Author: Matt McCue / Source: Adobe 99U
The design world seems to favor those who develop a strong presence on social media. But what happens when you’re an introvert designer who shies away from self-promotion?
I’ve always been quiet. In school, I barely raised my hand–not because I didn’t know the answer, but because I didn’t want everyone turning to look at me as I spoke.
It still happens sometimes–the rush of nerves and feelings of anxiety that come with being the center of attention.While I never really had to, I’ve taken every type of Myers-Briggs test to confirm what I’ve known all along: I am an introvert.
For me, being an introvert is no better or worse than being an extrovert; it just means that I interact with the world in a way that demands more energy and requires me to spend time alone to recharge.
That said, if there’s one thing that’s challenged my introverted self, it’s self-promotion. As a designer, I’ve always known the importance of visibility and discoverability, but the idea of having to develop an online presence has always made me cringe. How could I talk about my work–let alone myself — when I don’t want attention?
Before I got started, the online design world used to feel like a popularity contest for likes. Now, five years after my first tweet, I see social media as a place for building meaningful connections with others.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Be choosy about the platforms you’re on
Researching various online platforms was the first step in figuring out how I wanted to use social media. I read articles, created accounts and tried several platforms to see what resonated most.
I made a public Instagram account and after two weeks, I realized it wasn’t working. I was constantly feeling pressure to post the perfect photo and began stressing about every image. The question I felt most helpful to ask myself was: “Do I feel drained or inspired after my interactions here?” If the answer was “drained,” “overwhelmed,” or “anxious,” then I knew it was not for me. I also kept in mind; how does the community interact with one another? Is there a code of conduct? What format does the content follow? All were important to me.
“While I still shy away from receiving too much attention, I know that sharing my perspective and narrative is important and might inspire someone else to do the same.”
After further trial and error, I decided a public Twitter account would be the best way for me to branch out into the world of social media. The short format, minimal imagery and micro-blogging appealed to me. Having this public account would allow others to find my content by searching. I particularly liked that I could follow others in and outside of the design field and contribute to conversations on a variety of…
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