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How I Became a Successful Graphic Designer Through Online Course
Our student Linda joined the Blue Sky Graphics online course two years ago. As of today, she is a successful graphic designer working as a freelancer and earning well. Here are some of the tips she followed that helped her reach where she is today.
How to become a successful designer:
Becoming a successful graphic designer is dependent on your talent and work rate, but there are a few tricks to hold you ahead of the competition. Understanding basic concepts will direct you to success in graphic design, from adding colours to your work to selecting the right style.
1. Experiment with various colours
When you have finished your work in whichever programme you are using, consider exporting it to Photoshop and experimenting with various colours to see which would work well for your project. Experiment with different colours before you find one that you want.
2. Never presume that everything is in order
If you wish to be a good designer, you must exclude the word “assume” from your vocabulary. Pre-print the job before shipping it to ensure that it is right and up to date.
3. Have justification for your conduct
There will be occasions when you need to deviate from the specifications given by your clients. They may not be interested, so you would need to be convincing enough to sell your plans and get the go-ahead.
4. Take frequent breaks
Do not get engrossed in your screen for long periods. Take frequent breaks. To give your mind a rest, go for a walk and get some fresh air. This refreshes your mind and body, and you will notice that it increases your imagination.
5. Participate in online forums
The majority of the best creative designers work from home, but this does not deter you from participating in forums. They encourage you to meet people from all over the world and exchange ideas that will propel your work forward. Collaboration with others is beneficial in the creation of a successful graphic designer.
6. Have a sketchbook with you at all times
Never undervalue the influence of a sketchbook. When you have a brilliant idea, start by sketching it out in a sketchbook. This helps you to catch and refine the concept before executing it on your computer. You will see that this improves your imagination over time.
7. Check the specifications
Before you begin designing, make sure you have all of the requirements in order. Many of the software you will use for your project should be ready to go, so download all of the plugins and applications you need to finish your design work.
8. Take a shower
We are not implying that you stink! It is just that taking a refreshing shower keeps your mind busy and creative. When you walk into a cold shower, your pulse rate increases, your breathing becomes more rapid, and your body tries to keep you warm. This mechanism oxygenates the brain, and the adrenaline surge from the elevated heart rhythm gives you a burst of energy. Additionally, being calm and comfortable will greatly improve your performance.
9. Make a map
Highlight sentences and keywords in your sketchbook and jot them down. Then, link them with lines and see if they add up. This exercise aims to get your creative juices flowing without overthinking them. You will soon learn that you have created a stunning template.
10. Read books
You must be a reader if you want to excel in something. There are thousands of graphic design books available to help you expand your skills. These books are available both online and in bookstores, and they will greatly expand your knowledge. Simply search for the ones that are most important to you – and then read them.
11. Uphold online standards
Being fully compliant with site standards gives the appearance that you are serious about your business. Many of the tools and applications used to meet web requirements must be current. And do not be afraid to invest in additional resources that you think can help you improve your job standards.
12. Stay up to date with the most recent events
Graphic design is a fast-paced career that demands you to keep up. Keep up to date with the new trends in the sector. Visit forums to see what others are thinking and to learn about the new apps that will help you with your work.
13 Save the job at regular intervals
Nothing is worse than wasting your hard work when you forgot to save it. This sort of blunder will put you in a difficult situation. You might not be able to replicate just what you missed, and you might miss a big deadline as a result. Stress can impair your artistic abilities, so save your job often to be on the safe side.
14. Collaborate with co-workers
Nobody is certain of everything. Meet with those in your profession and exchange ideas. Every work-related conversation you have with friends will teach you something different, and they will teach you something.
15. Do it correctly
Until sending work to customers, verify it many times to ensure that it is in working order. If you submit a proposal that does not work as they test it, your credibility suffers. Often double-check the final product to ensure that it performs flawlessly.
16. Keep your assets safe
The materials you use in your production work are priceless to you. It is critical that you keep them safe. It is a smart idea to keep the tools in their own folder to avoid inadvertently removing them and to protect them from viruses and malware.
17. Be as simple as you can
Keeping things straightforward can be difficult, particularly at the start of your career. When your knowledge and thoughts expand, you realise that it is best to keep your job as easy as possible. Simplicity makes your proposals more understandable to both you and your customer. Avoid using abstract themes, which would make the work seem hazy.
18. Acquire knowledge
Experience broadens and sharpens your abilities. Spend time every day studying new strategies and developing problem areas if you want to be a good artist. This keeps your skills sharp and allows you to progress. Over time, you will grow into the talented designer you aspire to be.
19. Purchase a new computer
Modern equipment is needed to ensure that the job runs smoothly and efficiently. A machine that is more than five years old must be upgraded in order to keep up with design and software developments. Technology progresses at such a rapid pace that you do not want to be using equipment that is incompatible with the most recent advancements in graphic design.
