aLIVE 1.0

a rigorous Framework for Designers

to go live 🌎 with their personal website 🎨 on Framer against all odds ⛈️

but why do we need a website?

let’s dive deeper. watch the induction video

beyond portfolios  Your Digital Identity

A personal website is your digital canvas — it’s more than just a portfolio. It’s where your journey, your creativity, and your unique identity come to life. It’s not just about showcasing projects; it’s about sharing your story, your vision, and your personal brand with the world. It’s where you tell the world who you are as a designer and a thinker, where your work, your ideas, and your values resonate together. Your personal website is where your voice is heard, and where your design speaks for itself. Think of it as your professional home on the internet — one that you proudly build and invite others into.

Elevate
Beyond the Norm

The design world has evolved. Once, a spark of interest could open doors; today, the threshold has risen. Interns now bring what seasoned designers did years ago, raising the bar for all. In this dynamic arena, a personal website is your differentiator. It’s where you break from the generic, showcasing not just your work, but your individuality and the unique value you bring to the table. It’s your space to not just compete, but to set new standards.

Introduce Yourself, Not Just Your Work

Think of your personal website as your introduction at a gathering. It's where you share 'who you are' before 'what you've done'. People connect with people, not just projects. Your unique experiences, interests, and personality are what set you apart in a world of similar portfolios. Let your website reflect the distinct individual behind the designs, then let your work underline your expertise. It's your story, your brand, your introduction — make it as uniquely captivating as you are.

the common blockers

Overwhelm: The Case Study Mountain

Facing the mountain of crafting a case study can be daunting. Each one demands a narrative, from the initial problem statement to the final design interactions. It's a comprehensive task that can overshadow even the most determined designer.

The Learning Curve: New Tools, New Challenges

Every new tool introduces a learning curve that can feel like a blockade to progress. The prospect of mastering Framer, while exciting, can also be a subtle instigator of delay for those unfamiliar with its workings.

Procrastination: The Hurdle of Hesitation

Procrastination often follows overwhelm like a shadow. The mere thought of sifting through past projects for details, or the sight of an endless to-do list, can make delaying the task seem like the easier path.

but there
is a solution

Find
Your 'Why'

Identify the driving force that pushes you through tough days. It could be a dream job, a personal milestone, or a promise to yourself. This 'why' should be a beacon, strong enough to reignite your motivation even when the journey gets tough. Remember, the strength of your 'why' determines the depth of your resolve.

Simplify
with Milestones

Tackle the big tasks by breaking them into smaller, manageable milestones. Each milestone is a step forward, turning a lofty goal into a series of achievable wins. This way, progress is always within reach, and the path forward is clear.

United in
Community and Support

Embrace the journey with peers who share your path. Our community offers not just companionship, but also mutual support. Drawing inspiration from Build 1.0 and 2.0, we've seen the power of supporting and being supported. This collective dynamic not only eases individual struggles but also amplifies everyone's growth, making the journey less daunting and more rewarding.

Stand Tall with Accountability

Declare your intentions to the world and let your commitment be known. This isn't just a goal; it's a pledge to yourself, upheld by the esteem in which you hold your word. It's about the promise made aloud and the personal reputation that backs it up.

All these solutions are woven into a framework you're about to explore. It's designed to guide, support, and challenge you. Scroll down to see how this framework can be the blueprint for your success.

