Becoming a Better Designer

I often come across resumes submitted by people who are interested in, and would like to become graphic designers. "I'm studying Sociology, but I'm interested in design and I really like Photography." This is a hypothetical scenario and it's so close to the truth that it seems real to me. I'm not a hater, as I have met people with nothing more than a High School GED and a design certificate who have become some of the best graphic designers I have ever been associated with. This is far and few and up to this point, I have had nothing to offer the "Sociology major" except for criticism of what was wrong with their portfolio. I am writing this post to offer help and advice for those who are serious about becoming a better graphic designer. Here is some advice that I have gathered over the years from my experiences along with advice gathered from professionals in the industry whom I admire:

• Formal Training.
If you have the resources, receive formal training/education from a well-known educational system.

• Compare Yourself.
Compare your work to others around you. Is it as good as theirs? Study their designs, typography, presentation skills, what ever you can take away.

• Seek Professional Help.
Seek out industry professionals who would be willing to sit down and review your portfolio. Ask them to give you honest feedback and how you can improve your presentation. (Be prepared for a harsh reality)

• Typography
Typography is often forgotten about or neglected. Type is half the game and if used improperly, your work is going to look unprofessional.

• Quality vs. Quantity
Don't show work in your portfolio just to show work. No one cares about the flyer you created for Uncle Joe or the store coupons you laid out just because it was published. Concentrate on a couple of pieces—expand and elaborate on them. Tell the story of how the logo was created and then how you implemented and integrated it into a variety of different mediums. The past Project Never winner did an excellent job of this memorable method.

• Think Creatively
It's easy to get lazy and dump out designs on to a page without thinking it through. Concepting and thinking the project through to completion is vital to the end user. Think of new and creative ways that will surprise your audience. This might even mean tiny details that you think others won't notice.

• Invest your time
Spend an hour every day making yourself a better designer. Try some of these:
Look through magazines (Commarts, How, Print), websites (Veer), read a book, work on made up projects, think about design.

If you have any questions or suggestions for becoming a better designer, please comment or send us an email.
Thanks!