Thomas Meijer ❖ iOS app designer

Inspired by @dannpetty’s one-day build, I’m joining the @contra x @instanthq hackathon today. I’ll try to design and build a full Instant template in 1 day. Let’s see what I can ship in 8 hours 👀 Follow along, I’ll be building in public. x.com/InstantHQ/stat…

When in doubt, test it. You don’t need a full research team. Ask real users. Watch them struggle. The insights are usually one awkward click away.

Tools don’t make you a better designer. They remove friction. Figma helps me think faster. Not better. That part’s on me.

Great design isn’t about adding. It’s about removing until only what matters is left. Less noise. More clarity.

Working late doesn’t impress me. Solving the right problem in half the time? That’s senior energy.

Oh hello 👀

Want better clients? Show your process. Talk about your thinking. Most designers just show pretty screens. The real value is in how you got there.

If a client doesn’t respect your time, your work, or your boundaries, walk away. You don’t need every client. You need the right ones.

Some of my best ideas didn’t come during work. They showed up in the shower. On a walk. Or when I was playing with my daughter. Creativity needs space. Not pressure.

Last day to join!

I don’t want to scale. I want to work on projects I enjoy. With people I respect. On my own terms. That’s the kind of growth I’m after.

1,000 followers! Crazy to think I was still at 600 just a little while ago. Shows what consistency can do. Thanks for being here. Let’s keep building!

No one is coming to rescue you. No magical client. No perfect idea. You’ll build your career one small, imperfect step at a time. And that’s more than enough.

Your brain will tell you not to launch. Not to post your design. Not to reach out. Ignore it. You’re more ready than you think. Freelancers aren’t fearless. They just act before they feel ready.

Building a freelance life with a toddler at home is chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting. But also filled with tiny moments of meaning. Forget hustle. This is the real adventure.

I used to overthink every post. Now I share work-in-progress designs, pitch clients, and talk about freelancing daily. Confidence in design isn’t talent. It’s a skill. You build it by showing up before you feel ready.