Design & Success - A Beginner’s Guide
Posted by derekbender | Filed under Design
In today’s design industry it takes a lot more than talent to succeed. Since going pro I have learned a few things through my observations and experiences. This guide is written to help the recent grads and those new to the wide world of design. Be it print, web or motion, it doesn’t matter, these tips will help you to keep afloat and eventually prosper in the design world.
Never Stop Learning
The web and technology, two things closely associated with design, are constantly changing. Web 2.0 and new technologies are reinventing the way we communicate and interact with each other. New products, like the Apple iPhone and Microsoft’s Surface, along with new web technologies are breaking down the old way of traditional design and interaction. New techniques, languages and software are helping push this new wave of change. If you stop learning, its already too late to catch up. This is why you must always keep up with new technology and trends. In the design world its pays to stay fresh and relevant. It is also important to keep your creativity new and fresh. Reading design magazines and browsing interesting and new websites is a good way to keep up with changes in trends.
Have an Awesome Portfolio
There is no way I would have been hired to my first job out of college without a solid portfolio. Load up your portfolio with your best work only; don’t ever put anything in that doesn’t make you look like the best thing since the iPhone. And always have a website. This is a must, even for print designers.
Build your Brand and Reputation
The most important piece of advice for a beginner is to brand yourself. You may not see an immediate payoff but sometime down the line you’ll get to see the difference it made. Make yourself a logo and business card. This will help people recognize and remember you. And when designing, don’t churn out sub-par work under any circumstance. Try to look at the project in a new way and make it stand out among the crowd. Not only will the client be happy with the design but they will recommend you to others who may need a designer. This is how you can build a reputation. You can also build a bad reputation so don’t be lazy.
Network, Network and Network
Remember those business cards you made with your logo when you branded yourself? Now is the time to use them. Whenever you talk to someone about what you do, a card exchange should accompany the conversation. Trade business cards and always remember names. Never be afraid to ask is they need a website or a logo; they may not but chances are they know someone who does. Whether for yourself or your company, always network.
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