Turning Design Team Work into Long-Term Opportunities

When I joined my very first design team, I thought it would just be about making pretty cards with fun new supplies. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much that one opportunity would shape the rest of my creative journey. That single team led to friendships I still cherish, collaborations with companies I once dreamed of working with, and even teaching opportunities I never thought were possible. Looking back, I can see how each step built on the last—and how saying “yes” to that first design team role set everything else in motion. If you’ve ever wondered how you can turn design team work into long-term opportunities, let’s dive into a few ways to make the most of the experience.

Turning Design Team Work into Long-Term Opportunities

Building Your Personal Brand Alongside the Team

When you’re on a design team, your role is to showcase the company’s products in the best possible light. But here’s the thing—you’re also building your own creative identity at the same time. Think of every project you make as part of your personal brand. Staying true to your style while meeting team goals is what helps you stand out.

For me, I always lean toward bright colors, layered die cuts, and a touch of ink blending. Over time, that’s become something people recognize in my work. When crafters see a card and can say, “Oh, that looks like one of Rick’s designs,” that’s when you know your style is working for you.

Pro Tip: Add a signature element to your cards. Maybe it’s stitching, foiling, or even a favorite embellishment. When you include it consistently, people will start to recognize your work instantly.

Networking in the Crafting World

One of the biggest surprises of joining a design team is how many doors it can open simply by connecting with others. Your fellow teammates, the design team coordinator, and even the company owners are all part of a community you’re now tied into. And believe me, kindness and consistency go a long way.

I still remember a time when I consistently left encouraging comments on my teammates’ posts. Months later, one of those teammates recommended me for another team, simply because I had taken the time to be supportive. It wasn’t about networking in a “business” sense—it was about building genuine relationships.

Pro Tip: Engage with your team members’ projects. Comment, share, and encourage. Not only does it strengthen the team spirit, but it keeps your name top of mind in the community.

Leveraging Your Work for Growth

Your design team projects don’t have to live in just one place. The same card you post on a company blog can also become a YouTube tutorial, an Instagram reel, or even the foundation for a class. Repurposing your work helps you stretch your creative output and build your own portfolio at the same time.

For example, I once turned a single shaker card project into three different pieces of content—a blog post, a video tutorial, and a class handout. That one card worked three times as hard for me. And the bonus? It caught the attention of another company who later reached out about a collaboration.

Pro Tip: Always take high-quality photos and videos of your projects, even if you don’t need them right away. You’ll thank yourself later when you have a portfolio ready to go for a new opportunity.

Transitioning from DT Member to Brand Ambassador or Instructor

Design team work is often a short-term role, but it can absolutely lead to longer-term partnerships if you approach it the right way. Companies notice when you go above and beyond—whether that’s sharing extra projects, creating bonus tutorials, or suggesting new ways to showcase their products.

I’ve seen crafters move from being DT members to brand ambassadors because they offered more than what was required. They didn’t just make a card; they taught, inspired, and created value for the brand. That’s what shows a company you’re invested in more than just the free product.

Pro Tip: When you pitch yourself for future opportunities, don’t just share your projects. Highlight the ways you’ve contributed to building community, supporting launches, or teaching others with the brand’s products.

Pro Tips for Staying Relevant

The crafting world is always changing. New techniques, new trends, and new products pop up constantly. The best way to stay relevant is to keep learning and stretching your creativity.

Say yes to projects that scare you a little. Maybe you’ve never tried mixed media, or foiling, or interactive card designs. Taking those chances not only keeps you fresh, but it also shows companies you’re adaptable and willing to grow.

Pro Tip: Rotate seasonal trends into your projects—like holiday foiling, layered stencils, or interactive elements. This keeps your work feeling current and exciting to your audience and to the companies watching you.

Final Encouragement

Being on a design team is such an exciting milestone, but it’s also just the beginning. Every team you join is a stepping stone to bigger opportunities, stronger relationships, and creative growth. Stay true to your style, be kind and professional, and always look for ways to stretch your creativity. When you approach your design team role with that mindset, you’ll find that the opportunities don’t just end when the term is over—they multiply.

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my post and advice today.

Happy Crafting,

Rick Adkins

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