{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/664e6600feff1c0012e9442b/6a4edf471c8f5a97d887dbf3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Dear Designer: 001","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/664e6600feff1c0012e9442b/1783553629052-da8a3d2a-7413-49a9-b0dc-f5acde512436.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In the first <strong>Dear Designer</strong> episode, I answer three anonymous questions from the Design Mob community about finding work-life balance after graduation, how to balance ambition without burning out, and what AI means for internships and the future of junior designers. Along the way, I share some honest reflections on my own burnout, how my advice has changed as my career and life have evolved, and why I believe the industry needs to rethink how we develop the next generation of designers.</p><p><br></p><p>👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻 Submit your anonymous questions <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVuYyUXa1QeJp3GI0OGZb2yp0ikXXgMB7IXRTZizF1B94wDA/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=114382924901387242521\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The right work-life balance depends heavily on the type of company you choose, established companies and startups often demand different levels of energy.</li><li>Early in your career, saying \"yes\" to opportunities can accelerate learning, but over time it's important to recognize your limits and become intentional with your commitments.</li><li>Rather than forcing productivity, pay attention to where your energy naturally wants to go and invest there.</li><li>AI may replace much of the routine work interns traditionally did, but internships should be viewed as investments in developing future talent, not just inexpensive labor.</li><li>Skills like judgment, critique, research, collaboration, and navigating ambiguity are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world.</li><li>Apprenticeship-style learning may become an increasingly compelling alternative to traditional education for aspiring designers.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"Jordyn Gleason"}