Introduction

As someone obsessed with tools, I've been following Adrien’s videos for a while—long before I started building Toolfolio!

It was refreshing to connect with someone who shares the same passion for finding the best tools in a haystack of tools created every day.

When we met, one of my first questions was why he gives away so much free value in his community —stuff that took him years to master. He explained that he was focused on providing quality value at this point, which he thought was more important at this stage. Right then, I knew he'd be the perfect person for the first Creator Story on Toolfolio.

Below are a few questions I asked Adrien that I believe will inspire creators to stop talking and start doing—because that’s really all it takes.

Who is Adrien Ninet?

Adrien: I'm 20 and live in France. I started my journey as an entrepreneur at 15 and discovered web design at 16. I quickly fell in love with it and spent two years freelancing to refine my skills.

At 18, I launched my own web design agency while also creating content. I briefly attended business school, but it didn’t feel right for me, so I dropped out. I've learned the most through hands-on experience—building, designing, and growing every day.

Most important Question:
As a Designer, What are the Tools you can't live without?

Adrien: I was expecting this question!

Since my primary source of income is my Web design agency, I got to go with Figma, SeeSaw, and Framer!

But there so many good tools out there which is why its so hard to answer this question. I recently found Relume and Lummi which I think are amazing products!

What inspired you to start creating tool spotlight videos, and how did you identify this niche?

Adrien: It started with passion. As a web designer, I’m always searching for tools and resources to boost productivity, design better websites, and deliver great results for my clients. This also helps me increase my rates.

I’ve always been curious about the new tools released each week. About two years ago, I noticed there wasn’t much educational content in this area. I decided to try it out, and the response was amazing. The strong interest I saw in this topic motivated me to keep going and improve my content over time.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first started creating content, and how did you overcome them?

Adrien: The biggest challenge was finding a consistent style for my content. At first, my content wasn’t focused on tools and resources. It was much broader. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what I truly wanted to share. But I believe this phase was necessary. Testing different formats and content types helped me discover what worked best for both me and my audience.

Dudu:
No single creator got it right on the first try!

Everything is about trial & error, or as i like to call it, trial and learning!

What strategies or tactics helped you grow your audience on Instagram and TikTok so quickly?

Adrien: I grew from 500 to 133,000 followers on Instagram in just eight months. My strategy was simple but very effective for Instagram, though TikTok—which I started two years ago—took longer to grow.

It all starts with thorough market research in your niche. You need to understand what type of content works well on the platform you want to grow on. I studied 50 influencers and took inspiration from specific details I liked in their content. For example, I liked the sound effects one creator used, the setup of another’s videos, and the color palette of a third.

Then, I created my own visual identity, set up a clear content calendar, and started creating. You don’t need expensive equipment—I film everything with my phone and a tripod. Standing out is essential. I believe this is what makes or breaks a content creator, no matter the niche.

How do you decide which tools to feature in your spotlight videos, and what makes a tool stand out to you?

Adrien: A tool has to be unique and solve a real problem for designers. If it doesn’t, there’s no point in featuring it. Tools with a “wow” factor are even better. The user interface (UI) is also important. Some tools are great, but if their UI isn’t well-designed, they don’t look good in videos.

Can you tell us about your free design community? What motivated you to start it, and how has it evolved?

Adrien: When I started learning web design, it was hard to find good resources online. That’s not the case anymore—there are amazing content creators teaching tools like Figma, often for free on YouTube. However, beginners still lack clear guidance. Questions like “What tools should I master?” or “Should I learn UX design or Design Thinking first?” often go unanswered.

That’s why I created Logiaweb. The community’s goal is to provide that guidance, along with educational resources and a discussion space where members can ask questions and get advice from experienced designers. We already have 8.5k members, and I have big plans for the future.

Dudu:
I relate to this a LOT!

When I first started I was lost trying to learn 5 different tools at once, just because i read somewhere that these skills will land you a job!

It's only when niched down to mastering one tool, Adobe illustrator.

How the community looks like once you join:

You can join for free here: Logiaweb Community

How has the design community impacted your personal growth and the way you approach content creation?

Adrien: Logiaweb has helped me connect with my audience, understand their challenges, and improve both my content and the community to better support them. Seeing people succeed in web design is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing I played a part in their journey.

With so much free content and a free community, how do you balance giving value with building a sustainable business?

Adrien: Right now, most of my income comes from my web design agency. I also earn from sponsored posts, which helps me maintain the community and keep things running.

What advice would you give to creators who want to build a meaningful community?

Adrien: First, understand that building an audience takes time. It might take a month or even a year to see results, but it’s worth it when you do. Ask yourself: Do I really want an audience? Am I ready for criticism? That’s the only downside I’ve found—everything else is rewarding.

The daily messages I receive encouraging me to continue making videos are incredibly motivating. It feels great to know that my work truly helps people—that’s one of the most satisfying parts of what I do.

If you’re ready, start creating content now. Follow the strategy I shared earlier, stay consistent, and you’ll grow—it’s guaranteed.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects, goals, or aspirations for your content and community?

Adrien: I’m always focused on improving, in every aspect of life. Logiaweb will see big changes in the coming months. I’m also working on side projects, including launching my YouTube channel this year. I’m really excited about what’s ahead—and this is just the beginning.

Conclusions

This is the first of many Creator Stories where my goal is to uncover insights through conversation that offer value, fresh perspective, and inspire everyone—whether you're already creating or just starting out—to take action.

I hope these stories spark new ideas and motivate you to push the boundaries of your own creative journey.