Crossword Genius

Creator does without hint (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

designer

'creator' is the definition.
(designer is a kind of creator)

'does without hint' is the wordplay.
'does' becomes 'deer' (I've seen this in other clues).
'without' is an insertion indicator ('without' can be similar in meaning to 'outside').
'hint' becomes 'sign'.
'deer' going around 'sign' is 'DESIGNER'.

(Other definitions for designer that I've seen before include "Resigned to being the creator, of fashion say" , "Stylist" , "Person who creates or fashions things such as clothes" , "inventor" , "Style creator" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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