Working with athletes is nothing like working on your projects. When designing for someone else, especially athletes, you learn quickly that every client brings a different personality, background, and style. Some athletes want their designs loud, intense, and flashy. Others are calm, laid back, and want something clean and straightforward. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every project feels different because every person is different.
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned come from understanding where these athletes come from. I’ve worked with players from big cities and small towns, different states, and even different countries. Some want to show pride in their hometowns, while others want to highlight their culture or religion. I’ve asked guys to include Bible verses, faith-based symbols, or elements tied to their background. And it all matters. Listening to what’s important to them and translating that into visuals taught me that design isn’t just about making something look good. It’s about making something feel real and personal. When you take the time to understand who you’re designing for, the work gets better, and so do the results.