07/09/2026
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned early in my career is that identity and appearance can influence how you’re perceived alongside the work you produce.
I’ve always been expressive in the way I present myself. I have piercings, tattoos, and I enjoy experimenting with makeup. Those choices are part of who I am but they don’t define who I am as a designer.
Throughout interviews and professional conversations, I’ve been told I should change parts of my appearance to be taken more seriously and to present myself more conservatively for clients with more traditional expectations.
I understand that every company has its own expectations and professional standards. At the same time, design is a creative industry. I believe creativity and professionalism can coexist with individuality, and that authenticity shouldn’t overshadow talent, work ethic, or the ability to build relationships with colleagues and clients.
Appearance will always shape first impressions but I hope it never outweighs the quality of someone’s work. As I’ve continued to grow in this field, I’ve realized that the right opportunities are the ones where I’m valued for my ideas, my skills, and the relationships I build, not for how closely I fit someone else’s image of what a designer should look like.
There are many talented designers whose personal style is just as bold as their work, and seeing them succeed reminds me that authenticity and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.
As I continue building my career, I’ll keep showing up as myself while striving to create thoughtful and impactful designs. At the end of the day, I want my work to speak louder than my appearance.
