Co-working for designers When you’re a designer, your work is your life. Whether you’re a freelancer or you work for a company, your desk is probably your second home. But what if there was a way to make your work life even better? Enter co-working. Co-working is a new trend in the workplace that allows people to share space and resources in a collaborative environment. For designers, this can be a great way to meet new people, get inspired, and make some great connections. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of co-working for designers and how it can help you take your career to the next level. What is co-working? In the simplest terms, co-working is sharing workspace with other people. It’s an alternative to working from home, a coffee shop, or a traditional office. The co-working movement started in San Francisco in 2005, and has since spread to hundreds of cities around the world. There are now more than 13,000 co-working spaces globally. While the concept of co-working is simple, there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of what a co-working space looks like. Some are sleek and modern, while others are more industrial or rustic. Some are membership-based, while others are open to the public. What all co-working spaces have in common is a commitment to creating a supportive community for their members. Co-working spaces offer a sense of connection and belonging that can be hard to find when you’re working alone. For designers, co-working spaces can be particularly valuable because they provide opportunities to network and collaborate with other creatives. In many cases, membership fees also include access to shared resources like printers, scanners, and software licenses – which can be a cost-effective way to outfit your home office. The benefits of co-working for designers Designers who co-work can benefit from a number of things, including: 1. Increased creativity and collaboration. When designers are working together in the same space, they can easily share ideas and get feedback from each other. This can lead to better and more innovative designs. 2. A built-in support network. Designers who co-work can rely on each other for help and advice when needed. This can be especially helpful for new or inexperienced designers who need guidance from more experienced professionals. 3. Access to new tools and resources. When designers co-work, they have access to a variety of different tools and resources that they might not have otherwise. This can help them save time and money on design projects. 4. A sense of community. Designers who co-work often develop close relationships with their colleagues. This can provide a sense of community and camaraderie that is often lacking in traditional work environments The best co-working spaces for designers There's no doubt that designers need a creative and inspiring space to work in order to do their best work. And while there are plenty of great home office options out there, sometimes it's just nice to get out of the house and into a professional environment. That's where co-working spaces come in handy. Co-working spaces provide a shared work environment for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals. They typically offer flexible membership plans, so you can pay by the day or month as needed. And since they're usually filled with like-minded people, they can be a great place to network and collaborate. If you're a designer on the hunt for a new co-working space, here are some of the best options out there: 1. WeWork: WeWork has locations all over the world, so it's easy to find one near you. They offer a variety of membership plans, including hot desking (which gives you access to any open seat in the space), dedicated desks (which give you your own assigned desk), and private offices (which are perfect for teams). And since they cater to such a wide range of businesses, you're sure to find lots of other designers to network with. 2. The Creative Space: The Creative Space is a co-working space specifically for creatives. They have locations in Los Angeles and New York City, and offer both hot desking and dedicated desk memberships. Their facilities include How to get started with co-working Assuming you're a designer who's interested in co-working, there are a few things you should know before getting started. First and foremost, co-working is not just about working in the same space as other people. It's also about community and collaboration. When you're co-working, you're part of a team that is working together to achieve common goals. That said, here are a few tips on how to get started with co-working: 1. Find a space that suits your needs. There are many different types of co-working spaces, so it's important to find one that suits your specific needs. Do you need a private office? Or would you be happy working in a shared open space? There are also co-working spaces that cater to specific industries or niches, so if you have particular requirements, make sure to look for a space that meets them. 2. Make use of the amenities and resources available. Co-working spaces typically offer more than just desks and chairs - they also provide access to amenities and resources that can help you be more productive and creative. For example, some spaces offer on-site childcare, while others have coffee shops or restaurants. Make sure to take advantage of the amenities and resources available at your chosen co-working space. 3. Get involved in the community. One of the best parts about co-working is the community aspect. Getting involved in Manufacturing Resources There are a few key manufacturing resources that designers should be aware of when co-working. First, there are online tools like Alibaba that can help you find manufacturers all over the world. You can also use Google to search for “custom furniture manufacturers” or “custom garment manufacturers” in your area. Another great resource is Maker’s Row, which connects designers with American manufacturers. They have an extensive database of manufacturers, and you can filter by state, product category, and more. If you’re looking for resources specifically for textile design, check out Incompas or The Textile Design Center. Both have directories of fabric mills and other suppliers, as well as helpful articles on the design process.
