How Some Design Communities & Leaders Might Be Hurting More Than Helping

Episode Summary

In this solo episode of Brand Your Brain, Robin is diving into the growing trend of designers stepping away from traditional communities and turning their focus inward. Why are so many creatives feeling let down by the spaces meant to support them? We discuss anonymous confessions from designers who’ve faced bullying, herd mentality, and the pressure to follow influencers and leaders who don’t align with their values. Let’s talk about breaking free, finding your own voice, and rethinking what a creative community should look like.

Discussed in this episode:

• The pressure to follow big-name designers and influencers.
• Feeling boxed in by rigid expectations in design communities.
• The impact of toxic group dynamics like bullying and herd mentality.
• When design communities stop supporting growth and start causing burnout.
• Why questioning influencers and “leaders” is healthy for your growth.
• How to recognize when a community isn’t right for you.
• The importance of finding (or creating) a space that aligns with your values.
• Why individuality and independence matter in creative work.

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