Lazy Designer versus Active Designer — Who are you?

Any content writers, managers, or strategists here?
You probably know what it’s like to work with designers. Sometimes, the collaboration is smooth and productive. Other times… not so much. Misalignment, miscommunication, and creative clashes can turn the process into a headache. But despite the occasional drama, we all know one thing: design matters — and when done right, it elevates content in ways words alone can’t.

That’s why patience is key. When content and design work together, they create messaging that’s not just effective but impactful, especially in a fast-paced world conquered by digital technologies.

That said, the real secret to a successful workflow isn’t just the process — it’s the people. You can adopt all the agile frameworks and run fancy design sprints, but if the team isn’t aligned or invested, nothing clicks.

I’ve been managing content for a few years now, and all this time, I’ve worked with dozens of designers — each with a different style, pace, and personality. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: building a strong content-design relationship makes all the difference.

Over the years, I’ve come across all sorts of designers. Here are a few types that stand out:

• The “I-Know-It-All” Designer
  They’ve got a formal design degree — and the ego to match. Confident in their skills (which is great), but often dismissive of ideas that aren’t their own. Collaboration? Not always their strong suit.
• The “Comfort Zone” Designer
  They’ve taken a few short courses and think that’s enough. Growth? Not a priority. They stay stuck in a creative bubble, often procrastinating or lacking motivation to improve.
• The “Climbing the Ladder” Designer
  Usually hired at entry level, they’re not afraid to start small. These designers are eager to learn, open to feedback, and genuinely work to improve every day. They may not know everything, but their attitude makes them invaluable.
• The “Why Try?” Designer
  Given opportunity after opportunity, but nothing sticks. Not because of a lack of talent, but because they want everything handed to them. Zero initiative, zero drive.
• The “Never-Satisfied” Designer
  Too much direction? They’re upset. Left alone to explore? Still upset. It’s always something, and it drains team energy.

Of course, the list could go on — but at the end of the day, it usually comes down to two types of designers: the Lazy ones and the Active ones.

So ask yourself honestly:
Which one are you? Or which kind of designer have you dealt with?

The Uninspired vs the Inspired

Lazy designers often look for shortcuts, sticking to simple, uninspired ideas that require minimal effort. They settle for the easy route, producing work that’s safe but forgettable. In contrast, active designers stay curious and driven, constantly exploring new ideas and keeping up with the latest design trends. They’re not afraid to tackle complex or polished projects because they know growth happens outside the comfort zone.

The Slacker vs the Workaholic

Lazy designers often look for ways to avoid effort, and it shows — their work usually feels rushed or half-hearted. On the other hand, active designers give their best from the start, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to creativity and professionalism.

The Argument Seeker vs the Doer

Lazy designers tend to resist making edits, often arguing or shifting blame onto the client or content creator instead of saying, “Let me see how I can improve this.” Active designers, on the other hand, stay open to feedback. They might find too many revisions a bit frustrating, but they’re committed to refining their work until the design truly shines.

The Crybaby vs the Solver

Lazy designers tend to be complainers. If you ask too much, they might escalate the issue to their manager or team lead, often painting you in a negative light, kind of like office drama. Active designers, however, don’t waste energy complaining. Instead, they focus on finding solutions and tackling problems head-on.

So, where do you stand? Are you a lazy designer, an active one, or somewhere in between?

Drop a comment and share your thoughts — I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks!