Beginner Graphic Designers: 11 Pieces of Advice from the Pros
1. "Understand what you’re diving into" – Willkay
Willkay, a London-based artist and graphic designer, emphasizes the importance of thorough research. "One thing I wish I’d known when starting would have been to always gather more research and explore your subject matter in depth, so you understand what you are diving into and what may be useful for your project."
2. "No workplace is perfect" – Judith Raynault
Judith Raynault, a well-travelled designer and illustrator, advises that no workplace is perfect. "No workplace is perfect – be it as an employee or as self-employed – so choose one that allows you to live your version of success. This might take time to discover, and your version of success might change along the way, and that’s okay. Follow your curiosity and try all the things."
3. "Define what matters to you" – Liam Morrow
Liam Morrow, a multi-disciplinary creative and lecturer, suggests that understanding what matters to you is crucial. "Figure out what’s most important to you, in order to be able to take the right jobs and leave the ones that don’t align with your goals."
4. "Make a zine" – Alexandra Gallant-Lee
Alexandra Gallant-Lee, an artist, designer, illustrator, and cartoonist, recommends creating a zine as a passion project. "Everybody should make a zine about something they love, knowing that even if nobody else sees it, they have made something about a thing they love that is real and in the world and that they now get to hold in their hand."
5. "Know when to stop" – Lizzie Knott
Lizzie Knott, an illustrator and graphic designer, suggests knowing when to stop working on a project. "Take breaks and step back. It is so easy to overwork an illustration, especially when there isn’t a deadline or you’re really absorbed by the piece. Know when to stop, take a break from the work and step back to observe how it is coming along – you’ll often find that it gives you a new perspective."
6. "Don’t jump into freelance" – Von Glitschka
Von Glitschka, creative director of Glitschka Studios, advises against jumping into freelance work immediately. "Don’t jump into freelance immediately. Work for a design firm, or agency first. Get the base experience and learn from the seasoned pros, glean their insight. Along the way, work out your own creative process, taking cues from others’ experience, and dedicate yourself to improving it when you discover better methods observed from others."
7. "Hone your ideas early on" – Alixandria Wolfe
Alixandria Wolfe from Poppins Agency suggests that it’s never too early to hone your ideas. "Early on in your design career it’s all about craft – how good you are at bringing life to designs through your software skills. But at some point that switches to how good you are at coming up with the idea, or the thought that inspires a team to create something amazing. Hone that skill early on and it’ll make progressing in your career a lot smoother."
Conclusion
These 11 pieces of advice from the pros offer valuable insights for beginner graphic designers. From the importance of thorough research to knowing when to stop working on a project, these tips can help you navigate the early stages of your design career. Remember to always be open to learning, take breaks, and hone your ideas early on.
FAQs
Q: What is the most important thing to know when starting a design career?
A: Understand what you’re diving into, as recommended by Willkay.
Q: How do I choose the right workplace?
A: Choose a workplace that allows you to live your version of success, as advised by Judith Raynault.
Q: What is the best way to improve my design skills?
A: Hone your ideas early on, as suggested by Alixandria Wolfe.
Q: Should I jump into freelance work immediately?
A: No, it’s recommended to work for a design firm or agency first, as advised by Von Glitschka.
Q: How do I avoid overworking on a project?
A: Take breaks and step back, as recommended by Lizzie Knott.
