James and Derek answer questions around design process, managing deadlines, working with other teams in your company, and coordinating world class design implementations.

Shape FM is sponsored by clerk.com

James and Derek talk about both providing hiring experiences as well as help navigating the various processes in getting hired.

Shape FM is sponsored by the amazing clerk.com

In this episode we talk about the new Cursor website, some folks we've worked with in the past that are available for a new opportunity, how your social presence impacts your hire-ability, and some suggestions on finding inspiration in your designs.

We dive into motion design - why rigid “motion systems” fall short, how product vs. marketing animations differ, using real-world physics for natural feel, and practical ways designers can communicate motion. Plus a Figma breakdown of our new playback UI on shape.fm

Design careers aren’t just built on pixels and pretty work. They’re built on how you show up, communicate, and handle the messy middle. In this episode, we talk about what real progression looks like in design, why communication outpaces raw talent, and how to level up from doing tasks to owning outcomes. We share practical strategies for protecting your focus, avoiding burnout, and building a reputation for reliability and craft. Whether you’re starting out or aiming for leadership, this one’s packed with lessons we’ve learned the hard way.

We kick things off by sharing how we got into design, how we first met, and a nostalgic nod to everyone’s favorite relic - the marquee element. From there, it’s straight into design talk: drop shadows, colors, projects we’ve worked on together, and a roundup of our favorite tweets from the week on X.