Thriving on a Design Team: Once You’re In

I still remember my very first week on a design team. I was giddy with excitement when the acceptance email hit my inbox, and I may have done a little happy dance in my craft room. But once the thrill wore off, I found myself sitting at my desk thinking, “Okay… now what?” I had the products in front of me, a list of deadlines on my calendar, and all these ideas swirling in my head. But figuring out how to juggle it all, stay consistent, and still enjoy the process took some learning. Over time, I discovered what works—and today, I’m sharing those lessons with you so you can thrive once you’re officially part of a design team.

Thriving on a Design Team: Once You’re In

Understanding Expectations

One of the biggest mindset shifts when joining a team is realizing that you’re not just making cards for yourself anymore—you’re creating for a brand. That means assignments can look a little different. Sometimes it’s a blog post showing off a new release, other times it’s an Instagram Reel, or even a full YouTube tutorial.

My first assignment was a blog post highlighting a brand-new stamp set, and I remember scrolling through the company’s Instagram feed, studying their style, and noting how their projects connected with their audience. That quick research helped me shape my project so it fit their vibe, while still letting my personality come through.

Pro Tip: Before you dive in, take time to study the brand’s style and tone. Do they love bold, colorful scenes, or are they more about clean and minimal designs? Knowing this will help you create projects that feel cohesive with the team, while still showcasing your unique voice.

Mastering Your Schedule

Deadlines can sneak up on you fast. During my first few months, I learned the hard way that waiting until the night before isn’t fun when glue refuses to dry or photos don’t turn out. That’s when I started using a dedicated planner just for design team work. I wrote down every due date and worked a few days ahead whenever possible.

Now, I like to keep a cushion of at least three to five days before a deadline. That way, if life throws me a curveball (and it usually does), I still have breathing room. Plus, it allows me time to retake photos or rework a project if needed.

Pro Tip for Cardmakers: Batch your work. Pick one day to stamp and color, another to assemble, and a third for photographing. It keeps the process manageable and helps you stay ahead of schedule.

Creating Consistently Fresh Content

One of the most common challenges is keeping your content fresh, especially when you’re asked to feature the same product multiple times. The trick is to think of each product as a jumping-off point.

For example, I once worked with a floral stamp set for three different posts. The first card showcased a bold, full-color background. The second used soft ink blending with just one bloom as a focal point. And the third card turned the flowers into a subtle tone-on-tone background. Three very different cards—all with the same set.

Pro Tip: Challenge yourself to create in threes. For every new stamp or die set, come up with three unique ways to use it—maybe a clean and simple card, a layered card, and one with a fun technique. Not only will this stretch your creativity, but it also gives you backup content in case you need it later.

Engaging with the Team and Brand

Being on a design team isn’t just about your projects—it’s about community. Some of my favorite memories come from cheering on teammates and seeing their creativity spark new ideas in me.

Make it a habit to comment on fellow DT members’ posts, share their projects, and celebrate their wins. Brands notice when you go out of your way to support others. And when a teammate needs help covering a deadline, stepping in not only helps the team but builds trust and reliability.

I once volunteered to take over a teammate’s spot when her family emergency came up. It was a small thing, but it ended up strengthening my relationship with both her and the company.

Pro Tips for Making the Most of the Experience

If you really want to stand out on a team, here are a few extras that go a long way:

• Offer more than expected. If you have time, create an extra card or two. Brands love it when you bring bonus content to the table.

• Share behind-the-scenes moments. Snap a quick photo of your desk mid-project or show a half-colored image. People connect with the process just as much as the finished card, and it gives the brand authentic exposure.

• Be flexible. Product launches shift, schedules change, and sometimes last-minute projects pop up. Rolling with those changes gracefully makes you an invaluable team member.

Closing Thoughts

Joining a design team is an amazing opportunity, but thriving once you’re in takes intention. By understanding expectations, mastering your schedule, keeping your content fresh, engaging with the team, and going the extra mile, you’ll not only succeed but truly enjoy the journey.

I’ll never forget that mix of nerves and excitement from my first week, but looking back, it was the start of something really special. And if you’re stepping into that role now—or dreaming of it—you have everything it takes to thrive, too.

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.

Happy Crafting,

Rick Adkins

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Just a friendly reminder, as part of my commitment to transparency, please note that some of the links provided maybe affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is truly appreciated!

Additionally, I kindly ask that you always accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not in any way expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's simply necessary for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring creators like myself receive their rightful commissions.

Your trust and support enable me to continue sharing creativity through my email lists, blog, and YouTube channel. Thank you for being a valued part of our crafting community!