How to explain what you do as a designer or writer
Aug 17, 2022
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The podcast discusses the challenges of defining job titles for designers and writers, exploring the impact of titles on pitches and career success. They talk about popular titles in design and writing, how niching down or being a generalist affects job opportunities, and the importance of accurately describing what you do as a creative to clients or employers.
The choice of title in creative fields significantly impacts clients' perceptions and rates charged, emphasizing the importance of clear self-definition.
Balancing between niche specialization and being a generalist poses challenges in defining one's role effectively, impacting the ability to attract specific clients or showcase a wider range of skills.
Deep dives
Challenges in Defining Creative Work Titles
Defining titles for creative work can be challenging, especially when describing the diverse skill sets that individuals possess, whether starting out, freelancing, or contracting. Communicating these roles effectively to clients or potential employers is crucial to convey expertise and skill sets accurately.
Impact of Title Clarity on Client Perception
The choice of title in creative fields can significantly influence how clients perceive one's capabilities and potentially affect the rates that can be charged. Specific titles like content strategist or UX writer tend to command higher rates compared to more generic titles, showcasing the importance of clarity in self-definition.
Navigating Niche Specialization vs. Generalist Approach
Balancing between niche specialization and being a generalist can be tricky, particularly when freelancing and determining suitable titles. While niching down can attract specific client needs, being a generalist allows for flexibility and a wider range of skills, posing challenges in defining one's role effectively.
Educating Stakeholders and Recruiters on Creative Roles
Educating stakeholders and recruiters on the nuances of creative roles is essential for enhancing mutual understanding and streamlining the hiring process. Clearly articulating one's problem-solving abilities and showcasing how one's skills align with client needs can set a positive tone for collaborations.
Episode 43: How to explain what you do as a designer or writer
In today's episode, my guest Anders and I get a little philosophical. With both freelancing and in-house experience under our belt, we've both noticed one challenge that never seems to get any easier to solve: how to best describe what we do to clients or employers. No matter if it's about choosing a title or understanding a brief, going broad or niching down can make or break a career. Here are our thoughts on understanding what we do (as creatives) and explaining it to others.
Learning outcomes:
Popular titles in design
Popular titles for writers
How titles affect a pitch
Describing what you do
Defining what you do
How niching down or being a generalist affect your chances of finding work