In a world as wild as design or marketing, it’s not the fancy diploma or perfect CV that makes you stand out. It’s being willing to dive headfirst into the unknown, make a mess of it, and maybe even break a few rules along the way. Most design leaders aren’t searching for people who play it safe. They want the ones who are ready to shake things up. Creativity and growth don’t happen without getting a little bruised. It’s about trying, risking, failing, and then dusting yourself off to try again—that’s what makes you original.

Leaders who run creative teams don’t need to see your perfect resume. We need to know you’ve lived, taken a few creative leaps, and learned from the inevitable falls. What have you tried? What risks did you take that shaped who you are? You’re here not just to fit into a role but to bring something unique – something only you could contribute. In our field, safe roads lead to safe designs and safe marketing campaigns – and in a world where innovation is everything, safe simply doesn’t cut it.

So, if you’re early in your journey or still figuring it all out, don’t stress over how your story looks on paper. Focus on what makes your heart race, what excites you, what makes you feel alive—even if it feels a little reckless.

Before I ever set foot in a corporate office, I tried things that might not make a conventional CV but, if you ask me, maybe should. Here’s a sample of my journey.

Jewelry design – Teaching me patience, innovation, and precision. My first earnings!

Writing poetry and essays – Helping me develop my ability to express feelings in written form and touch on storytelling for the first time.

DJ at a nightclub – Yes, it taught me music trends and technique. Big time. But it also taught me to set boundaries as a woman, navigate the dynamics of a male-dominated industry, and stay away from drugs. Perfect job for sabbatical year.

Designing clothes – Buying second-hand clothes and turning them into a fashion show. Here, I had to learn budgeting, model casting, and show production. I sold 50% of my collection!

Working as a photo model – Gaining firsthand insight into the modeling business, from makeup to working with photographers. It’s sweat, hard work. Respect to all models.

Freelancing – Building resilience, independence, and ownership. What does it take to bring a project from concept to completion on your own?

These weren’t hobbies or side hustles – they’re pieces of who I am right now. They’ve given me the adaptability, creativity, and confidence to tackle fast-paced situations with a cool head and an eye for opportunity. Have I said YES to all opportunities, paid or unpaid? YES.

Shout-out to rookie creatives: Say YES to the scary stuff. Jump into the unknown, and don’t sweat making it perfect. Honestly, perfect is kind of boring. Mess it up, bring the perspective only YOU have. That’s how you grow – not just as a creative but as someone who brings something irreplaceable to the table.

So, the next time you’re building your resume or thinking about how to describe yourself, don’t shy away. Share the failures that turned out to be your futures.

Still figuring it out

Each of those experiences taught me something you can’t pick up in a classroom. From stepping outside my comfort zone to creating something from scratch. And guess what? I’m still messing up sometimes, still figuring things out—and that’s okay. I’m pretty sure I’ll be figuring it out for the rest of my life.

Lately, I’m diving into volunteer work, excited to bring something valuable to others while also learning new things myself.