Your Guide to Joining & Thriving on a Craft Design Team

When I got the email saying I’d been invited to join The Rabbit Hole Designs design team, I felt two things at the exact same time: pure excitement and total nervousness. My mind instantly started racing — what if I messed up? What if I wasn’t “good enough”? But right behind those doubts came that warm, can’t-stop-smiling feeling because one of my big crafty dreams was finally happening.

That was my first taste of being on a design team, and over the years I’ve learned there’s a lot more to it than just creating pretty cards with new products. It’s about building relationships, growing your skills, and showing up for a brand in ways that inspire their audience. Whether you’re just starting to dream about joining your first team or you’ve applied before and are wondering how to stand out, I want to share what’s really involved, the benefits, the challenges, and how to prepare so you feel confident hitting “send” on that next application.

Your Guide to Joining & Thriving on a Craft Design Team

What a Design Team Really Is (and Isn’t)

At its core, a design team is a group of creators chosen to showcase a company’s products through projects, tutorials, blog posts, videos, or social media shares. But it’s not just about “free stuff” — in fact, if that’s the only reason you want to join, you might find yourself overwhelmed pretty quickly.

Being on a design team is a creative partnership. You’re representing the brand, telling its story through your work, and helping inspire their customers to create. The company is counting on you to follow deadlines, share high-quality photos, and bring fresh ideas to the table.

From store teams to challenge blogs to brand-exclusive teams, each has its own expectations — but they all look for the same qualities: creativity, consistency, reliability, and a personality that aligns with their brand voice.

Preparing Before You Apply (Your Best Investment)

Think of your application as a highlight reel — but before you can send that in, you need something worth highlighting. That’s where preparation comes in.

When I was building my own portfolio, I made sure my blog, Instagram, and YouTube were filled with high-quality photos of my projects (clear, bright, and styled without too much clutter). I posted consistently, not just once every few months, so brands could see I was reliable.

Pro Tip: Engage with the community long before you apply. Comment on other creators’ work, join cardmaking challenges, and tag brands when you use their products. Companies notice who’s genuinely involved in the crafting world.

And don’t be afraid to show your range — maybe you make clean and simple cards but also love a good mixed-media background. Show them both!

Applying Like You Mean It

One of the most common mistakes I see is sending the same generic application to every team. Take the time to read the call carefully — if they want three recent projects, don’t send five from two years ago. If they ask for social media links, make sure they work.

When I apply, I always think about how my style fits with the brand’s existing team. If they already have several people who create in a style just like mine, they might be looking for something different — and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s not about your skill level at all, just about filling a gap in the team’s aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Write a short, friendly bio that lets your personality shine. Share a bit about your crafting journey, your favorite techniques, and what excites you about the brand. This isn’t just a job application — it’s a chance for them to connect with you as a person.

What Happens After You’re On the Team

The excitement of that first “Welcome to the Team!” email is unbeatable, but then the real work begins. Being on a team means meeting deadlines — sometimes multiple ones a month — and creating projects that highlight specific products.

One of my favorite parts of being on a team is the connection with other crafters. I’ve made friends from all over the world through my work with The Rabbit Hole Designs, Pixi Dust Designs, Miss Ink Stamps, Scrappy Boy Stamps, and others. It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of a creative community that cheers each other on.

Of course, there’s also the reality: not every project will come easily. I’ve had assignments where inspiration struck instantly — like the moon landing card I created for Scrappy Boy Stamps. That one was personal for me because I live close to the Space and Rocket Center and grew up fascinated by space exploration. But there have been other times where I’ve stared at a new release and had to push myself to see its potential. Those moments are where growth happens.

The Benefits (and the Problems) of Being on a Design Team

Benefits:

• Early access to new products

• Being part of a supportive creative community

• Opportunities to grow your skills and stretch your creativity

• Exposure for your work to a larger audience

• Building long-term relationships with brands that can lead to more opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting deadlines during busy life seasons

• Balancing multiple teams’ schedules if you’re on more than one

• Navigating creative blocks when you have a project due

• Receiving little to no feedback on applications or rejections

When I’ve been turned down for a team, it was hard at first — especially because most companies don’t email back with a “sorry” or give reasons why you weren’t chosen. Over time, I realized it often came down to timing or fit, not talent. My background in art school taught me that critiques are a gift, so I’ve learned to step back, analyze my own work, and see where I can improve — whether that’s in my photography, my composition, or my storytelling.

Pro Tips for Thriving on a Team

• Keep a dedicated planner for deadlines, post dates, and product releases. I map out exactly what’s due when, so I never feel blindsided.

• Work ahead when possible. I like to stamp or die cut multiple elements from a new set right away, so I can create several projects at once and have extras ready.

• Communicate with your coordinator — if life gets in the way, it’s better to let them know early than to miss a deadline.

• Share your projects enthusiastically on social media and engage with comments. Brands love seeing their team interact with followers.

Final Encouragement

Joining a design team is about so much more than pretty projects — it’s about showing up for a brand and their community with your creativity, reliability, and personality. If you’ve been thinking about applying, start building your portfolio now. Engage in the community, refine your photography, and most importantly, create from the heart.

And remember, not getting on a team doesn’t mean you’re not talented enough. It just means the right fit is still out there. Your next “Welcome to the Team!” email could be closer than you think.

Happy Crafting

Rick Adkins