Looking for actionable insights on how to thrive in the world of design? In this exclusive, members-only feature, Miami-based designer, educator, and mentor Kenzie Leon Perry—creative director at Ze Haus Design Studio, adjunct professor at Florida International University, and instructor at IIDA’s Design Your World program—shares 15 key lessons on creativity, mentorship, and professional growth. From tips on embracing your personal background to breaking traditional design rules, Leon Perry’s advice is packed with practical takeaways for aspiring designers and educators alike. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your design practice, these insights will guide your journey and help you push creative boundaries along the way.

We ask Leon Perry to "complete the sentences" below:

1. I encourage young designers to embrace their unique backgrounds by…
Drawing inspiration from their personal experiences, cultures, and heritage. Their individual stories can be a powerful source of creativity that sets them apart and adds depth to their design work. By incorporating these unique elements, they bring authenticity and diversity to the projects they create, enriching the design landscape as a whole.

2. The most important professional skills I focus on teaching are…
Critical thinking, adaptability, and communication. I stress the importance of being able to problem-solve creatively, adapt to evolving industry trends, and clearly convey ideas to clients, collaborators, and audiences. I also emphasize the value of technical skills like hand sketching, research, and graphic design, ensuring that students are well-rounded and capable of thriving in both traditional and digital environments.

3. To stay relevant in the ever-changing design world, I advise my students to…
Seek out television shows and print media relevant to other design professionals and to learn about their philosophies and processes, enhancing their design practices and increasing their awareness.

4. I believe collaboration is important because…
It challenges your perspective and way of thinking about design and teaches you how to adapt your ideas to include other points of view.

7. My goal for every student I mentor is…
To provide honest critique for improvement, encourage creative thinking, and create a positive environment to motivate them.

8. The greatest impact of IIDA’s Design Your World program is…
The personal relationships made and the sense of community shared between the students, instructors, and design professionals who sponsor and volunteer.

9. One time I saw a young designer turn a challenge into an opportunity was when…
She overcame her fear of public speaking and confidently presented her project to a large audience. She also used her learning disadvantages by focusing on her strengths as a visual artist, contributing beautiful renderings to her group project.

13. The one thing I’ve learned about design that still surprises me is…
How subjective it is, and when I witness other eccentric design points of view, it encourages me to be more experimental with my design ideas.

14. If I could collaborate with any designer, living or dead, it would be…
Justina Blakeney.

15. The most rewarding part of watching my students grow is…
Knowing that I was able to contribute to their success and leave a part of my legacy within them.

Visit the table of contents for more Perspective: State of Education