the 3 step framework
Commit, Craft & Share
Duration: 3 months
month 01
Commit // 1.0
get Framer
Kick off your portfolio journey with a tangible commitment — secure your Framer Pro membership. This isn't just a purchase; it's your entry into the framework. Here's the catch: we've secured a 25% refund for those who sign up for the ProSite Yearly plan. Consider this as your initial investment in bringing your portfolio to life.
Commit // 1.1
Steps
1. Use our community link to head over to Framer: https://www.framer.com?via=designdrug 2. Choose and purchase the ProSite Yearly plan. 3. Send an email using the template provided below to : andreas.vandergriendt@framer.com 
Here's how it works:
(Asked to select workspace plan?, Select Basic. It doesn’t affect you unless you add multiple editors)
Commit // 1.2
the email
Subject: Framer ProSite Yearly Plan - Design Drug Exclusive 25% Refund Request Dear Andreas, As a Design Drug community member, I've subscribed to Framer's ProSite Yearly plan. I am reaching out to request the special 25% refund as discussed.  * Email on Framer: [Your Email] * Invoice ID: [Your Invoice ID] Excited to create with Framer, and thank you for this opportunity! Best regards,
They've assured us that the refund process will be swift once you reach out. 
Commit // 1.3
Basic?
For those who feel the Basic plan suffices, That’s okay. Sadly we can’t offer a deal on it as of now. But please still use our community link to access Framer. https://www.framer.com?via=designdrug  This helps us create a strong case with Framer to share the Alive framework's impact & open possibilities for deals on the basic plan as well. We’ll keep the conversations open on this with their team & try our best.
Commit // 2.0
Make it Public
This step is about making a promise, not just to yourself, but to the world. Share your commitment on your socials that you’re onto creating something amazing. Use this as a moment to declare your goals and invite others to witness your growth. It's not about boasting; it's about setting a clear intention and inviting camaraderie & inspiring your network and beyond.
Commit // 2.1
the post
Hello! 👋 I've joined the #aLIVE 1.0 by 💊 DesignDrug, & I'm committed to bringing my website to life by April 2024. Witness me turn this goal into reality! Click here to join me [placeholder for link] & let's grow together! #MyWebsiteWillBeLiveInApril2024 #WatchMeGrow #Ddrug
craft // 1.0
Your Story
Your first task in the 'Craft' phase is to weave your unique narrative. Think of it as your two-line introduction that sets you apart. What aspects of your personality, experiences, and skills make you distinct? This isn't just about listing your achievements; it's about presenting the essence of who you are. Your story should flow naturally, like a conversation, revealing what defines you, your interests, past experiences, and the work that has shaped your journey. Remember, the way you stack these elements will craft the narrative that captivates visitors.
craft // 1.1
examples
https://vsk.design
Here’s some inspiration from others who've masterfully told their stories through their websites to guide you in finding and articulating yours.
https://jeevanshunarang.com
https://atulkhola.com
craft // 2.0
Embrace Framer
Dive into Framer, a tool that simplifies bringing your story to life. Framer's intuitive principles make it very accessible. It's about turning your narrative, designed in Figma, into a dynamic, responsive website. Plus, a pro tip: work section by section across different device sizes, rather than completing one device at a time. This approach saves time and ensures consistency across all views. Start shaping your story with Framer today - it's easier than you think!
craft // 2.1
Resources
https://framer.community/c/tutorials/
If you get stuck, don't worry. We've got a collection of resources and a supportive community ready to help
https://framer.university
https://framer.supply
month 02 & 03
craft // 3.0
the Case Studies
In the next phase, you'll craft two compelling case studies to enrich your personal website. Each case study is a storytelling opportunity, designed to hold a viewer's attention through every scroll. You've already laid the groundwork with your website narrative, now it's time to embed these case studies as integral parts of your story. Aim for one month per case study, ensuring depth without feeling rushed.
craft // 3.1
references
http://bit.ly/Nolo-casestudy
To guide you, here are some examples of case studies that masterfully maintain engagement. Embrace this phase as an opportunity to showcase not just your work, but how you think and solve problems in a visually compelling way.
https://www.vitthalbhat.com/pikkycasestudy password: Shampoo@1101
https://roastrover.framer.website
share // 1.0
progress
Inspire the community & your social circles with your designs on this journey. Love & appreciation from creatives will keep you onboard. & You’ll inspire many more to pick it up on the way
share // 1.1
discord
https://bit.ly/3e2cYx3
if you feel more comfortable sharing this within the community than outside, you can do so here in the ‘showcase’ channel
share // 1.2
Your Launch
Your final step is about marketing your masterpiece. Create a launch video or interactive shots to draw attention to your work. Focus on integrating motion, as dynamic visuals are more likely to catch the eye amidst static content on professional networks. These teasers are your bait to attract clicks and views, particularly from recruiters and senior designers scouting for talent like yours. Remember, the internet's currency is attention - earn it with captivating previews of your work. Don't worry if video editing isn't your forte; even a well-arranged series of interactive screens can make an impact.
share // 1.3
examples
https://bit.ly/3vsb1lZ
Here are some examples of successful launch teasers for inspiration, helping you understand how to make your case studies irresistible to click on.
https://bit.ly/47l7Cmu
https://bit.ly/3H2Y2Kd
share // 2.0
Inspire
As you launch your website, revisit your initial commitment post. Update it to announce your achievement, showcasing not just your design skills but your dedication and ability to follow through. This powerful message will not only highlight your journey but also inspire others to embark on their own.
share // 3.0
Amplify with #blast
To further amplify your reach, engage with the Design Drug community's 'Blast' framework. On your launch day, the community will collectively reshare your work, propelling it to a wider audience of potential recruiters, designers, and founders. It's a collaborative rocket boost for your professional visibility, demonstrating the strength and support of our community in your success journey. Our volunteers will support you with this.
that’s all folks

