How to Stand out as a Junior Designer
Entering the creative industry as an emerging designer can feel overwhelming, but standing out to agency leaders doesn't require a decade of experience or a massive portfolio.
According to Mark Testa, Founder and CEO of Mark Stephen Agency, succeeding in a fast-paced agency environment comes down to mindset, communication, and basic professional execution.
With over two decades designing immersive experiences for global brands like L'Oréal, the Empire State Building, and the Essence Festival, Mark has mentored and hired countless emerging creatives. His insights offer an insider look at what agency leaders really search for in junior talent and how beginners can turn entry-level roles into long-term careers.
Here are the key lessons Mark shared on how emerging talent can truly stand out:
Lesson 1: Communication Wins Over Pure Technical Skill
While strong design skills are essential, your ability to communicate effectively is what truly sets you apart. Experiential design requires constant collaboration—translating ideas between clients, internal design teams, and physical builders on tight deadlines. Being able to articulate your ideas clearly, ask questions when you are stuck, and follow up proactively is the single most critical professional skill.
Lesson 2: Curiosity and Attitude Outshine Resumes
You do not need years of high-level experience to make a lasting impression. When hiring interns and junior talent, agencies look for enthusiasm, reliability, and an eager willingness to learn. Showing up on time, taking initiative, and bringing a positive attitude—especially during high-pressure setups—will open far more doors than a flawless CV.
Lesson 3: Every Small Task is a Test of Reliability
No task is too small to take seriously. Whether you are updating an asset sheet, managing logistics, or organizing equipment, supervisors observe how you handle basic responsibilities. Executing minor tasks thoroughly builds essential trust, which directly leads to bigger creative opportunities and larger project responsibilities.
Lesson 4: Master the Fundamentals, Then Adapt with New Tools
If you want to enter design, having a solid foundation in core software like the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. However, staying adaptable to modern workflows, such as using AI tools to assist with rapid visualization and concept development, gives junior designers a distinct competitive edge.
Lesson 5: Use Internships to Discover Your Real Strengths
An internship in a boutique agency environment gives you direct access to every step of a project. Use that access to figure out what you excel at, whether it's production management, spatial design, or social media, and to discover what you don't enjoy. Learning your career preferences early on is one of the most valuable outcomes of real-world experience.
Watch the full Company Talks video to get the full advice here:
Read more about ArtBound Initiative Internships here.
ArtBound Initiative is a fee-based global internship program for creatives. We prepare students for their careers through an online coaching curriculum and by helping them secure an internship in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Virtually. With an expansive network of leading creative companies, our program provides access to creative industries that are notoriously insular.
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