Welcome back my Caffeinated Creatives!
If you’ve been in the creative industry for more than five minutes, you’ve probably realized something: everyone is talented. Scroll through any design portfolio or LinkedIn feed, and you’ll see a flood of jaw-dropping UI animations, perfectly kerned typography, and color palettes that make your soul weep with joy. So, the million-dollar question is: what makes you different?
That’s where your Unique Value Add (UVA) comes in. It’s the thing that separates you from the next designer with a near-identical skill set. It’s more than just technical skills, it’s your personality, your experiences, your perspective, and the way you think about design. It’s why clients, employers, and colleagues remember you beyond just the pixels you push.
Think of the creative industry as an espresso bar. Everyone’s offering up a variation of coffee (aka design), but your UVA is the unique flavor shot that makes your latte worth ordering. Maybe you approach UX with a background in psychology. Maybe you blend illustration with interaction design. Or maybe you’re like me—someone who started with a Bachelor’s degree in business leadership and communications before making the leap into UX. Unconventional? Sure. But also a massive advantage.
So, let’s break down what a Unique Value Add really is, why it matters, and how you can define yours to stand out in an industry where differentiation is everything.
What Is a Unique Value Add?
Your Unique Value Add is the one-two punch of what makes you stand out in your field. It’s the factor that makes someone say, “We need them on this project,” instead of, “Eh, we’ll find someone else.”
But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about your technical skills.
Your UVA is a mix of experience, personality, and perspective, it’s the unique fingerprint you leave on every project. It’s not just what you do, but how you do it, the lens through which you approach problems, and the creative intuition that makes your work distinct.
Think about it: there are thousands of designers who can create a sleek landing page, but only you bring your specific background, thought process, and creative instinct to the table. Your UVA is what turns a “good” design into an irreplaceable solution because of the way you think, solve problems, and connect dots that others might overlook.
For example, two UX designers might both be excellent at wireframing. But if one has a background in behavioral psychology, they might approach the design through the lens of cognitive biases and user decision-making. Meanwhile, another designer who specializes in data-driven design will rely on heatmaps, A/B testing, and user analytics to shape their wireframes. Same skill, different UVA, completely different approach to problem-solving.
Your UVA isn’t always something you’re taught, it’s often something you develop through experience. Maybe you spent years in customer service before transitioning into UX, giving you an insanely intuitive grasp of user frustrations. Maybe you have an engineering background, so you think more systematically and love finding ways to make interfaces more efficient. Maybe you have a love for storytelling that allows you to craft seamless, narrative-driven user experiences.
It’s the combination of these influences, experiences, and insights that make your work feel uniquely yours.
And in a hyper-competitive job market, where portfolios are often overflowing with similar skills and projects, a strong UVA doesn’t just make you stand out—it makes you indispensable. Employers and clients don’t just want someone who can do the job; they want someone who brings something extra to the table, whether that’s a new perspective, a strategic mindset, or a fresh way of solving problems that others wouldn’t consider. That’s what makes your UVA your greatest career asset.
How My Unconventional Path Has Become My UVA
I didn’t take the typical art school to agency route into UX. In fact, my journey into design started in a completely different world… I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership and Communications, fully expecting to pursue a career in corporate strategy, branding, or marketing. If someone had told me then that I’d eventually end up practically living in Adobe products and having dreams (sometimes nightmares) about Figma wireframes, I probably would have laughed. But looking back? That unexpected path turned out to be one of my biggest strengths.
The reality is, the design world is filled with talented professionals who have the same technical skills, but what truly sets someone apart is how they think about problem-solving. My education and experience has made me a strategic thinker, a strong communicator, and an adaptable problem-solver, all of which are essential skills in UX. It’s also made me a data-driven decision-maker who balances creativity with business impact, a collaborator who can bridge the gap between design and strategy, and a storyteller who knows how to craft compelling user experiences. I’ve learned how to navigate complex projects, align cross-functional teams, and advocate for user needs while keeping business objectives in focus. Plus, my background has given me a sharp eye for efficiency, an obsession with clarity, and the ability to turn abstract challenges into actionable solutions. UX.
Here’s how my unconventional path has been an asset:
- Business Strategy Mindset: Unlike most traditional design school grads who focus solely on aesthetics, my background taught me to see design as a business tool. A great interface isn’t just visually appealing—it needs to drive real results. Whether it’s increasing conversion rates, improving user retention, or aligning with company goals, I design with ROI in mind. I ask the hard questions: How does this experience impact the bottom line? What’s the measurable success metric? That perspective ensures my work is not just creative but also effective.
- Communication Skills: Ever tried explaining a UX decision to a non-designer? It’s an art form. Executives don’t want to hear about kerning and grid systems, they want to know how the design solves a business problem. Thanks to my background, I learned how to articulate complex ideas in a way that resonates with stakeholders, clients, and developers. Whether I’m justifying a usability decision or aligning design with business goals, clear communication turns UX into a strategic conversation rather than an aesthetic debate.
