How My Empathy Makes Me a Better Designer for Nonprofits

I don’t know how to not be empathetic (and trust me, I’ve tried).

The world, or more specifically Western culture, likes to tell us that empathy and caring deeply is a character flaw. We’re groomed to be independent and care about ourselves first and foremost, others secondary. But that’s just not who I am. Empathy runs deep in my bones.

I’d always been the person to become friends with the lonely person at the cafeteria; the one who would let someone stay at their house for an indefinite amount of time because they needed to; the person who would lend money or, more precious, time; who would go out of her way to make someone more comfortable. And while at times this has come to bite me, I also wouldn’t trade it because it reminds me I have a human heart.

When I left my cushy advertising design job to pursue nonprofit work, that’s when I really realized how deeply I cared. I’d been working on projects with Fortune 500 companies (like the ones we’re currently avoiding spending our hard earned dollars at, yep). But over the years and late nights pushing pixels for big Ad, I realized something: I hated it. I didn’t want to sell campaigns that would make billionaires richer. I wanted to feel like my work was making a difference.

So I entered the nonprofit world and began designing campaigns and marketing strategies to help other people empathize.

When I started Sereth Design, all I wanted was to help more people get their messages out. To tell stories of climate change, diverse cultures, mental health, science, healthcare, women’s health, art, and more. I wanted to help individuals and organizations leverage their empathies for others and the planet.

I’m proud of the studio I’ve built. Because by using all the skillsets I’ve learned from big Ad, like using key techniques and practices to change public opinion, we’re helping nonprofits big and small tell their stories.

So maybe you’re like me, and you’ve got a lot of emotions. Maybe you haven’t started your nonprofit (please go for it, the world needs you!) or you’ve been on a long journey. I encourage you to lean into your superpower. Maybe yours is empathy. But maybe it’s: foresight, observation, strategy/planning, or tenacity. Pair that with your cause of choice, and you’re on your way.

And if you find you need support in figuring out how to tell your big story, I’ll use my superpowers to help you design your campaign, website, or brand that resonates with others.

We’ve got a lot of work to do to make the world a more equitable and just place. Let’s do it together.