




I help designers make more money
and get their flowers.



Being a designer
is one of the best jobs
in the world

Why aren’t more designers living like it? You didn’t become a designer to be bored, broke, or burned out.
Why aren’t more designers living like it? You didn’t become a designer to be bored, broke, or burned out.
You spent years mastering your craft; you can make anything functional and beautiful. But nobody taught you how to price it, sell it, lead with it, or build a life around it.
Somewhere along the way, the industry convinced you that loving the work should be enough. That asking for more money is greedy. That leading a team means you’re not a “real” designer anymore. That wanting a life outside of work is a lack of passion.
Nonsense. The best designers don’t just make great work. They change the lives of the people who interact with the things they make—and that should change your life too. You can do the work you love and build the life you want.
I’m living proof. Over my 28-year career, I’ve worked for web design companies & digital ad agencies; ran my own agency SuperFriendly for a decade and then sold it; started 5 companies; wrote 3 books; built a renowned personal brand; and made more money than I’d ever imagined. I’ve also supported my wife’s passions; attended every one of my kids’ theater performances and field hockey games; cooked dinner a few times a week; and did a 3-continent, 1-month trip with my family. All while working 40–50 hours a week.
You don’t have to choose between a successful, lucrative career and a fulfilling personal and family life. If that sounds like the kind of life and career you’d like to have, this website is my attempt to share all my “secrets” with you. Thanks for being here, and here’s to you being able to design your life on purpose.

I’ve spent the last 27 years working for and with some of the most well-known brands in the world
I’ve spent the last 27 years working for and with some of the most well-known brands in the world
I’ve spent the last 27 years working for and with some of the most well-known brands in the world














greatest
hits
greatest
hits
greatest
hits
posts written
posts written
Since 2005
Since 2005
and counting
and counting
I've written hundreds of articles over the years
but these three essays seem to resonate with readers the most.
If you're new here, start with these pieces to get a good sense of how I think about design, collaboration, and creative work.
I've written hundreds of articles over the years
but these five essays seem to resonate with readers the most. If you're new here, start with these pieces to get a good sense of how I think about design, collaboration, and creative work.
All Topics
01
The Business
of Design
The Business
of Design
The Business
of Design
Get paid well and build something that lasts.
Get paid well and build something that lasts.
Get paid well and build something that lasts.
02
Design Leadership
Design Leadership
Design Leadership
Lead people, shape culture, and make better decisions.
Lead people, shape culture, and make better decisions.
Lead people, shape culture, and make better decisions.
Dan is an educator, mentor, and most importantly, a friend. He is a leader who helps others realize their superpowers and deliver their best work, all while showing how to enjoy the ride. The things I’ve learned from him will forever be key parts of my DNA as a designer.
Julia Fernandez
,
Senior Product Designer
,
Meta
Dan is exceedingly generous with his time, advice, resources, and knowledge. He’s the best mentor I have ever had.
Riley Sykes
,
Lead Product Designer
,
The New York Times
As a new leader, Dan helped me find and create clarity for our team, not by giving me all the answers, but by helping me grow and find the confidence to chart our path forward together.
Mikaila Weaver
,
Principal Designer
,
Eventbrite
Working with Dan has been truly career-changing. His influence still shapes how I tackle project possibilities and solutions.
Lauren Deal
,
Executive Producer
,
Instrument
I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to learn anymore at work. Working with Dan changed that.
Norel Hassan
,
Product Design Director
,
The New York Times
Dan is a phenomenon. He is equal parts analytical and intuitive, collaborative and focused, tenacious and calm. He’s one of the finest people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
Michael Lebowitz
,
Founder & Executive Chairman
,
Big Spaceship
Dan’s attention to detail and lusciously rich arsenal of knowledge in both design and code make him an amazing collaborator and leader. He is a great teacher, mentor, friend, and a genuinely exceptional human being.
Benjamin Bojko
,
Creative Tech Director
Dan has one of the best minds for design in our industry, but he takes it so much further in his unparalleled grace and his seamless collaboration.
Mike Kenny
,
Director, Experience Design
,
Justworks
Dan has an unparalleled ability to articulate his ideas and nurture yours. He’s bursting with integrity, and it comes across in everything he touches.
Victor Pineiro
,
Director of Digital Innovation & Creators
,
HBO | Max
Dan’s wisdom echoes for miles. The only thing that rivals his passion for creating amazing work is his ridiculously large sneaker collection.
Jay Quercia
,
Art Director & Illustrator
Dan has vision and is able to see the potential in anything he touches. He never stops thinking about what can be done better, which leads to fresh, smart, and original work.
Sabah Kosoy
,
Staff UX Program Manager, Bard
,
Dan is a powerful leader who honors everyone’s input.
Rebecca Mitchell
,
Co-head Corporate Communications
,
Point72
Dan is a very special blend of leader, teacher, and experience. He’s contagious.
S. Jason Prohaska
,
Managing Director
,
Media.Monks
If I closed my eyes and thought of five people I’d want to work with for the rest of my life, Dan would be one of the five. Doesn’t matter what the project is.
Jamie Kosoy
,
Engineering Manager
,
Stripe
Dan isn’t just knowledgeable; he’s got this endearing presence. When he speaks, I’m compelled to listen.
Eric Odom
,
Co-founder
,
Art Dept. Club
Working with Dan early on in my career was a major turning point for me and helped change the way I think about teamwork and leadership.
Carlos Andujar
,
Product Designer
Dan was the biggest impact in my design career while I was at my last agency.
Shubh Singhi
,
CEO
,
Distilled Strategy
I still have so much more to learn, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Dan. I’m a bit more of an unapologetic Dan Mall lifer™.
Zach McNair
,
Founder & ECD
,
All Manner of US
Dan’s ability to teach is both innovative and deeply personal.
Kevin Deal
,
Front-end Developer
I’m grateful to have Dan as a mentor to call on. He answers the call and listens. He asks tough questions that point me back to my core values, and he shares the truth of his own struggles so that I don't feel alone.
Audrey Pray, Jr.
,
Founder & CEO
,
A2 Collective
I had such a valuable experience working with Dan Mall. He broke down topics into clear, actionable steps that were easily achievable. I left every session energized and confident.
Robert Johnson

