A Design Journey Rooted in Family and Passion

Frans’ journey into design is a blend of family influence and personal curiosity. Growing up, he was surrounded by design as his parents were both industrial designers. While early exposure to the design world sparked his interest, it wasn’t until later that he realized it was more than just a career path—it was his calling. “Being raised by two industrial engineers, design was always part of my world”, he says.

“I became fascinated by how even the smallest design choices could shape the way something feels or functions.”

His design journey began at an early age, but as he refined his skills, the more he saw the potential for creating visually stunning experiences that could make a difference. This drive led him to professional design school and eventually to his career as a product designer, where he could experiment with his love for illustration and motion.

The Dribbble Connection

Dribbble played an instrumental role in shaping Frans’ career, a platform where his work evolved from personal projects to client-driven solutions. “I first discovered Dribbble through the community itself,” says Frans. “I’ve always told aspiring designers that the most important thing is to put yourself out there and show what you can do, and Dribbble gives you that opportunity.” It wasn’t long before Dribbble became a central part of his creative process. The platform, he explains, allowed him to showcase his work and helped him connect with like-minded designers, potential clients, and collaborators.

The Dribbble community was instrumental in refining his craft. “The quality of work on Dribbble is exceptional, and you can see the dedication that others put into their work,” he shares. “It’s a source of constant inspiration, and I’ve learned a lot by observing what others are doing.”

But the platform isn’t just about inspiration but also business. Through Dribbble’s Projects and Services features, Frans has secured freelance work and client projects, which he finds invaluable in building his portfolio and expanding his reach.

Designing with a Purpose: Motion, Illustration, and Storytelling

What differentiates Frans from many other designers is his seamless integration of illustration and motion design. To him, design isn’t just about making things look beautiful—it’s about creating experiences that resonate emotionally. “I see illustration and motion design as an intrinsic part of my design process,” he explains. “They’re not separate skills—they work together to create a cohesive story that can engage viewers in ways static visuals alone can’t.”

Among his sources of inspiration are the work of fellow illustrators and motion designers and his love of space and science. His work combines vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern design principles, creating a unique visual language that speaks to the viewer in a familiar and innovative language.

Building a Brand and Finding Clients Through Dribbble

Through his consistent engagement with Dribbble, Frans has developed a strong personal brand that reflects his commitment to quality and creativity. However, Dribbble is particularly valuable for him because the platform allows for easy client connections.

“I’ve been freelancing on Dribbble for a long time now, and I’ve had a great experience with the platform helping me find clients,” he says. “The Projects feature is especially helpful. It makes it easy to connect with clients, outline the scope of work, and get paid for your skills.”

Frans also believes that Dribbble’s emphasis on showcasing design skills through public profiles and work samples builds credibility. “Having a strong profile with consistent, high-quality work and feedback helps create social proof, which is key when attracting new clients.”

Advice for Aspiring Designers

Frans’ advice is simple yet powerful for aspiring designers looking to break into the industry:

“Put yourself out there. Share your work, engage with the community, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more you show, the more opportunities you’ll create.”

He emphasizes that Dribbble is the perfect place for designers to build a portfolio, collaborate, and find clients, but it’s up to the designer to make the most of the platform.

—

💭 Here’s what clients have to say about working with Frans:

“Frans is a truly exceptional designer. I wanted something functional yet beautiful, and he more than delivered. As a developer, it was a pleasure implementing his designs, which showed a real understanding of the engineering process, not just aesthetics–although the designs had plenty of that as well. I’ll definitely be working him in the future!”

“Frans is a really kind person. I loved working with him”

Frans Bergström’s story is a testament to the power of blending creativity, passion, and strategic self-promotion. His unique combination of illustration, motion, and product design has positioned him as a leading figure in the design world. And thanks to Dribbble, he can share his talents with the world, connect with clients, and continue to evolve as a designer. For Frans, design is not just a career—it’s an ongoing journey of exploration, learning, and, most importantly, sharing his vision with others.

About the Author: Olivia Hoskin is a freelance writer with a background in tech and marketing. A true design fan at heart, you’ll find her writing about the latest industry trends, technologies, and the inspiring endeavors of fellow creators. She’s a champion of remote work, a lover of responsible technology, and a fitness geek and enjoyer of the outdoors in her spare time. Find her at oliviahoskin.com.

• Find more Interviews stories on our blog Courtside. Have a suggestion? Contact stories@dribbble.com. *