A real quick look at the importance of graphics in today\u2019s global market. As the global market shrinks with the ever growing reach of technology the need for that eye catching graphic becomes more and more valuable to a business. The following will give you a little background on the graphic design market.
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Join and be active in the design community<\/strong> Buy books<\/strong>
\nAs a freelance designer, joining the online design community is a must. Not only does it keep you up-to-date in the design world, but is also great for feedback and critique. Being your own boss is great, but not having anyone to answer to as a freelancer also has it\u2019s down sides. No one to criticize your work and help you improve.<\/p>\n
\nHaving an extensive book collection is always essential to learning. I try buying a new book at least every 2 weeks that range from inspirational, educational and technical topics.
\nRead design-related blogs<\/strong>
\nI can\u2019t stress enough how much information I have learned by reading other great designers blogs. The web in an invaluable resource of information \u2013 take advantage of it and actually use it!
\nStart a design blog<\/strong>
\nHaving started this blog only a couple months ago, I have found it to be extremely useful and educational for myself. It has made me more aware of the design community and more analytical of my own work.
\nBecome a collector<\/strong>
\nEach time you see a design that inspires you, collect it, bring it home and file it away. I have hundreds of brochures, posters and other collateral that I have collected over the years that is stacked away in folders and boxes that I can quickly access \u2013 great source of inspiration when needed. Even Starbucks gives out creative weekly mini-newspapers.
\nTake lots of photos<\/strong>
\nSolves the problem of not being able to take home designs you like \u2013 Camera phones are great for this kind of thing. Just snap a photo and file it away for later. I use Ever note for this type of thing; pictures of building designs, textures, shapes of shadows on walls. Basically anything that interests me from a design stand point.
\nCreate fake projects<\/strong>
\nWhenever I find myself with free time (which is getting less and less lately) I create fake projects. Create a fake brand for a company. Design a logo, stationary, brochure, website \u2013 the whole nine yards. It\u2019s good to do this once in awhile because it keeps design fun and let\u2019s your creativity run wild without limitations. It\u2019s often easy to get caught in a rut when clients start dictating and your work no longer becomes \u201cyours\u201d.
\nRedo other people\u2019s design<\/strong>
\nDon\u2019t want to create a fake brand to design? Try redesigning other people\u2019s projects. This help\u2019s you evaluate what \u201cthey\u201d did wrong and what you could do better.
\nRedo your old designs<\/strong>
\nI know what it feels like to look at your early days of design and think \u201cOh my! What was I thinking?! I need to get rid of that immediately\u201d, but is important to keep that work. It will help you see if you\u2019re moving forward and improving your skills. Instead of throwing away or deleting old projects, try reworking them.
\nAttend lectures<\/strong>
\nEvery few months I make it a point to attend lectures of other designers speaking at local schools and universities. Always learn a new thing or two.
\nNetwork with other designers
\nAttending lectures is a great way to meet other designers. I always try to search out the designers that have more experience and talent than I do. I know \u2013 it\u2019s hard to admit someone else is better than you, but networking with people of higher skill levels will push you to work harder and learn more.
\nTake classes<\/strong>
\nMany local college allow you to register for classes without enrolling full-time. It will not only teach you some new things technically, but also put you back in a classroom of your peers.
\nInterview other designers and studios
\nA year ago, a friend of mine, started a \u2018national studio tour\u2018 where he toured and interviewed with over 100 different design studios. He said the experience was amazing and learned so much by asking questions that design school could have never answered. He also met a valuable useful contacts
\nTravel<\/strong>
\nEvery time I travel to another country, I come back feeling extremely inspired. I usually find myself designing all day for a few weeks straight. Experiencing new cultures and seeing their artwork, opens your mind to a whole new world. Just wish I could travel more!
\nLearn something new<\/strong>
\nWhenever I am in a creative slump I try something new or do something completely unrelated to design. Getting your mind off things and into something new, usually has a funny way of working itself back around.<\/p>\n