The Timeless Foundations Every Young Designer Must Build On

In design—as in architecture, music, agriculture, and every ancient craft—the visible beauty is only as strong as what lies beneath it. Foundations are timeless. They don’t change with trends, seasons, or tools. Everything worthwhile is built on them.

A design career is no different.

To be successful, designers must build on principles that have stood the test of centuries—truths older than our tools, older than our industry, older even than the idea of “design” as we know it. Only these ancient principles guarantee long-term success. Ignoring them is like building a life and career on sand.

In this post, we savour four ancient principles embedded in African proverbs.
They are old. They are timeless. And they reveal distinct secrets that designers—especially those in their 20s—can rely on for grounded, certain success.

1. “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.” — Akan (Ghana)

Designers often feel compelled to prove their independence—“I can do it myself.” But true mastery doesn’t happen in isolation. Every great designer is a collection of influences, mentors, collaborations, critiques, and shared insights.

You grow when you learn from others. No one becomes great alone—not even the geniuses we idealize.

2. “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” — African proverb

Every frustration e.g client revisions, creative blocks, poorly defined briefs, confusing feedback is not a setback; It’s training. You become a better designer through the storms, not the comfort zones.

Embrace challenges; they are sharpening you. Ease creates stagnation. Difficulty creates skill.

3. “No matter how long the night, the dawn will break.” — Hausa (West Africa)

Some seasons feel slow. Growth feels invisible. Confidence dips. Comparisons to others leave you feeling behind. But the night is never permanent.

Stay consistent; clarity will come. Design careers unfold in waves…patience is part of the craft.

4. “Àárọ̀ ọ̀la ní í fún ni ni àṣeyọrí.” — Yoruba — Igbo

Across cultures and languages, the message is the same: discipline wins. Preparation wins. Early effort compounds into success.

Wake early, literally or figuratively. Start before your peers. Prepare before opportunities arrive. Those who show up early build lasting careers.

Final Thoughts: Ancient Truths for Modern Designers

The tools may evolve—Figma today, something new tomorrow. Trends may shift e.g minimalism now, maximalism next. The industry may keep reinventing itself.

But the foundations?
They do not change.

1.Grow through others.
2.Embrace challenges.
3.Trust the dawn.
4.Rise early—intentionally, consistently.

Build your young life on these foundations and watch a strong self blossom through. With a strong self as the core a succesful career is merely a consequence.!