the 3 step framework
Commit, Craft & Share
Duration: 3 months
month 01
Commit // 1.0
get Framer
Kick off your portfolio journey with a tangible commitment — secure your Framer Pro membership. This isn't just a purchase; it's your entry into the framework. Here's the catch: we've secured a 25% refund for those who sign up for the ProSite Yearly plan. Consider this as your initial investment in bringing your portfolio to life.
Commit // 1.1
Steps
1. Use our community link to head over to Framer: https://www.framer.com?via=designdrug 2. Choose and purchase the ProSite Yearly plan. 3. Send an email using the template provided below to : andreas.vandergriendt@framer.com 
Here's how it works:
(Asked to select workspace plan?, Select Basic. It doesn’t affect you unless you add multiple editors)
Commit // 1.2
the email
Subject: Framer ProSite Yearly Plan - Design Drug Exclusive 25% Refund Request Dear Andreas, As a Design Drug community member, I've subscribed to Framer's ProSite Yearly plan. I am reaching out to request the special 25% refund as discussed.  * Email on Framer: [Your Email] * Invoice ID: [Your Invoice ID] Excited to create with Framer, and thank you for this opportunity! Best regards,
They've assured us that the refund process will be swift once you reach out. 
Commit // 1.3
Basic?
For those who feel the Basic plan suffices, That’s okay. Sadly we can’t offer a deal on it as of now. But please still use our community link to access Framer. https://www.framer.com?via=designdrug  This helps us create a strong case with Framer to share the Alive framework's impact & open possibilities for deals on the basic plan as well. We’ll keep the conversations open on this with their team & try our best.
Commit // 2.0
Make it Public
This step is about making a promise, not just to yourself, but to the world. Share your commitment on your socials that you’re onto creating something amazing. Use this as a moment to declare your goals and invite others to witness your growth. It's not about boasting; it's about setting a clear intention and inviting camaraderie & inspiring your network and beyond.
Commit // 2.1
the post
Hello! 👋 I've joined the #aLIVE 1.0 by 💊 DesignDrug, & I'm committed to bringing my website to life by April 2024. Witness me turn this goal into reality! Click here to join me [placeholder for link] & let's grow together! #MyWebsiteWillBeLiveInApril2024 #WatchMeGrow #Ddrug
craft // 1.0
Your Story
Your first task in the 'Craft' phase is to weave your unique narrative. Think of it as your two-line introduction that sets you apart. What aspects of your personality, experiences, and skills make you distinct? This isn't just about listing your achievements; it's about presenting the essence of who you are. Your story should flow naturally, like a conversation, revealing what defines you, your interests, past experiences, and the work that has shaped your journey. Remember, the way you stack these elements will craft the narrative that captivates visitors.
craft // 1.1
examples
https://vsk.design
Here’s some inspiration from others who've masterfully told their stories through their websites to guide you in finding and articulating yours.
https://jeevanshunarang.com
https://atulkhola.com
craft // 2.0
Embrace Framer
Dive into Framer, a tool that simplifies bringing your story to life. Framer's intuitive principles make it very accessible. It's about turning your narrative, designed in Figma, into a dynamic, responsive website. Plus, a pro tip: work section by section across different device sizes, rather than completing one device at a time. This approach saves time and ensures consistency across all views. Start shaping your story with Framer today - it's easier than you think!
craft // 2.1
Resources
https://framer.community/c/tutorials/
If you get stuck, don't worry. We've got a collection of resources and a supportive community ready to help
https://framer.university
https://framer.supply
month 02 & 03
craft // 3.0
the Case Studies
In the next phase, you'll craft two compelling case studies to enrich your personal website. Each case study is a storytelling opportunity, designed to hold a viewer's attention through every scroll. You've already laid the groundwork with your website narrative, now it's time to embed these case studies as integral parts of your story. Aim for one month per case study, ensuring depth without feeling rushed.
craft // 3.1
references
http://bit.ly/Nolo-casestudy
To guide you, here are some examples of case studies that masterfully maintain engagement. Embrace this phase as an opportunity to showcase not just your work, but how you think and solve problems in a visually compelling way.
https://www.vitthalbhat.com/pikkycasestudy password: Shampoo@1101
https://roastrover.framer.website
share // 1.0
progress
Inspire the community & your social circles with your designs on this journey. Love & appreciation from creatives will keep you onboard. & You’ll inspire many more to pick it up on the way
share // 1.1
discord
https://bit.ly/3e2cYx3
if you feel more comfortable sharing this within the community than outside, you can do so here in the ‘showcase’ channel
share // 1.2
Your Launch
Your final step is about marketing your masterpiece. Create a launch video or interactive shots to draw attention to your work. Focus on integrating motion, as dynamic visuals are more likely to catch the eye amidst static content on professional networks. These teasers are your bait to attract clicks and views, particularly from recruiters and senior designers scouting for talent like yours. Remember, the internet's currency is attention - earn it with captivating previews of your work. Don't worry if video editing isn't your forte; even a well-arranged series of interactive screens can make an impact.
share // 1.3
examples
https://bit.ly/3vsb1lZ
Here are some examples of successful launch teasers for inspiration, helping you understand how to make your case studies irresistible to click on.
https://bit.ly/47l7Cmu
https://bit.ly/3H2Y2Kd
share // 2.0
Inspire
As you launch your website, revisit your initial commitment post. Update it to announce your achievement, showcasing not just your design skills but your dedication and ability to follow through. This powerful message will not only highlight your journey but also inspire others to embark on their own.
share // 3.0
Amplify with #blast
To further amplify your reach, engage with the Design Drug community's 'Blast' framework. On your launch day, the community will collectively reshare your work, propelling it to a wider audience of potential recruiters, designers, and founders. It's a collaborative rocket boost for your professional visibility, demonstrating the strength and support of our community in your success journey. Our volunteers will support you with this.
that’s all folks

