Junior to Senior: What Really Changes
It's tempting to think senior means faster Figma, more shortcuts, a bigger library of tricks. Looking back at my own path, the things that actually moved me up had almost nothing to do with the tool.
Your commute could be the first senior habit you build. Listen to what really changes on the way up.
Speed is the smallest part. Here is what mattered more.
Judgment Over Output
A junior is measured by what they make. A senior is trusted for what they decide. Knowing which problem is worth solving, and which polish to skip this week, is worth more than any plugin. Much of growing up as a designer is learning to spend your effort where it counts.
Explaining the Why
Half of senior work is talking. A room rarely rejects your design. They reject not understanding it. Once I put as much care into explaining a decision as into making it, my work started to land, and doors opened that craft alone had kept shut.
