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How Is Our Student Learning And Earning From Home?
Jacob, a graphic design student, wrote this inspirational piece. Jacob is a 21-year-old artist from London, UK, who works as a freelancer through his company, just creative design, which also operates a famous design blog. Jacob’s creativity has won him many honours, and his writing has been featured in books all around the world.
As a design student myself, I understand how difficult it is to get into the industry, but I am evidence that it is possible with a little hard work… In this post, I’ll share my advice about how and when to find freelance design work while still a graphic design student. I became a graphic designer from Blue Sky Graphics online graphic design course and let me tell you, these guys are the best! The teachers are wonderful and they teach you everything there is to know about graphic design.
The issues
There are four major issues that architecture students must deal with:
They may not yet have the experience required to be a skilled designer and they are either (1) learning the ins and outs of the applications (2) and, on top of that, they do not yet have a respectable portfolio (3) or (4) some expertise of working with investors, budgeting, or time management, which means that you (5) have no prestige because no one talks about you. Let’s have a peek at these issues and how they can be solved.
Problem 1: You lack fundamental graphic design expertise.
This is, of course, why you are learning to master these skills. However, don’t be a sedentary learner at university; instead, push yourself to understand more to be the leader of the pack. You can participate in graphic design communities, read design and freelancing posts, borrow/purchase books, pose questions, and just put yourself out there.
Go to a favourite architecture studio and apply for work experience; I did this and worked on all of their pro bono projects; it was a wonderful experience, and I knew more about clients and time management as a result. This few items can help you improve your simple design skills, and you will be ahead of the competition because not many people do this.
Bob Gill teaches graphic design as a second language. This book is mostly intended for design students and professors, as well as others who want to develop their design solutions through a better design method.
Robin Williams’ Non Designer’s Typebook This book contains only the fundamentals of typography. It is really easy to learn and a must-have for any graphic design student.
How to be a rockstar freelancer ebook by Collis Ta’eed This is a perfect book for new freelancers because it shows you the fundamentals of becoming a good freelancer.
Adrian Shaughnessy’s How to Be a Web Artist Without Wasting Your Soul This book delves into the more technical aspects of becoming a graphic artist. Excellent for more advanced students.
Problem 2: You do not have any programming experience.
To be a good graphic designer, you must have programming knowledge, which can be acquired by reading courses, journals, and, of course, practising. I’ll say it again: lessons, journals, and work. Reading videos and books can help you learn more about the programme and develop your skills as a graphic designer.
Try to gain firsthand feedback with other experienced designers – a perfect way to do this is to inquire for job experience at your nearest design studio; they are normally willing to assist.
Another useful tip is to obtain free stock pieces from the internet and deconstruct them and see how they were produced… This opened up an entirely different experience for me.
Finally, practise, practise, practise, and ideally you won’t end up like
Other guide websites that we suggest
Since you’ve completed all of the courses on this platform, have a look at these other pages. Choose a novice guide if that’s where you’re at, and check out the graphic design school blog on a daily basis since new graphic design lessons are introduced on a weekly basis.
Problem number three is that you do not have a respectable portfolio.
Every designer had to start somewhere, and every designer had to start from scratch, because you are not alone. Building your portfolio is most likely the most critical thing you do at university because it is how you can get a full-time career when you graduate.
Portfolios are a separate subject, but you can create one by creating your own imaginary graphic design briefs, working with clients on the internet, and using your university work.
Studios don’t worry if the portfolio pieces are made up as long as they’re of good standard and you can validate your design method and decisions.
Forums for Portfolios and Services
To supplement your portfolio, you will find some low-paying work (ranging from £15 to £300) on digital point forums.
While competitions are often frowned upon in the design industry, they are another way to develop the portfolio. I joined a couple when I first started out, but I’ve since stopped after defining myself as a specialist.
Problem 4: You have little understanding of clients or time control.
Almost all graphic design graduates are poor at customer and time control! This is where practise comes in handy, and there is no easier way to achieve it than by working at the nearest design/print shop – only drop in and inquire. You’ll be shocked by how excited they are to hear from you if you simply say that you’re a graphic design student looking to learn new skills.
Working there would teach you everything you need to know about coping with customers, time management, the architecture community, and the larger picture. And, more than certainly, you would be focusing on charity-related programmes, allowing you to support the city as well!
Obtaining the Job
This is the most difficult aspect. Once you’ve gained the trust to go out freelancing or working at a design studio when in graphic design school, you can start searching for more employment and customers.
