25 Ways to Think Like a Graphic Designer – Unlock the Mindset that Sets Trendsetters Apart

Explicit content warning

10/01/24 • 66 min

The Angry Designer - A Graphic Design, Brand, UX, Logo, Website Designer Podcast

Tired of feeling like a pixel-pushing robot, stuck in an endless design loop? Most Graphic Designers focus on making things look good, but the real game-changer is how you think.
This week on The Angry Designer, we’re breaking down 25 powerful ways to take control of your creative process and think like a true graphic designer. It’s not just about crafting the perfect logo or sleek layout—it’s your mindset that separates trendsetters from trend-chasers.
You’ll learn how to:
•Balance creativity with constraints to spark inspiration
•Embrace feedback (even the harsh stuff) as a tool for growth
•Break the rules with intent to uncover uncharted ideas
If you’re ready to stop chasing trends and start setting them, grab a drink, sit back, and dive into 25 ways to truly think like a designer.
Got your own thoughts on graphic design thinking? Drop them in the comments below—we love hearing from you! And don’t forget to subscribe for more no-nonsense advice every week.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
Want to see more?
See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com
Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast

Previous Episode

Charge More, Work Less: The Secret to Thriving as a Graphic Designer

Tired of swimming in a sea of underpaid gigs and endless competition? If you’re ready to stop blending in and start dominating the design game, you need more than just talent—you need a killer strategy.
In this episode of The Angry Designer, we dive headfirst into one of the most powerful, no-BS ways to crush the competition and charge what you're worth: discovering your industry niche. This episode promises not to be full of theory-driven fluff - but real, actionable steps on how to become the go-to expert in a specific space, helping you unlock higher-paying clients, reduce competition, and finally ditch those low-ballers.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know:
- Why niching down into an industry is the secret weapon for success.
- The 7 steps to identify and own your industry niche.
- How finding an industry niche doesn’t limit your creativity—it boosts it.
Get ready to transform your design career and elevate your game by niching into an industry you can dominate, flourish in, and love every minute of.

Next Episode

How-To Build a Thriving Graphic Design Business & Community using CropCon's Founder, Matt Dawson's Key Strategies

Think juggling a full-time Graphic Design job, a side gig, and a family is tough? Try doing all that while building one of the hottest Graphic design conferences in the U.S.!
This week, on The Angry Designer Podcast, we sit down with Matt Dawson—founder of CropCon, Austin’s badass Graphic Design event, and the creative mastermind behind StayGray Ponyboy. From the gritty world of landscape architecture to the highs and lows of Graphic Design, Matt’s journey is all about hustle, passion, and refusing to settle for anything less than authentic success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

No-bull strategies for keeping your cool while growing multiple creative brands
Secrets to carving out a brand identity that actually cuts through the BS in a crowded industry
Real talk on how the design landscape is evolving and what it means for building brands that last
How to unleash creativity without burning out—even when you're scaling your business to the next level

If you’re a Graphic Designer tired of the usual industry BS and ready to build a career that actually excites you, this episode is a must-listen! Stick around for the rapid-fire round at the end—Matt drops some seriously fun, unfiltered insights you won’t want to miss.