Dan is an educator, mentor, and most importantly, a friend. He is a leader who helps others realize their superpowers and deliver their best work, all while showing how to enjoy the ride. The things I’ve learned from him will forever be key parts of my DNA as a designer.
Julia Fernandez
,
Senior Product Designer
,
Meta
Dan is exceedingly generous with his time, advice, resources, and knowledge. He’s the best mentor I have ever had.
Riley Sykes
,
Lead Product Designer
,
The New York Times
As a new leader, Dan helped me find and create clarity for our team, not by giving me all the answers, but by helping me grow and find the confidence to chart our path forward together.
Mikaila Weaver
,
Principal Designer
,
Eventbrite
Working with Dan has been truly career-changing. His influence still shapes how I tackle project possibilities and solutions.
Lauren Deal
,
Executive Producer
,
Instrument
I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to learn anymore at work. Working with Dan changed that.
Norel Hassan
,
Product Design Director
,
The New York Times
Dan is a phenomenon. He is equal parts analytical and intuitive, collaborative and focused, tenacious and calm. He’s one of the finest people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
Michael Lebowitz
,
Founder & Executive Chairman
,
Big Spaceship
Dan’s attention to detail and lusciously rich arsenal of knowledge in both design and code make him an amazing collaborator and leader. He is a great teacher, mentor, friend, and a genuinely exceptional human being.
Benjamin Bojko
,
Creative Tech Director
Dan has one of the best minds for design in our industry, but he takes it so much further in his unparalleled grace and his seamless collaboration.
Mike Kenny
,
Director, Experience Design
,
Justworks
Dan has an unparalleled ability to articulate his ideas and nurture yours. He’s bursting with integrity, and it comes across in everything he touches.
Victor Pineiro
,
Director of Digital Innovation & Creators
,
HBO | Max
Dan’s wisdom echoes for miles. The only thing that rivals his passion for creating amazing work is his ridiculously large sneaker collection.
Jay Quercia
,
Art Director & Illustrator
Dan has vision and is able to see the potential in anything he touches. He never stops thinking about what can be done better, which leads to fresh, smart, and original work.
Sabah Kosoy
,
Staff UX Program Manager, Bard
,
Dan is a powerful leader who honors everyone’s input.
Rebecca Mitchell
,
Co-head Corporate Communications
,
Point72
Dan is a very special blend of leader, teacher, and experience. He’s contagious.
S. Jason Prohaska
,
Managing Director
,
Media.Monks
If I closed my eyes and thought of five people I’d want to work with for the rest of my life, Dan would be one of the five. Doesn’t matter what the project is.
Jamie Kosoy
,
Engineering Manager
,
Stripe
Dan isn’t just knowledgeable; he’s got this endearing presence. When he speaks, I’m compelled to listen.
Eric Odom
,
Co-founder
,
Art Dept. Club
Working with Dan early on in my career was a major turning point for me and helped change the way I think about teamwork and leadership.
Carlos Andujar
,
Product Designer
Dan was the biggest impact in my design career while I was at my last agency.
Shubh Singhi
,
CEO
,
Distilled Strategy
I still have so much more to learn, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Dan. I’m a bit more of an unapologetic Dan Mall lifer™.
Zach McNair
,
Founder & ECD
,
All Manner of US
Dan’s ability to teach is both innovative and deeply personal.
Kevin Deal
,
Front-end Developer
I’m grateful to have Dan as a mentor to call on. He answers the call and listens. He asks tough questions that point me back to my core values, and he shares the truth of his own struggles so that I don't feel alone.
Audrey Pray, Jr.
,
Founder & CEO
,
A2 Collective
I had such a valuable experience working with Dan Mall. He broke down topics into clear, actionable steps that were easily achievable. I left every session energized and confident.
Robert Johnson

