5 Tips for New and Aspiring Designers
I recently developed a new obsession…Reddit. While I realize I am a tad late to the Reddit craze, it has become a form of therapy for me. After a long day of class, when I feel like a fraud of designer, I relish the opportunity to get lost in the sea of comments on /r/graphic_design/.
I gravitate towards the comments posted by new designers, partly because I was once in their shoes, feeling lost and overwhelmed. Providing feedback and advice to aspiring designers has helped me realize that I am a knowledgeable designer with valuable experiences that others can learn from. It has also reinforced my desire to eventually teach graphic design. So, in honor of my few found obsession, here are 5 tips and pieces of advice for aspiring designers.
1. You don’t need an undergraduate degree in graphic design to become a successful designer.
Case and point — me. I have a B.S. in Marketing, and did not pursue a career in graphic design until after college. Although I used to regret not choosing graphic design, I now realize my marketing degree was a valuable decision that makes me a stronger designer. Through my background, I have a thorough understanding of marketing communications and brand management, which allows me to take a holistic approach to design.
Whatever your background is, there is value in it. Do not waste time berating yourself for not discovering your passion sooner. Spend your time learning and immersing yourself in the field of design.
2. Don’t take things personally.
You need to have thick skin to be a designer. Don’t be afraid of feedback and constructive criticism; it will make you a better designer. While it’s hard not to get attached to your work when you put your blood, sweet, and tears into it, remember that you are designing for a client. 99% of the time, there will be changes and revisions. Know this ahead of time, and be open-minded and receptive to criticism.
3. Get Experience.
How do you get experience if you don’t have experience? Consider volunteering with a non-profit. While I am not typically an advocate of working for free, it is a great way to get your foot in the door, especially without a formal design degree.
When I was beginning my career in graphic design, I volunteered with HandsOn Greater DC Cares. I gained valuable experience in print production and web design, and even had my designs featured on DC metro cars and buses. As I mentioned before, working for free is not ideal, but it can be a valuable educational experience in lieu of a design degree. Additionally, it’s a great way to boost your portfolio with real-client work.
4. Time is money.
There is a misconception that graphic designers need to create everything from scratch, meaning every icon, layout, or visual element. However, your job as a graphic designer is to create a visual solution within your client’s budgetary and time constraints. If your client has limited resources, it is okay to leverage existing tools and resources in your designs.
For instance, some of my freelance clients are non-profits or small businesses with limited budgets. In these cases, I often leverage my subscription to Freepik and incorporate and tailor ready-made icons and design elements. However, if I am doing a full brand identity for a client that has a higher budget, I will most likely create my own icons, patterns, and additional design elements. It all depends on the client.
5. Do not strive for perfection.
While this is still a personal battle for me, do not aim for perfection. There is always something you could have changed or done differently. I have wasted countless hours staring at a computer screen, obsessing over minute details. Learn when to walk away and accept that your design is good enough.
