A conversation on Personal Branding with Melika Aghabeigi, FRAME Magazine
Domus Academy had the pleasure to host Melika Aghabeigi, former student of our Master in Business Design, today Account manager for FRAME Magazine, for an interesting conversation about personal branding and the skills needed to stand out in today’s design ecosystem. Read more!
In the world of design, where trends shift rapidly and technology continues to redefine possibilities, building a sustainable career requires more than just technical expertise. Attendees at the recent Connecting the Dots Talk curated by Domus Academy were treated to a masterclass on how to navigate the complex landscape of the design industry, guided by the insights of Melika Aghabeigi, Domus Academy Alumna, FRAME Magazine Account Manager and design professional with experience in architecture, consultancy, and business strategy.
The talk, moderated by Designer, Strategist and Professor Elisa Chiodo, shed light on the vital intersection of personal branding, adaptability, and cross-disciplinary skills that today’s design professionals need in order to stand out in a highly competitive field.
At the heart of Melika’s message was the importance of personal branding. In an era where digital presence often precedes in-person introductions, how a designer presents themselves can make or break a career. Melika emphasised that the foundation of a strong personal brand is rooted in authenticity. For Melika, professional identity is not just about what you can do, but about how you communicate and connect with others. In her view, a clear and consistent personal narrative is crucial for standing out in the crowded design market.
But building a personal brand goes beyond just showcasing work. According to Melika, successful design professionals today need to balance technical mastery with soft skills. Communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence are becoming just as essential as creative ability in design projects. Whether working with a design team or managing clients, these interpersonal skills can significantly impact outcomes, helping professionals navigate challenges and ultimately build more meaningful relationships in their careers.
She shared her own transition from architectural design to account management—an evolution that mirrored the growing demand for professionals in the design world to embrace roles that blend business acumen with creative thinking. In her experience, embracing this diversity of roles has opened up new doors and allowed her to expand her career in ways she hadn’t originally anticipated.
This idea of versatility was a central theme in the talk, as Melika highlighted the value of embracing adaptability in today’s fast-moving design industry. It’s a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom are either current students or early-career professionals trying to find their footing in an industry that values both specialisation and cross-disciplinary expertise. The conversation stressed that successful designers are those who remain flexible and continuously seek new ways to evolve, whether that means learning about new technologies, working in emerging markets, or adopting a hybrid approach that combines design with strategy.
As the conversation shifted to networking and professional growth, Melika emphasised the power of personal connections. For her, events like Milan Design Week and postgraduate programmes serve as vital opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, build meaningful relationships, and create future opportunities.
Moreover, Melika underscored the importance of understanding the broader context of design—an element that can often get lost in the day-to-day grind of creative work. Understanding the business environment and the challenges companies face can help professionals to position themself as someone who brings not just creative ideas but solutions. For young designers and students, this is a critical takeaway: understanding the needs of the industry, anticipating trends, and being able to contribute to a team’s broader objectives is just as important as delivering great design work.
The session also offered practical advice for job seekers hoping to stand out in a competitive market. Melika stressed the importance of tailoring resumes and portfolios to highlight both hard and soft skills. She emphasised the importance of showcasing not just technical skills, but also the way one works, collaborates, and tackles challenges. Employers, she noted, are looking for professionals who bring value beyond their expertise.
In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, Melika reminded attendees that leadership isn’t confined to titles or official positions. In her view, leadership is about guiding others, facilitating collaboration, and contributing to collective success. Whether you’re managing a team or working as part of one, the ability to listen, empathise, and lead by example will make all the difference in building a lasting career.
Melika’sinsights not only illuminated the evolving nature of the design profession but also reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and self-awareness in shaping a successful career. The conversation provided invaluable takeaways for emerging professionals looking to navigate an industry that is as diverse and dynamic as the people who shape it.