Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Harder.
Hi Tyler, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been drawn to creating things. Growing up, I spent a lot of time teaching myself design, experimenting with Photoshop, and finding ways to turn ideas into visuals. What started as a hobby eventually became a career.
Today, I work as an AVP and Digital Designer in the financial services industry, where I design digital experiences, websites, email campaigns, and marketing materials used by customers and teams across the country. Alongside my corporate work, I continue to take on freelance and passion projects ranging from branding and apparel design to sports graphics and creative campaigns.
One thing that has remained consistent throughout my career is my curiosity. I’ve never wanted to limit myself to a single style or niche. Whether I’m building a user interface, developing a brand identity, creating promotional artwork, or designing for social media, I enjoy the challenge of solving problems through design.
Based in Nashville, I’ve spent the last several years refining both my creative and professional skills while building a body of work that reflects who I am as a designer. I’m still learning, still experimenting, and still looking for new ways to create work that connects with people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most creative careers, it definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to balance creativity with business objectives. Early on, I was focused almost entirely on making things look good. Over time, I learned that successful design is about solving problems, communicating clearly, and creating work that serves a purpose.
Another challenge was developing confidence in my own work. Design is subjective, and it’s easy to compare yourself to other creatives, especially with social media making everyone’s best work visible all the time. Learning to trust my instincts while still being open to feedback was an important part of my growth.
I’ve also had to adapt as the industry has evolved. New technologies, changing trends, and the rise of AI have all changed how designers work. Rather than viewing those changes as obstacles, I’ve tried to see them as opportunities to learn new skills and expand what’s possible creatively.
Like many professionals, I’ve experienced setbacks, revisions, projects that didn’t go as planned, and moments where I questioned whether I was progressing fast enough. Looking back, those experiences were often the most valuable because they forced me to improve, stay adaptable, and continue growing.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that creative growth isn’t always linear. The work, the opportunities, and the confidence tend to compound over time if you’re willing to stay consistent and keep showing up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Digital Designer working in the financial services industry, where I create everything from user experiences and websites to marketing campaigns, emails, print materials, and branded digital content. While my professional role is focused on solving business challenges through design, I’ve always had a strong passion for creativity outside of work as well.
Over the years, I’ve become known for combining strategic thinking with strong visual execution. Whether I’m designing a large-scale marketing campaign, creating content for sports and music communities, or building branding systems for businesses, I enjoy taking an idea and turning it into something that connects with people.
What I’m most proud of is the body of work I’ve built through consistency. Many of my best projects weren’t the result of a single breakthrough moment but years of learning, experimenting, and refining my craft. I’ve worked across digital, print, branding, social media, motion graphics, and UI/UX design, which has allowed me to develop a versatile skill set and adapt to a wide range of creative challenges.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with practicality. I enjoy creating visually compelling work, but I also believe good design should solve problems, communicate clearly, and serve a purpose. Whether it’s a corporate project, a brand identity, or a passion project, I approach each piece with the same goal: create something meaningful that people remember.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A few resources have had a meaningful impact on both my professional and personal growth over the years.
One book that has stuck with me is *Don’t Make Me Think* by Steve Krug. Its core message—that good design should feel intuitive and effortless for the user—has influenced how I approach everything from websites and user interfaces to broader design decisions. It’s a simple concept, but one that becomes more important the longer you work in the industry.
I’m also a regular learner through online resources, especially YouTube, where I’ve picked up countless techniques and insights from other designers, photographers, and creatives. The accessibility of information today makes it easier than ever to learn new skills and stay current with evolving tools and trends.
Instagram has also become a valuable source of inspiration. I follow designers, artists, photographers, sports creatives, and agencies from around the world, and seeing how others approach their work often sparks new ideas or encourages me to experiment with different techniques.
Beyond specific platforms, I find a lot of inspiration in the creative work itself. Whether it’s sports branding, music artwork, photography, digital experiences, or emerging technology, I enjoy studying how other people solve problems and communicate ideas visually.
More than any individual resource, though, I’ve found that curiosity and consistency are what make the biggest difference. Continuing to learn, experiment, and create over time has been the most valuable part of my growth.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies by project and is available upon request.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madebyharder.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeby.harder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madeby.harder
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tharder93/