- Leadership Experience: UX is not a solo act—it’s an orchestra of developers, marketers, product managers, and executives. My education and previous experiences have taught me how to navigate cross-functional teams, manage feedback loops, and lead projects with confidence. I know how to rally teams around a shared vision, facilitate collaboration, and ensure that design decisions are aligned with broader business objectives.
- Empathy for Business & Users: Many UX designers pride themselves on understanding user needs (as they should), but I bring an additional layer of empathy—understanding the business itself. I’ve been on the stakeholder side of things, working through business constraints, balancing budgets, and aligning teams. This means I don’t just advocate for users, I also ensure that design decisions work for the company’s long-term vision and success.
At first, I worried that not having a traditional design degree would be a disadvantage. But instead of seeing it as a limitation, I embraced it as a differentiator. My background in business leadership and communications gave me an edge that many designers don’t have. I don’t just make things look good—I make sure they work, convert, and support real business objectives.
Oh, and I also later studied design through the Seattle School of Visual Concepts to polish those chops as well.
So, if your career path into UX doesn’t look like everyone else’s—that’s a good thing. Your unique experiences, skills, and background might be the very thing that gives you an unfair advantage in this industry. Lean into it.
The Power of Standing Out in a Crowded Field
Design talent is everywhere. And thanks to the internet, everyone has access to the same tutorials, the same Figma files, and the same UX bootcamps. But you know what isn’t everywhere? Designers who bring a unique perspective and approach to their work.
Here’s the thing: talent alone won’t make you stand out. Being good at what you do is the baseline—it’s expected. What really makes people take notice is how you think, solve problems, and connect dots in ways that others don’t. That’s what turns a competent designer into an indispensable one.
Here’s why your UVA gives you an edge:
- Blending Disciplines Creates a Competitive Advantage: If you combine UX with an unexpected skill set, like coding, behavioral psychology, or even improv comedy, you bring something to the table that no one else does. The best designers aren’t just pushing pixels; they’re thinking about how human behavior, storytelling, and functionality intersect. You’re not just designing screens—you’re designing experiences that actually make sense for real people. A UX designer who understands programming fundamentals can bridge the gap between design and development seamlessly. A designer with a background in journalism may have an exceptional ability to craft content-driven user experiences.
- Strategy and Storytelling Matter as Much as Aesthetics: Let’s be real, too many designers focus only on making things “look good.” But the real magic? That happens when great design meets great storytelling and strategy. Clients don’t just want something pretty; they want something that works. A well-told narrative behind your design makes it more impactful and persuasive—whether you’re presenting to a client, a hiring manager, or a room full of skeptical developers. Your ability to frame design choices in terms of user needs, business objectives, and long-term goals is what makes people take your work seriously.
- People Remember Unique Thinkers: Employers and clients aren’t just looking for someone who can design a sleek UI, they’re looking for valuable problem solvers. They want designers who can connect the dots between business needs, user pain points, and design solutions. When you approach design in a way that’s fresh, innovative, or even just unexpected, people remember you. And in an industry where standing out is half the battle, that’s priceless. The best designers aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions, ask the uncomfortable questions, and explore solutions beyond the obvious.
- Adaptability is the Secret Weapon of Great Designers: The design industry changes fast. New tools, new trends, new user behaviors—it’s a never-ending evolution. The designers who adapt, evolve, and continually refine their UVA stay ahead of the game. Maybe you’re an expert in accessibility, motion design, or AI-powered UX. Whatever it is, the ability to pivot and apply your expertise in new ways makes you invaluable. Companies don’t just want designers, they want forward-thinkers who can grow with them.
- Confidence in Your UVA Builds Trust: If you don’t know what makes you different, how can you expect clients or employers to know? The most successful designers aren’t necessarily the ones with the “best” portfolios—they’re the ones who own their unique value and communicate it clearly. Confidence in your UVA helps you stand out in interviews, land better projects, and build long-term credibility in the industry. The key is owning your strengths without trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
The bottom line? Being a great designer isn’t enough anymore. The best opportunities go to those who can articulate what makes them different and valuable. So, whether it’s your cross-disciplinary knowledge, your deep understanding of human behavior, or your ability to break down complex ideas in a way that even your grandma would understand, lean into it. Because in a sea of talented designers, it’s not just about being good, it’s about being unforgettable.
How to Find Your Unique Value Add
Still figuring out what makes you different? You’re not alone. Most people don’t wake up one morning with a fully articulated Unique Value Add. It’s something you uncover through self-reflection, trial and error, and real-world experience. The key is to stop looking at your UVA as some grand revelation and start treating it as a process of recognition and refinement.
Here’s how to define your UVA:
- Reflect on past experiences. Your career path, education, and even personal experiences all contribute to the way you approach design. Maybe you’ve worked in customer service, giving you an intuitive understanding of user frustrations. Maybe you studied psychology, allowing you to apply behavioral insights to UX. Or maybe you spent years freelancing, making you an expert in wearing multiple hats and juggling priorities. Think about the common threads in your career that shape how you solve problems.
