Advocating for the Design Community
4 Keys Things we look for in a designer spotlight
Empathetic; or the state of having empathy.
EMPATHY: “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner”
-Merriam Webster
Empathy is one of the most common traits of a designer—possibly, the most common—according to those who have studied the traits and psyche of designers around the world. As a designer, this is likely old news to you! However, we’d like to take a few moments to marvel at the profound depth this reality elicits. To say that designers are special is an enormous understatement. We realize that you are equipped with skills, traits, and abilities that many people only dream about attaining—starting with your keen tendency for empathy. Other shared characteristics and descriptions include meticulous, patient, perceptive, communicative, motivated, and open to change.
With personality traits like these, it’s no wonder that designers make powerful contributions to the clients they serve and to humanity as a whole—making a difference every. These contributions create a ripple effect: time and time again, what starts as a tiny mustard seed grows into the transformation of an idea. The result is the manifestation of a design turned into reality, touching countless individuals across space and time.
According to Erik Edigard, “Design is in everything we make, but it’s also between those things. It’s a mix of craft, science, storytelling, propaganda, and philosophy.”
you’re making a difference.
For all of us at The Dove Agency, we are inspired not only by the work you’re doing each day, but the driving forces behind your work—your motivation and your why. While new and exciting projects are constantly in progress around the country, we know that the greatest impact you’re making isn’t only on the physical spaces of your designs, but in the many ways you’re dedicated to spending your time and talents impacting the lives of the people you work with along the way. We feel deeply the importance of sharing these stories.
The Dove Agency has had the privilege during the last three years to form relationships with our amazing clients and attend panel discussions, book signings, and charity events. During each interaction, we are struck by the overwhelming impact that the design industry and its talented members are making throughout the world.
We want to hear your stories and learn more about the impact you or someone you know is making in the world of design. By working with us through our Designer Spotlight Series—a platform to collaborate, connect, and grow—you’ll have the opportunity to create an impression and network with other brands and designers.
designer spotlight series: what we love to highlight
Our hope is the Designer Spotlight Series will highlight the incredible work you’re doing and provide a platform to share your work and the many ways it impacts society. As we feature the work of our clients, we look for designers who can share the following with our readers:
Captivating stories
Everyone has a story to tell—and we want to hear yours’! How did you find your way into the design world? What projects have impacted or changed your career?
Originality
An influx of design projects happening in communities around the country and increased technology that showcases designs can make the design climate feel trendy, fast-paced, and expansive—all making a designer’s quest for originality challenging. Tell us how you remain innovative and maintain originality
Platforms for Charity
Have you or someone you know created a platform to showcase a charitable cause or highlight a philanthropic endeavor? We love hearts that beat not only for design, but also care about the community around them, from supporting established charities to starting a new one.
Innovative Business Practices
How do you manage a successful design business? What are your thoughts on the industry and its ever-evolving climate? How do you feel about design trends? We know everyone has a different perspective—we want to hear yours’.