End the days working alone with expert-led learning, facilited community, meaningful conversations, and peer connections.
Welcome to Open Practice for Designers, a supportive space for solo practitioners and in-house designers who report to non-design leaders. Find the hands-on guidance, community, and growth you’ve been missing.
Over 50% of in-house solo designers, reported in a 2021 AIGA survey said they miss being part of a larger design team for idea generation and validation and that's why we created Open Practice.
Sign up today for updates on our upcoming, limited program rolling out in early 2025.
Gain insights and inspiration, comraderie and community by your real peers.
Yep. We know what it’s like being the only designer on your team—maybe your company–and reporting to someone who doesn’t understand your craft. Meanwhile a lot of attention in our industry is focused on the polar opposite of your world, big design teams with dedciated design leadership “working at scale.”
It can feel isolating, frustrating at times, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself when there’s no one to share ideas with or get knowledgable feedback from. You want to grow, but without a network, mentorship, or peers who truly understand design, it’s hard to know where to turn.
- Feeling isolated and disconnected
- No clear path for professional development
- Limited opportunities for real feedback and collaboration
- Struggling to stay motivated and inspired
Open Practice for Design is curated learning development just for you
We created this collection just for designers like you—those who work alone or with non-design leaders who can’t fully support your growth. This is a space where you’ll find meaningful connection, expert guidance, and a path to move forward in your design career.
Open Practice provides structured learning paths, led by design experts, to equip solo designers with both vocational and soft skills. You’ll also build professional relationships with other solo designers, giving you the support system you need to excel in your career.
- Expert-led community focused on real growth
- A safe space to ask questions, get feedback, and learn from others who understand your challenges
- Monthly themes designed to strengthen both your design and business skills
- Opportunities to connect with other solo designers and build lasting professional relationships
Focused learning on what matters: Your growth, your confidence
We’re not just another community. Open Practice is about more than chats and forums—it’s about purposeful learning, real feedback, and building the confidence you need to excel in your role. Whether you’re working on your portfolio, navigating client relationships, or just trying to stay motivated, we’ve got your back.
Each month, you'll engage in a meaningful ways with solo designers who understand your enviroment and challenges, beacuse they're in the same situation.
- Personalized support with monthly 1:1 sessions (Better and Best tiers)
- One monthly event, guided by design leaders with visceral experience
- Weekly sessions where you can discuss your challenges or wins.
- Focused on hands-on design practice, not just theory
- A judgment-free space to ask questions, get feedback, test ideas, and grow
Support, skill building, and connection—All in one place
Professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why Open Practice combines expert guidance, real connections, and a focus on the skills you need to succeed as a solo or in-house designer.
- Monthly 1:1 sessions to assess your growth and guide your development (Better and Best tiers)
- Weekly conversations that won’t overwhelm your schedule but will help you feel more connected
- Direct feedback on your work to help you improve without feeling lost or stuck
- Meaningful connections with designers who understand your challenges, without the noise of generic communities
You deserve better than feeling stuck
We’ve seen it happen—designers working in isolation, trying to push forward on their own. It’s exhausting. Without a supportive network or clear feedback, it’s easy to feel stuck, unsure if your work is progressing or if you’re making the right choices. You shouldn’t have to figure everything out by yourself.
- Stagnation in design skills due to lack of feedback
- Feeling disconnected from the design world
- Difficulty growing professionally without mentorship or guidance
Proposed membership tiers for 2025
Good
- Monthly membership to an expert-led designer community with weekly conversations and monthly events.
- Access to curated content, monthly themes, and practical design resources.
- Networking opportunities through monthly events and weekly discussions.
Better
- Everything in Good, plus:
- Monthly 1:1 professional development sessions to assess and guide growth.
- Personalized feedback on current projects or design challenges.
- Async messaging with 24 hour response time.
Best
- Everything in Better, plus:
- Async check-in with the designer’s leader to assist with coaching priorities
- Design career coaching, focusing on long-term career growth, portfolio reviews, and preparation for leadership roles.
You don't have to work alone in a silo any more!
It’s time to feel, to be connected and supported by people who understand the constraints of working alone—Your industry peers and experienced design leaders.
Take the next step toward design mastery and connection. Sign up for updates on Open Practice coming in 2025.