What would you say to a designer just starting out?

listen to your pm. but do what your lead tells you always

be true to your skills, learn learn and learn. from the best designers from the best blogs from the best human, YOU.

Find your niche. Don't tell the recruiters that you can do everything like ui, graphics, 3D , video edit etc, you'll attract toxic places. Learn the basics well and presentation skills. Do not tell lies about your skills, they'll eventually get to know.

One of the best advice I got was to practice by copying the top trending posts. Try to create it pixel perfect. You will see a ton of designs from top companies. Once you start copying them you will get a sense of technique they have used and how to create certain things. Practice and practice until you can just see a design and immediately figure out the typography, hierarchy and other elements. Obviously be sure to use it only for practice and don’t use it in your commercial projects as they are copyrighted contents. Once you start doing it, you will see your designs improve drastically.

Salute the rank and not the person. The person is shit.

Always stay curious. Don't just agree to everything because there are rules that you have to follow. Keep innovating, be creative with your solutions and simplify experiences for people.

Aapka Kaam hi aapko naam dega

Just have fun and read this book by Austin Kelon “Steal like an Artist” it will change your entire perspective, it really helped me with everything from imposter syndrome to lack of ideas etc like stuff.

Build outside your work too. Define yourself, not the brand you are working for

Do not be emotionally attached to your work. Whatever designs you make for a company, its their property and not yours. So no need to take feedback personally and multiple iterations are part of design as well.

Don't forget to take care of your health.