As a beginner designer diving into this creative world, there are countless tips you might come across daily. But in this post and its upcoming parts, I won’t offer you traditional advice or clichés that remind you of your grandma’s sayings. Instead, I’ll share some key points to keep in mind, hoping they’ll help and energize you to move forward in your design career.
1- You’re Not the Only Designer
Don’t think you’re the only designer in the world, or that you’re the only one who will face challenges. There are always newcomers entering this world, and others leaving it.
2- There’s Always Someone Better
No matter how good you are at what you do, there’s always another designer with different strengths and skills. Don’t waste time dwelling on this—focus on improving yourself and your work.
3- Success Isn’t Limited
When someone fails in their work, it doesn’t mean your chances of success increase. Similarly, the success of others doesn’t mean your chances diminish.
4- You Can’t Score Without a Goal
If you don’t know what you want, how will you continue? You need to have clear goals for your career, and a vision of your future in this field.
5- Starting Anything Requires Energy
Like anything in life, when you want to start something new, you need to gather your energy, motivate yourself, and think positively.
6- The Path Is Easier Than You Think
The design career requires three essential elements: hard work, renewed energy, and a pleasant personality. Don’t forget the last one—it’s your ticket to longevity in this field.
7- Positive Self-Image
You need to see yourself as the person you want others to see. Don’t get discouraged about your abilities, and avoid filling your environment with negative vibes.
8- Start Confidently, Build Your Portfolio
Your personal portfolio is the story of your professional life. Don’t make excuses to delay starting it.
9- Keep Updating Your Work
Don’t stop refining your portfolio. Three strong designs are better than ten weak ones. Remember, everyone is looking for quality, not quantity.
10- Listen to Your Passion
If you don’t love your work, no one else will. Make sure you’re always enjoying what you do and feel the desire to keep progressing.
11- Make Your Work Easy to See and Understand
People are lazy—take advantage of that by making your work easy to showcase and understand. Use JPG images or PDF files to display your work and explain your ideas.
12- The Personal Touch
Potential clients are drawn to a personal touch. Handwritten headlines, sincere and kind messages—they all encourage clients to work with you.
13- The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For
When you get a new client, avoid jokes or tricks. The client has likely seen everything about you before contacting you, so be thankful and act naturally.
14- Don’t Start Without Payment
A person who asks you to work for free, without at least covering the basic costs, doesn’t value your work. They want it because it’s free.
15- Social Life Is Necessary
Build good relationships with designers, developers, professionals, and employers. Don’t miss out on connecting with anyone who deserves recognition.
16- Not Developing Yourself Is the Beginning of the End
You can stop upgrading your workplace or tools, but never stop developing yourself.
17- Friendships with Printers
If you’re a graphic designer dealing with print work, friendships with printers are invaluable. You’ll discover why for yourself.
To be continued…