For many designers, a time comes when you hit a fork in the career road, and the signs say:
➡️ IC (Individual Contributor)
➡️ Design Manager

No Google Maps can guide you here - it’s a journey you need to feel through, fail through, and figure out as you go. Let’s break it down, talk about the real feels, and share a story of someone (me) who took the scenic route.

First, what’s the actual difference?

IC (Individual Contributor) - Deeply focused on craft, Executes, solves problems hands-on, Measures success by pixels, impact & innovation, Learns new tools, patterns, and techniques, Often works solo or with a small team

In short, ICs lead through work. Managers lead through people.

When should you start thinking about it?

Honestly, not on Day 1 of your design career. And not because everyone around you is.
Start thinking about it when:

• You’re curious about growing people, not just products.
  
  

• You feel energized by reviews and roadmaps, not just Figma files.
  
  

• You want to multiply design impact, not just make it.

The former VP of Design at Facebook writes in “The Making of a Manager”

“Management isn’t a promotion. It’s a career change.”

Don’t treat it like a level-up. Treat it like switching tools from a pen to a compass - you’ll still draw circles, just differently.

My story: From IC dreams to leading a team (and loving it)

For the longest time, I thought I was born to be an IC designer. I loved solving problems, crafting interfaces, obsessing over micro-interactions. I still do. I thought managing wasn’t “my thing.”

But God had his own Figma file open somewhere and trust me, his auto-layout works in mysterious ways.

At Nykaa, I got the opportunity to lead a small team of 3. I was skeptical. Am I ready? What if I mess up? What if I stop designing altogether?

Fast forward, I now lead a team of 7 insanely talented designers.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride - steep climbs, unexpected loops, moments I screamed (internally), and plenty of joyful moments.

And the truth is, I am still learning. Every day. From my team. They are my strongest pillars, my source of inspiration, and the best “design system” I could ask for.

So if you're wondering what’s right for you - IC or manager - just know: It’s okay to not have an answer.

“Lights will guide you home.” (And maybe even to a design offsite ✨)

Let's help you find your superpower?

Here are some personality traits that often align well with each path. It’s not a strict rulebook, but it can help you do a little soul-searching:

If you're leaning towards being an Individual Contributor (IC)

You might thrive as an IC if you:

• Love deep focus and getting into flow states

• Have a strong design point of view and enjoy solving problems hands-on

• Are curious about tools, patterns, and systems

• Feel satisfied by craft, details, and quality

• Prefer autonomy and working solo or in small units

• Are happiest when you’re creating, not coordinating

Key traits: Detail-oriented · Craft-driven · Curious · Introverted (often) · Self-motivated

If you're leaning towards being a Design Manager

You might be suited for a management path if you:

• Are energized by helping others succeed

• Find joy in mentoring, unblocking, and coaching

• Can balance priorities across people, projects, and products

• Are empathetic, yet firm when needed

• Enjoy bringing structure to ambiguity

• Are okay with stepping back from the screen to focus on team impact

Key traits: Empathetic · Structured · Good listener · Strategic thinker · Strong communicator

Still confused?

That’s okay. Some people zigzag, others blend both roles, and a few even create their own hybrid paths. You don’t have to figure it all out today.

Just keep showing up, keep designing - whether it’s interfaces or careers and remember:

"The direction is more important than the speed."
(And don’t worry, you can always cmd+Z some career choices 😉)