Dan is an educator, mentor, and most importantly, a friend. He is a leader who helps others realize their superpowers and deliver their best work, all while showing how to enjoy the ride. The things I’ve learned from him will forever be key parts of my DNA as a designer.
Julia Fernandez
,
Senior Product Designer
,
Meta
Dan is exceedingly generous with his time, advice, resources, and knowledge. He’s the best mentor I have ever had.
Riley Sykes
,
Lead Product Designer
,
The New York Times
As a new leader, Dan helped me find and create clarity for our team, not by giving me all the answers, but by helping me grow and find the confidence to chart our path forward together.
Mikaila Weaver
,
Principal Designer
,
Eventbrite
Working with Dan has been truly career-changing. His influence still shapes how I tackle project possibilities and solutions.
Lauren Deal
,
Executive Producer
,
Instrument
I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to learn anymore at work. Working with Dan changed that.
Norel Hassan
,
Product Design Director
,
The New York Times
Dan is a phenomenon. He is equal parts analytical and intuitive, collaborative and focused, tenacious and calm. He’s one of the finest people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
Michael Lebowitz
,
Founder & Executive Chairman
,
Big Spaceship
Dan’s attention to detail and lusciously rich arsenal of knowledge in both design and code make him an amazing collaborator and leader. He is a great teacher, mentor, friend, and a genuinely exceptional human being.
Benjamin Bojko
,
Creative Tech Director
Dan has one of the best minds for design in our industry, but he takes it so much further in his unparalleled grace and his seamless collaboration.
Mike Kenny
,
Director, Experience Design
,
Justworks
Dan has an unparalleled ability to articulate his ideas and nurture yours. He’s bursting with integrity, and it comes across in everything he touches.
Victor Pineiro
,
Director of Digital Innovation & Creators
,
HBO | Max
Dan’s wisdom echoes for miles. The only thing that rivals his passion for creating amazing work is his ridiculously large sneaker collection.
Jay Quercia
,
Art Director & Illustrator
Dan has vision and is able to see the potential in anything he touches. He never stops thinking about what can be done better, which leads to fresh, smart, and original work.
Sabah Kosoy
,
Staff UX Program Manager, Bard
,
Dan is a powerful leader who honors everyone’s input.
Rebecca Mitchell
,
Co-head Corporate Communications
,
Point72
Dan is a very special blend of leader, teacher, and experience. He’s contagious.
S. Jason Prohaska
,
Managing Director
,
Media.Monks
If I closed my eyes and thought of five people I’d want to work with for the rest of my life, Dan would be one of the five. Doesn’t matter what the project is.
Jamie Kosoy
,
Engineering Manager
,
Stripe
Dan isn’t just knowledgeable; he’s got this endearing presence. When he speaks, I’m compelled to listen.
Eric Odom
,
Co-founder
,
Art Dept. Club
Working with Dan early on in my career was a major turning point for me and helped change the way I think about teamwork and leadership.
Carlos Andujar
,
Product Designer
Dan was the biggest impact in my design career while I was at my last agency.
Shubh Singhi
,
CEO
,
Distilled Strategy
I still have so much more to learn, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Dan. I’m a bit more of an unapologetic Dan Mall lifer™.
Zach McNair
,
Founder & ECD
,
All Manner of US
Dan’s ability to teach is both innovative and deeply personal.
Kevin Deal
,
Front-end Developer
I’m grateful to have Dan as a mentor to call on. He answers the call and listens. He asks tough questions that point me back to my core values, and he shares the truth of his own struggles so that I don't feel alone.
Audrey Pray, Jr.
,
Founder & CEO
,
A2 Collective
I had such a valuable experience working with Dan Mall. He broke down topics into clear, actionable steps that were easily achievable. I left every session energized and confident.
Robert Johnson


