Tips + Tricks for Graphic Designers
Ready to learn some nifty graphic design skills, but feeling overwhelmed with all the information out there in the wild? Trust me, I’ve been there. Let’s dive in, first you’ll want to get familiar with a design program. The most well-known creative program is Adobe Creative Suite. There are others like Canva, Sketch, and even online-based programs like Figma and InVision. Each program offers different features and applications. Selecting one program will help narrow down information overload.
The next step on your journey will be to:
1. Learn program skills
It is so important to get comfortable with the program you are using to create your work. There are so many resources available to do this. Below are just a few, but they have been essential in taking my design skills to the next level.
2. Discover a specialized style
Do you love taking photos, geek over fonts, or love playing with unique color palettes? If there is a specific look that you enjoy creating expand on it, chances are it may be the go-to look for your dream client.
3. Find a mentor
It’s easy to find yourself designing and then realize that we were built to connect with others. It is super helpful and beneficial to find someone in your industry that you can relate to. A mentor is there to validate experiences, encourage new ideas, and support business strategy and growth.
4. Master a social media channel
There are a ton of platforms to choose from and “be seen on” so it can be daunting. Get to know the ins and outs of one media channel! Pick your favorite social app and discover the best practices, understand the analytics, and plan for new technical opportunities. If you feel you are in a groove, you may want to explore a new platform.
5. Build a portfolio
This is key to showcasing the kind of work you want to be doing. Put together your portfolio and have it displayed on your website so that visitors can check out your work. If you don’t have a “real” client to feature that is ok, design a concept that features a product or service that you are really interested in. And let the design work speak for itself!
I hope you found these 5 tips helpful and are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