- Look beyond design. Your UVA isn’t just about your technical skills—it’s about the perspective you bring to the table. What industries, hobbies, or disciplines have influenced your work? A background in teaching might mean you excel at breaking down complex concepts for users. A passion for filmmaking could make you an expert at visual storytelling in UX. The best designers don’t exist in a vacuum, they draw from a variety of life experiences to create more meaningful, effective work.
- Ask colleagues and clients. Sometimes, the people around you can see your strengths more clearly than you can. What do people consistently say you’re great at? What kind of work do clients or employers keep coming back to you for? If you’re always the go-to for simplifying complex processes, making data digestible, or crafting compelling narratives, that’s a clue to what makes you valuable. Pay attention to the compliments you brush off, they might be pointing directly to your UVA.
- Own your narrative. Your UVA isn’t just a bullet point on your resume, it’s your personal brand story. How do you position yourself in a way that makes people remember you? Whether you’re networking, updating your portfolio, or pitching to a client, your UVA should be woven into how you present yourself. Instead of saying, “I’m a UX designer,” try, “I specialize in UX strategy that bridges the gap between data and human-centered design.” The more specific and confident you are in communicating your value, the easier it is for others to recognize it.
- Test, refine, and evolve. Your UVA isn’t set in stone—it should grow with you as your career evolves. The more projects you take on, the more refined your strengths will become. Experiment with different ways of framing your skills and see what resonates. What feels natural? What excites you? The best UVAs are rooted in authenticity… So don’t force a narrative that doesn’t feel true to who you are.
Ultimately, your UVA isn’t something you “find”—it’s something you recognize and refine. The more intentional you are about identifying your unique strengths, the more confident you’ll become in leveraging them to stand out in your field. And remember, being different isn’t a disadvantage. It’s your greatest competitive edge.
The Caffeine Kick
83% of hiring managers say a unique perspective and strong soft skills are more valuable than technical ability alone. (source)
The takeaway? Your UVA isn’t just what you do—it’s how you think. When everyone has access to the same tutorials, certifications, and design software, your ability to approach problems uniquely is what makes you stand out. Soft skills like communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking are what turn a good designer into a great one. Employers aren’t just looking for someone who can follow design trends, they want someone who can interpret business goals, think critically, and bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Personal branding increases job opportunities by up to 40%. (source)
Having a clear UVA helps you craft a personal brand that stands out in job searches, networking, and career growth. In today’s competitive market, hiring managers and clients are inundated with portfolios, resumes, and applications that often blur together. A strong personal brand that highlights your unique strengths and approach makes you instantly more memorable. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, in interviews, or in casual networking conversations, being able to articulate what makes you different gives you an edge. Your UVA isn’t just about impressing others, it’s about positioning yourself as the best fit for opportunities that align with your strengths.
69% of recruiters say they look for problem-solving and critical thinking skills above all else. (source)
Your UVA is about how you think and approach challenges—not just your software proficiency. Knowing Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is great, but if you can’t translate user needs into intuitive experiences, those tools are meaningless. Recruiters and hiring managers prioritize people who can think critically, analyze user pain points, and create solutions that truly work. If your UVA includes a knack for breaking down complex ideas, streamlining processes, or designing with data-driven insights, you’ll be seen as far more valuable than someone who just has technical proficiency without strategic thinking. Design is problem-solving, and your UVA should reflect how you uniquely approach it.
People remember 22 times more when information is framed as a story. (source)
When you shape your UVA into a narrative, you become more memorable, more compelling, and more hirable. Facts and figures fade, but a well-told story sticks. This is why branding matters—not just for companies, but for individuals. If you can frame your experience, skills, and approach into a cohesive and engaging personal story, you’re much more likely to leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a hiring manager scrolling through applications or a potential client choosing between freelancers, a strong, story-driven UVA helps them connect with you on a deeper level. Your career isn’t just a list of jobs, it’s a journey. Make sure you tell it in a way that people remember.
Closing Thoughts: Embracing Your Differentiator
Your unique path isn’t a weakness—it’s your superpower. The twists, turns, and detours in your career? They’re not obstacles; they’re what make you different, memorable, and invaluable. The creative industry doesn’t need more cookie-cutter designers. It needs thinkers, innovators, and people who challenge the status quo—people who bring depth, perspective, and personality to their work.
If you’re constantly trying to fit into someone else’s mold, you’re selling yourself short. Clients and hiring managers aren’t just looking for a designer who can follow trends, they’re looking for someone who brings something fresh to the table. So, stop trying to be the “perfect” designer, and start being your own kind of designer. The best opportunities don’t go to the most polished portfolios; they go to the people who know who they are, what they bring, and why it matters.
Embracing your UVA isn’t just good for your career, it’s way less exhausting. Pretending to be something you’re not? That’s a full-time job in itself. Owning your skills, your quirks, and your unique approach? That’s where confidence (and career growth) happens.
What’s your Unique Value Add? What sets you apart as a designer? Refill your coffee and let’s chat in the comments about ways our unique differentiators can help us stand out.
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