10 comments

  • Laura McGuiganLaura McGuigan, over 7 years ago

    As someone who's done just this—and looking to replicate in the near future with a new startup (hit me up)—I agree with these sentiments.

    I even wroteabout it myself.

    TLDR; it's super rewarding, exhausting and annoying all at once. You have to be prepared to have your own opinions and stand up for them, but also be a team player and learn how to coach both other designers as the company grows, and non-designers too.

    4 points
    • Emelyn BakerEmelyn Baker, over 7 years ago

      Oh sick, I love your retrospective on Medium. I've had a hard time making myself more available. It feels like I'm reducing my amount of time being productive, but being open to those one-off "Hey, do you have a second...?" comments is incredibly productive in its own way.

      1 point
  • Paul Sethi, over 7 years ago

    Really good points made here - I can Imagine working at a start up would be a great experience for a young designer looking to gain a wide variety of experience before finding their creative niche.

    1 point
  • Kyle LKyle L, over 7 years ago

    Love this article. I went through the same thing at @olark. It's a wild ride being the only designer.

    1 point
  • Adam Hayman, over 7 years ago

    Awesome write-up, Emelyn! As someone who's currently going through the interview process at a few startups to be their first designer, this is super valuable.

    1 point
  • Sergie MagdalinSergie Magdalin, over 7 years ago

    Great write up! It's spot on. It's very challenging but very rewarding. Though it does require a certain personality and drive to be successful.

    1 point
  • Emelyn BakerEmelyn Baker, over 7 years ago

    Hey DN! I wrote a little bit about what it's like being the first designer at a start-up.

    If any of y'all are in a similar position — maybe founders, or solo designers — I'd love to hear if this resonates with you at all!

    1 point