Once upon a time I worked with a design team. Actually, that’s not true. I’ve worked with a myriad of design teams during my career. Over and over. And merchant teams. And editorial teams. And there is this thing that always exists. Contempt. Contempt for others who don’t understand design. Or trend. Or editorial voice. (I have a design degree. I feel your pain. But get over yourself. Really.)

Here’s a big secret. All humans understand design. Trend. Editorial voice. This is not rocket science. It’s art. Art is for everyone. Design, too.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I respect designers. And merchants. And writers. And artists. And photographers. And most of my life has been rooted in championing the talents of designers, artists, writers, and photographers. It’s why I created Fab.com. It’s why Shellhammer & Company exists. But let’s not pretend that design is as complex as rocket science. Or engineering. Or heart surgery. It’s just not. Yeah, I said it.

And because of this designers have to deal with the fact that others will have opinions. And that’s OK. Opinions of people who have never studied color theory or creative writing or know what kerning is are invaluable to designers (and writers and creatives and artists). Why? Because they force us to face our work and defend it and fight for it.

And sometimes change it. Yes, sometimes we change our work.

Outside opinion is good. Designers don’t know everything. And dialogue is the key to results.

With that said I give you five ways to maneuver Design Politics: