As I approach my two-year mark as an independent designer, I’ve reflected a lot on my work, challenges, the people I’ve worked with, and share what’s (hopefully) next.
MY WORK. I continue to work on many media-related products that fit my experience at Instagram, Twitter, and Condé Nast. It’s allowed me to continue working in areas I love while expanding into other verticals like crypto and cybersecurity.
BEYOND DESIGN. Running my own business has taught me invaluable lessons. I've learned to navigate the healthcare system, manage payroll, draft contracts, negotiate, and request deposits. I’m also attempting to master the art of cold emailing and follow-ups without seeming like a pest.
THE PEOPLE. The satisfaction I find almost always comes from the amazing people I work with, even if the work isn’t thrilling. This includes founders, business executives, design and product managers, designers, former colleagues, and even friends and family.
LOOKING AHEAD…
I’m actively pursuing new partnerships with teams and individuals who need an independent designer. Here are some of my strengths and things that interest me.
🖼️ VISUAL DESIGN. In addition to product thinking and UX design, I like working with people who value visual design and craft. When speed-to-market is important, I enjoy working with founders and leaders at properly scoping and prioritizing work to allow for these types of projects to still meet a high-quality bar.
⭐️NEW INITIATIVES. Throughout my entire career, I’ve started almost everything from a blank canvas with lots of ambiguity. Whether it’s shipping MVPs, testing new ideas, designing concepts for pitches, building new teams from scratch, and implementing new processes is something that most fulfills me.
🕰️INVESTING MY TIME. Even as a contractor, I’m as invested as full-time team members. This mindset has been crucial to the success of each of my partnerships. I’m able to quickly integrate into projects and teams, adapt, deliver impactful results, and help them succeed.
Like many, I’m interested in products that leverage AI as a means to unlock new possibilities for companies and people. The following verticals are all interesting to me.
🏀SPORTS: I’m a basketball junkie. While these opportunities feel like few and far between, I’m intrigued by sports entertainment, stats, and analytics.
🏠HOME OWNERSHIP. As a new homeowner, I like to think about ways home projects and renovations can improve from many perspectives.
🛍️RETAIL. I appreciate quality, durable, simple, and affordable(ish) clothes, furniture, and accessories.
🛠️WEALTH, PERSONAL, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. I’m very organized when it comes to my life, finances, and work. I’d like to unlock new opportunities for people to be more efficient with how they manage these things.
📱LETS CONNECT. I’d love to chat! Learn more at dougseidman.com. More recent design case studies are available upon request. Hit me up douglas.seidman@gmail.com or DM me here.