Thriving in the Creative Industry as a Neurodivergent Designer: Embracing Strengths, Overcoming Challenges

In recent years, neurodivergence has become one of the most talked-about hidden disabilities. Having experienced life as a neurodivergent during a time of growing societal acceptance, I’ve gained a unique perspective on its impact, particularly in the creative industry. While neurodivergence affects me in many ways, I’ve come to see it as my greatest asset.

Diagnosed at eighteen, I spent my adult years navigating my newfound sense of self. After exploring various creative outlets like fine art, performance art, photography, and illustration, I finally found my calling in graphic design. The challenges I faced with physical art were almost entirely erased when I discovered digital design. The ability to make mistakes and undo them with a simple click opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to focus on honing my strengths and nurturing my passion. My obsessive need to learn and an ability to fully immerse myself in tasks became essential as I taught myself tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Procreate. Within a year of discovering my love for digital design, I showcased my skills and secured a full-time creative position. Now, three years on, I’ve learned so much about myself as a creative and continue to grow within the industry.

Many of the skills I bring to my role are thanks to my neurodivergence. When I’m passionate about a project, I have an incredible ability to shut out distractions and fully immerse myself in the design process, often working at significant speed as a result. My constant need to learn keeps me up to date with the latest design trends and software. Staying informed about my industry and its tools allows me to work as efficiently as possible. One of my favourite aspects of being neurodivergent in the workplace is my natural inclination for organisation. There’s nothing more satisfying than planning out my week, writing a to-do list, and checking off tasks, it gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. I thrive in routine-based environments, and structured workdays provide the consistency I need. Knowing what to expect each day, even down to having lunch at the same time, helps me stay effective in my role while maintaining balance in my personal life.

Of course, neurodivergence comes with its challenges, and it’s taken time to understand my struggles and develop strategies to manage them. One unexpected challenge I encountered in the creative industry was my sensitivity to sensory stimuli. I thrive in calm environments, which aren’t always typical in office settings. Fortunately, I’ve worked with flexible employers who allow me to work from home when needed, helping me manage noise levels. On days when I do go into the office and feel more sensitive than usual, I rely on strategies to manage the hustle and bustle. One of my best purchases has been the Loop earplugs, they’re small, discreet, and adjustable for different noise levels. They help me engage with coworkers while reducing potential overstimulation.

Masking is a common experience among neurodivergents, this is when a person alters their persona to fit a situation or environment. It’s not always seen as a positive thing. As a child, I struggled to maintain friendships because I would adapt my likes and interests to match those around me, which sometimes came across as inauthentic. At the time, I wasn’t aware this was called masking; I assumed it was something everyone did. After my diagnosis, I realised I didn’t truly know who I was. I had become a mosaic of the people around me, unsure of what I genuinely liked or enjoyed. It has taken years to explore my identity, and while I’m still learning, I now feel confident in who I am.

I’ve learned to use masking as a strength in my professional life. Think of a sales person, when engaging with customers, they adopt a charismatic, extroverted persona to close a deal, then return to their natural self afterward. I view masking in the workplace the same way. I adapt to my environment to navigate professional interactions while ensuring those around me feel comfortable. Over the years, I’ve learned when and where to be my most neurodivergent self, reserving that for spaces where I feel safe from judgment or miscommunication. I’m fortunate to have a place where I can fully unwind after work, but I recognise that not everyone does. It’s important to acknowledge neurodivergent individuals who are still finding their safe spaces or those who choose to be their true selves no matter where they are. However you approach masking, know that it can be a valuable tool when used in the right way.

Disclosing a neurodivergent diagnosis to an employer can be daunting. Early on in my career, there was still significant stigma, and I experienced being treated differently once people became aware of my diagnosis. My family always encouraged me to be open and honest, but when I transitioned from the family business to independent employment, I became hesitant to disclose my neurodivergence. As TikTok and other platforms grew in popularity, more people began sharing their experiences, and I admired their confidence. Over time, I noticed a shift in societal attitudes despite the occasional dismissive remark like, “Everybody’s got something these days.” Seeing this change gave me the confidence to embrace and share my own story.

At work, I prefer to let my colleagues get to know me as a person first. My neurodivergence is just one part of who I am, there’s so much more to me. Once I feel confident that my coworkers understand me beyond my diagnosis, I naturally open up about it. This approach has been incredibly positive, allowing my employer and colleagues to better understand my working style and support me where needed.

While changes are being made in the education system to better support neurodivergent children, workplace training is just as crucial. As neurodivergence is increasingly diagnosed, employers will find that a significant number of their employees fall into this category. What’s lacking is training to help neurotypical employees understand neurodivergence and how to create an inclusive work environment. In the early stages of my career, I spent time training people around neurodivergence and various other conditions. Seeing that even those in the healthcare sector lacked awareness made me realise the need for training across all industries. When I join a new workplace, I like to enquire about the training they provide, just an hour of learning about neurodivergence can make a huge difference in creating a positive work culture. Flexibility, acceptance, and patience are all neurodivergent individuals need to thrive. With the right support, we can be among a company’s greatest assets.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been navigating it for years, remember that the aspects of your neurodivergence that may seem like obstacles can also be your greatest strengths. Get to know yourself, understand your coping mechanisms, and identify what you need to be the best version of yourself, not just at work, but in all areas of life. Your greatest power lies in proving your capability while also recognising when adjustments are necessary to fulfil your potential. Embrace your uniqueness, share your story, and show the world how neurodivergence is a force for creativity and innovation.