The Heart of Alive 1.0

Meet the team bringing our vision to life

atul khola
lead product designer, CRED • Founder, DesignDrug
Aman Saini
Product Designer, Athletic
Jahnavee Mehta
UI/UX Designer
Sabir Hassan
Sr.Product Designer, Mihup
Suresh M
Product Designer, CloudSEK
krishnkant nokwal
Product Designer, Wealth42

atul khola
lead product designer, CRED • Founder, DesignDrug
Aman Saini
Product Designer, Athletic
Jahnavee Mehta
UI/UX Designer
Sabir Hassan
Sr.Product Designer, Mihup
Suresh M
Product Designer, CloudSEK
krishnkant nokwal
Product Designer, Wealth42

atul khola
lead product designer, CRED • Founder, DesignDrug
Aman Saini
Product Designer, Athletic
Jahnavee Mehta
UI/UX Designer
krishnkant nokwal
Product Designer, Wealth42
Sabir Hassan
Sr.Product Designer, Mihup
Suresh M
Product Designer, CloudSEK

atul khola
lead product designer, CRED • Founder, DesignDrug
Aman Saini
Product Designer, Athletic
Jahnavee Mehta
UI/UX Designer
krishnkant nokwal
Product Designer, Wealth42
Sabir Hassan
Sr.Product Designer, Mihup
Suresh M
Product Designer, CloudSEK

Crafted with 🤍 by

a rigorous Framework for Designers

to go live 🌎 with their personal website 🎨 on Framer against all odds ⛈️