Creative Designers: How LinkedIn Can Be Your Bridge to Success
The professional network should be as much of a priority as a good portfolio site for building your career.
In terms of social media priorities for designers, LinkedIn probably ranks somewhere right above Google+. Most designers are simply unaware at how much LinkedIn can advance their professional development. It may not seem like the right tool for you, but this powerful platform can benefit individuals in all industries. Creative designers in particular have an upper hand when it comes to putting together their LinkedIn profile. It’s time for you to begin using LinkedIn to help you reach your goals in the design world.
Below are 4 helpful hints for creative designers to thrive using LinkedIn:
#1 A Solid Portfolio
You may not believe it, but LinkedIn is an ideal tool to put yourself out there and promote your creative talent through your portfolio. Creative designers are constantly completing a multitude of projects. Whether it’s a full-blown website or a small design for a start-up, these are ideal examples to showcase on your LinkedIn profile. By beginning to directly display your expertise, you open yourself up to numerous opportunities and connections.
One way to display your portfolio effectively on LinkedIn is to attach projects to your profile summary. LinkedIn allows you to upload pdfs in this section, with a link to external documents, sites, presentations, photos and videos. This summary is shown on the top of your profile, so it is important to create a lasting first impression with it.
LinkedIn also allows you to include finished works under the job experiences you list, as well as the project responsibilities you held at each job. Potential employers and clients are going to see the talent you have and recognize you for this. By including work samples on LinkedIn, you are providing a sample of the quality of your work to an audience that may not be looking on portfolio sites like Behance.
#2 The Perfect Headshot
A strong profile picture not only helps put a face to your name, but if done right, can also provide a sense of who you are as an individual. For example, if you’re a happy, outgoing person, you want to take a picture that reflects this. Luckily, you most likely have connections with photographers due to your work experience. If so, take advantage of these contacts by taking some fresh headshots and keeping your picture looking up-to-date and ready to impress.
Don’t have any photographer friends ready to help? Don’t worry. Photos taken with your smartphone can work. Just make sure to use timers and tripods to keep it looking appropriately professional. And don’t forget to take advantage of any of the countless photo editing apps to sharpen and brighten up your photo giving it a high-quality look.
#3 Creativity is Encouraged
If you’re someone who thinks of LinkedIn as just an online platform to display your resume do yourself a favor and spend some time poking around on the site. With endless opportunities to upload content on your LinkedIn profile, you can add creative touches that make your profile stand out. When you begin piecing your LinkedIn profile together, show your creative side by uploading a LinkedIn Cover image. You can pull a favorite image or you can design it, but just like your headshot, it should demonstrate your personal style.
Also, use posts to show off your latest creative work, especially as it lands in market. It’s your responsibility to stay top of mind and keep your network aware of and intrigued by what you are accomplishing. The more your name is out there, the more possibilities will come from it. Remember that you make a living from your creativity and belong to a field where creative expectations are high. Use your profile to showcase that.
#4 Enhance Your Personal Brand
LinkedIn is all about professional development. And the key to moving your career forward is your personal brand. Invest the time to tailor your personal brand to your liking by taking advantage of what LinkedIn has to offer. One of the best ways to do this is to spend time researching and producing an opinion that can offer a fresh take on current trends in your industry. This kind of thought leadership can provoke engaging discussions that can substantially enhance your personal brand and impact your career.
Of course, if you don’t have time to develop thought leadership posts there is still a lot you can do to build your brand. Post at least once a week and interact with others so your network will see your ongoing presence on LinkedIn. Remember to like, share, and comment on other posts as well. Any activity will appear on your followers feed and they will be able to see who you have been interacting with and how. These connections are a powerful tool in expanding your network. Job opportunities can arise from your LinkedIn connections recommending you for a specific project they know of.
As a social and professional platform, LinkedIn has everything you need all in one place. Investing the time to update your profile, promote your personal brand, and increase your presence on LinkedIn will help you to get your talent and experience out there so you can keep your design career moving forward.
Content contribution by Experiences for Mankind (EFM) Client Services intern, Madison Zierott. Thank you for your time with us and bringing a whole new perspective to the team!
We’re on LinkedIn too (and it is indeed a helpful tool for us). You can learn more about Experiences for Mankind on our website or Instagram or contact us with an email. We’re always looking for brilliant clients and partnerships.
