The Design Database — On A Mission To Build An Online Support Community For Creatives Worldwide

Written by: Courtlyn Jones, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Here’s a controversial statement: Creatives run the world.

To me, this is a fact, but to an alarming amount of people, this would be considered a silly opinion. Former President Trump has even stated that Creative jobs are “not important.”

As a Creative myself, a graphic designer to be specific, and the CEO and Founder of The Design Database, a new online platform designed to support artists, designers, writers, photographers, and more, I want to highlight just how important Creatives really are.

Let’s walk through your day together. Your alarm goes off and you wake up. Whether from a clock or your smartphone, which were both designed by a Creative. You look around your home filled with furniture, clothing, and appliances. These have all been designed by a Creative. You go outside and get in your car, bus, or train, all designed, and you head out to work inside of the building that was designed and built by, yes you’ve guessed it, a Creative. You see where I’m going here.

The Design Database is a space for creators and professionals in creative occupations, including but not limited to graphic designers, fashion designers, illustrators, web designers, photographers, and writers. I’ve started the company to create a global online community for Creatives searching for job and collaboration opportunities and clients looking for Creatives. The platform aims to build a support network for Creatives to help them gain recognition for their work in a mainly under-appreciated industry.

The creative economy is rapidly growing and is forecasted to be a vital factor that will shape economic growth across the globe. Therefore, it is surprising that professionals within this industry often face exploitation and are undervalued by employers. Moreover, being a highly competitive industry, professionals often put up with these working conditions to avoid losing a job opportunity.

Fortunately, The Design Database emerges as an ideal solution and a support system for specialists in creative occupations. The online membership-based platform strives to create a global community for creative minds to connect with one another and increase the scope for collaborations. Additionally, it also links them with clients or companies wanting to hire professionals in the field. With its user-friendly interface, The Design Database simplifies communication between clients and freelance Creatives. Most importantly, the platform aims to build a community where Creatives can build confidence in their craft and feel valued.

In an effort to save on valuable time and money and accelerate the hiring process, the platform works as a marketplace for businesses and creative professionals to meet. Companies can easily reach out to the concerned Creative that fits the role they want to fill. Likewise, Creatives can link up with recruiters and managers to discuss possible opportunities and available positions in the company. It further streamlines recruitment by enabling Creatives to quickly secure jobs and begin work on the projects much faster. Through a partnership, The Design Database also offers clients a video-calling on-demand feature that allows them to receive quick advice from experts. Most importantly, the platform endeavors to bridge the gap between freelance Creatives looking for clients and clients seeking Creatives.

Launched in July 2021, the platform’s priority remains its network of Creatives and their welfare. In such a short period, The Design Database established itself as more than just a space for freelancers for hire, but rather a support system for Creatives. I’ve founded The Design Database intending to provide Creatives with an environment that would nurture their growth and help them cultivate connections. As an experienced creative professional, I understand how clients undervalued creative jobs as less important, and I wanted to change this. I want this platform to become a global support network for Creatives, and the response so far proves that I’m on the right path.

The Design Database is essentially a marketplace for Creatives to showcase their work and secure opportunities with companies. We have partnered up with a drop shop to allow Creatives to print their artwork onto physical items, set up their online shops, and ship their products to customers. Creatives can also choose to bid for a role, giving them more agency to decide and negotiate their fees. Moreover, connecting with other Creatives on the platform promotes various kinds of collaborative partnerships between them. It also allows new freelancers an opportunity to connect with experienced professionals for mentorship and guidance. Similarly, experienced Creatives who require support on projects can employ beginners.

The idea of The Design Database is to create an ecosystem where creatives can thrive. The platform encourages Creatives to interact with other professionals and clients and build a network that helps them succeed in a highly competitive and relentless industry. Moreover, it is a membership-based platform that does not charge Creatives any commission on the job opportunities acquired.

The Design Database is truly an engaging and supportive community that empowers Creatives to work on their own terms. Check out our website and follow us on Instagram.

Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn. You may also visit my website for more info!

Courtlyn Jones, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Courtlyn Jones is a graphic designer and creative entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Founder of The Design Database, a new online platform and community designed to be a support system for Creatives (artists, designers, illustrators, photographers, writers, and more). With her platform, Creatives can connect with clients who are looking to hire now, connect with other Creatives in the community to form partnerships, gain inspiration, and make new friends, and also host and sell their work. She has partnered up with other amazing businesses who share the same mission as her to support Creatives by providing tools and resources to help these independent workers be successful in their careers. Her mission is to help create change in the creative community and bring people together because she believes that when Creatives come together, true magic happens!