Nessa’s Knowledge Bomb #11: Seek like-minded communities
A piece of advice to any designer in the industry is the importance of community and having a community you can lean on for support and guidance. The industry can be a lonely and unforgiving place, and having a community to which you can relate is key. I find smaller, specific local communities best, as they can feel more relatable. The locality means you can meet up in person. It means you can build meaningful relationships that will guide you throughout your career. A great community can help you feel seen and help you be a better designer who is happier.
Finding your tribe in the design world isn't just about professional connections—it's about creating a support system that understands your unique challenges. When you're stuck on a project at 11 pm or facing difficult feedback, having people who've been there can make all the difference. These communities become safe spaces where you can share your work without fear of judgment, ask the "stupid" questions you might hesitate to ask elsewhere, and celebrate big and small wins. I've found that the best communities often start small—maybe a Slack channel, a monthly meetup at a local coffee shop, or even a WhatsApp group of fellow designers you admire. Over time, these connections deepen into genuine friendships that transcend work, creating a network that lifts you when you're down and pushes you forward when you're ready to grow. Remember, in an industry that's constantly evolving, your community becomes your constant—the people who remind you why you fell in love with design in the first place.
Tom Scott’s article on design communities: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-small-design-communities-tom-scott-tl5pe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via
Some recommended design communities
PD Ladies : Women designers in Product Design
Where are the Black Designers? : A community for Black Designers
London Designers X Developers : A meetup for Designers and Developers
Flux: A community for Women leaders in UX
