Talking Point: How to get on design teams

If you have been doing this artistic thing online for a while, chances are that you have thought about being on design teams. Perhaps it's about self-actualization - to see how far you can go with what started off as a hobby. Perhaps it's to score the "free" stuff when you design for a manufacturer. 

But if you have applied for design teams, you would also know that a 100% success rate is unheard of...*LOL* I've asked some of my bloggy friends Laurel Seabrook, Julie Tucker-Wolek, Amy Tsuruta and Lizzy Hill for their tips on getting on design teams. Hope they can help you... and me! *winks*
  
1. Use their products.

Nothing beats seeing the product in action. If you can't get hold of their products, use similar products in your projects when applying for the team. [I have gotten on some design teams without using any of their products - Purple Pumpkin, Zeus and Zoe, Gauche Alchemy, Blue Fern Studios, Faber Castell. ]

"Create different types of projects (cards, layouts, altered art) so that they see how well you can use their products." Laurel Seabrook                                                                        

2. Apply to companies whose products you are passionate about.

Applying for a design team is very much like applying for any job. You need to know about the company and like the product that you are going to help sell with your designs.

"When I started out applying to design teams I applied for anything that was posted.  Personally, I've learned through the years that you're better off to apply to companies/blog DT calls that you're passionate about.  That passion will show in your projects. " Amy Tsuruta

"I always apply for teams that I believe in....whether that is in their ethos, or their products. I feel really strongly that having an affinity in this way strengthens your chances. And if you DO make it, you know you'll feel comfortable in that role. " Lizzy Hill                                                                                                           

3. Get spotted by being involved.

Help yourself get "discovered" by playing along with the challenges and participating in social media.

"If you are going for a manufacturer design team, then follow their blog, follow their Facebook page.  But don't just follow them, comment on their blogs and 'like' and comment on their Facebook posts! :) They will get to know your name and that is a good thing when you go out for their team! :)" Julie Tucker-Wolek

"Share your projects using their products with them via facebook, instagram, however you can." Laurel Seabrook 

"I think being an active blogger who both posts & comments regularly helps a lot too. Many teams are product or challenge based, so it's important to understand that you are actually helping that product or site to become better known. Being 'visible' is a huge draw card for getting on teams. " Lizzy Hill                                                                                                              

4. Play to your strengths.

As you know, I don't fit into the standard mould of a mainstream designer...I'm happiest doing what I enjoy rather than being pigeon-holed into doing what's popular. Not doing what everybody else is doing makes it easier to stand out because there's less "competition" in that space. 

"It's about having the skills that a particular DT is looking for - so make sure you highlight your scrappy strengths when applying - or apply for teams that look like they would suit your scrapping strengths!" Lizzy Hill

                                                                                                                            

5. Don't give up.

Rejection comes with the territory. Don't take it too personally. You can always try again.

"... those of us that have tried out for design teams know how hard it is! It can be nerve-wrecking, stressful and totally depressing if you don't make a team! And all of us that have tried out for teams, have been rejected.  No doubt about it! Rejection has come to all of us!" Julie Tucker-Wolek

                                       

"I'm not gonna lie...it's not easy to get on teams. You need persistence & perseverance - and of course, you've gotta give LOTS of them a shot. And you will get knock backs. I'm never disappointed if I get that 'Thanks but no thanks' email. There's ALWAYS another opportunity around the corner....& you've gotta be in it to win it!" Lizzy Hill                                                                                    

Have you tried applying for design teams? What other tips do you have? Please share in the comments.

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Julie Tucker-Wolek currently designs for Artful Delight and LESSology.
Laurel Seabrook currently designs for Pebbles, My Mind's Eye, Jillibean Soup, SRM Stickers and Unity Stamp Co.

Amy Tsuruta currently designs for Top Dog Dies, Curtain Call, Artful Delight, Seize the Sketch, Avocado Arts and Ribbon Carousel

Lizzy Hill  currently designs for Scrap365 Magazine, Purple Pumpkin, Zeus and Zoe, LESSology and Once Upon a ...Sketch.