Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring 25+ aspiring designers from 12 different countries. That’s 750 minutes – or 12.5 hours – of sharing, learning, and growing together.
And let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of transformative.
The Power of Connection
In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy to feel isolated, especially as a designer. We often work alone, lost in our creative processes and pixel-perfect designs.
But these mentoring sessions have reminded me of the incredible power of human connection in our field.
The life of a designer is a life of fight: fight against the ugliness
Massimo Vignelli
A Global Perspective
One of the most enriching aspects of this experience has been the sheer diversity of perspectives. From the minimalist aesthetics favored in Scandinavian countries to the vibrant, colorful designs popular in South America, each mentee brought their unique cultural lens to our discussions.
This global interchange of ideas is vital in our field.
As Don Norman wisely noted:
Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating.
Don Norman
These sessions have deepened my understanding of design on a global scale, making me a better designer and communicator in the process.
The Joy of Sharing
There’s something profoundly satisfying about sharing knowledge. As I guided these talented individuals through various design and career challenges, I found myself learning just as much as I was teaching.
Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas challenged my own thinking, pushing me to grow as a designer even after 17 years in the field.
Through these mentoring sessions, I hope I’ve contributed to making design more meaningful for these aspiring creators.
The Future of Design
I’m filled with hope and excitement for the future of design. The passion, creativity, and drive I’ve witnessed in these young designers are truly inspiring. They’re not just creating beautiful interfaces; they’re solving real-world problems and making a difference in people’s lives.
A Note of Gratitude
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to ADPList team for creating this incredible platform. In a world where knowledge is power, platforms like ADPList are democratizing access to expertise, breaking down barriers, and fostering a global design community.
To all the designers I’ve had the privilege to mentor: Your passion and creativity inspire me every day. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and designing with empathy. The world needs your unique vision.
Here’s to the next 25 mentoring sessions, and the countless designs that will make our world a little bit better, one pixel at a time.
