Moving from a designer role into a management role is not an easy transition. You essentially go from designing, to managing designers.

In the corporate design world, we're expected to make that transition with no coaching, and with no problems.

Many end of stumbling through the uncomfortable transition, learning the hard way how to manage by making many mistakes.

Here are three things to remember when making the transition to further your career:

1. Understand Your Job

Understand that your job probably isn’t to design anymore. It is probably now more project management and client relationships.
Take care of the bigger picture, and support designers in their design-focused role.
You can monitor a designer’s projects and progress, but don’t micro-manage. Don’t get involved in a designer’s day-to-day tasks.

Your performance isn’t measured by your solo achievements anymore. Instead, it is now measured by your team’s achievements.

It is now your job to inspire your team to do great design work.

2. Communicate

Communicate your role. Tell them what your job responsibilities are, as a manger, on a regular basis. Just like the designers give you an update on what they’re working on, you should give them an update on what you’re working on as well.

Communicate company goals. Understanding the big picture helps designers understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. Tell them about potential new clients. Tell them how much money the company made last quarter, and what you’re on track to make this quarter.
This is inspiring.

Communicate issues. If issues arise, you have to communicate in a clear, constructive way. Don’t just shut off. Talk to me! The passive aggression and avoidance just makes things worse. Confront me like an adult, and like a boss! In my opinion, those not afraid of confrontation make better bosses.

3. Motivate

Make your designers feel appreciated, respected, and supported. Keeping up office morale, is a big part of managing a team! Morale has a huge effect on productivity and general wellbeing.
Low morale can lead to subpar concentration, and increased mistakes. It can also lead to a higher employee turnover rate, and general absenteeism.

Be your team’s biggest advocate. Give them credit where credit is due. Managing a team is a lot like a relationship.
Get to know your designers, understand their strengths and weaknesses, help to highlight their strengths, understand their life goals, keep their best interests at heart, and never stop supporting them.
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Hi, I'm Emily. I approach fashion topics from a designer's point of view. Fashion designers are vastly under-represented in fashion media. I'm here to give us a voice.

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