arenas, 10x’ers have the knack to align teammates, clients, and other stakeholders with their vision. Consequently, they can command higher rates, secure lucrative projects, and potentially venture out independently.
Going beyond the design role
The out-of-the-box thinking, coupled with design expertise, forms a solid foundation for entrepreneurial ventures. Now, this might sound overly ambitious to some, and that’s understandable. However, it resonates deeply with me.
As designers, our ability to innovate, visualize, and manifest is a significant advantage which shouldn’t be overlooked.
I’ve seen so many skilled designers working on others’ visions. While that’s commendable, I’d love to see more harness their unique talents to create something uniquely theirs, contributing fresh and innovative ideas to the world.
In summary, 10x designers possess a unique combination of skills, mindset, and dedication. Their ability to generate ideas, conceptualize solutions, visualize and communicate them at a world-class level distinguishes them in the design realm, making them indispensable problem solvers for both clients and employers.
This piece is just an introduction. I’m dedicating most of my time to fostering the growth of more 10x designers. If this concept intrigues you or you’re inspired to become a 10x designer, follow this publication and dive into the resources linked below!