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Pricing projects can feel tricky,
but it doesn’t have to.
Pricing projects can feel tricky,
but it doesn’t have to.
Books I’m Currently Reading
All links are affiliate links.
All links are affiliate links.

Helping designers get their flowers.
45,601 followers
•
15,979 connections

45,100 followers
6,458 subscribers
•
79 videos

6,296 followers
•
221 posts
This site is typeset in Bueno by Rajesh Rajput, Thermal by Reset Type Studio, Mark by Hannes von Döhren and Christoph Koeberlin, Manteca by Emyself Design, and Inter by Rasmus Andersson.
This is version 6.0.2 of my personal website. Older versions: v5, v4, v3, v2 (no longer online), v1 (no longer online).
Black lives matter.
© Dan Mall Teaches 2005–2026. All rights reserved.
Made proudly in Philly. Thou shalt not steal—but feel free to remix.


Helping designers get their flowers.
45,601 followers
•
15,979 connections

45,100 followers
6,458 subscribers
•
79 videos

6,296 followers
•
221 posts
This site is typeset in Bueno by Rajesh Rajput, Thermal by Reset Type Studio, Mark by Hannes von Döhren and Christoph Koeberlin, Manteca by Emyself Design, and Inter by Rasmus Andersson.
This is version 6.0.2 of my personal website. Older versions: v5, v4, v3, v2 (no longer online), v1 (no longer online).
Black lives matter.
© Dan Mall Teaches 2005–2026. All rights reserved.
Made proudly in Philly. Thou shalt not steal—but feel free to remix.


Helping designers get their flowers.
45,601 followers
•
15,979 connections

45,100 followers
6,458 subscribers
•
79 videos

6,296 followers
•
221 posts
This site is typeset in Bueno by Rajesh Rajput, Thermal by Reset Type Studio, Mark by Hannes von Döhren and Christoph Koeberlin, Manteca by Emyself Design, and Inter by Rasmus Andersson.
This is version 6.0.2 of my personal website. Older versions: v5, v4, v3, v2 (no longer online), v1 (no longer online).
Black lives matter.
© Dan Mall Teaches 2005–2026. All rights reserved.
Made proudly in Philly. Thou shalt not steal—but feel free to remix.







