Design: The Thought Process You Can See

Design: The Thought Process You Can See

A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Professional Graphic Designer

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Design the All-Mighty:

“Everything is design. Everything!” –Paul Rand

Look at the computer you’re sitting in front of. Do you see that little logo below your screen? You probably haven’t thought much of it, but that simple logo has been worked on endlessly by a whole team of individuals! These individuals are graphic designers. 

Graphic design is the form of visual communication with the end goal of illustrating or visualizing ideas in the most straightforward and most visually pleasing way possible. If this excites you, inspires you, or motivates you, you might consider a career in graphic design. Thomas Watson of IBM once said, “good design is good business” in 1950. Today, this idea is becoming even more important, only furthering the need for talented and passionate graphic designers in the marketplace. In fact, by 2020, there will be a 13% increase in the demand for graphic designers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). To those outside the field, graphic design might seem like a simple career, but it indeed takes hard work, dedication, and passion. Through the use of quotes by industry professionals, this article will define key steps to succeed in becoming a professional graphic designer.

Build your skills:

“Good art is a talent. Good design is a skill.” – John Onolan

You can’t be a carpenter without a hammer, just like you can’t be a graphic designer without the software. The most popular and important software includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. When applying to graphic design positions, you will be expected to be fluent in these software. If you have these under your belt, you can opt to become an expert in other programs such as Sketch or Corel Painter. It is essential to be fluent in industry software to create your portfolio and to be prepared for your career.

Technology has come to possess a major role in the creation of graphic design. Yet, with technology, comes constant change. Every year software companies, such asAdobe, output new versions. Though it comes at a cost, it is essential to be aware and knowledgeable of these changes. A client is going to want a graphic designer who is well versed in the latest and greatest. Therefore, you must constantly be working and honing in on your software skills for the perfect portfolio which will lead you to a successful career. 

Create your portfolio:

“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

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Next, it’s time to create your portfolio. Remember: be picky with what you show. Your portfolio is not a place to show everything you have ever made, quality trumps quantity. When asked about portfolio work, graphic design professor Ewa Wojciak said, “Remember: you are your work.”  You must make sure your portfolio reflects not only your skills and ability but also your personality.

Once you’ve decided what work you would like to show, make sure your work is in context, make sure you are telling a story with each sample. For example, if you have designed a movie poster, do not just show the poster, instead display it on a billboard! Putting your work in context like this gives it an air of professionalism.

Next, it is time to decide how you would like to display your work. To be a hirable graphic designer, you must be prepared to show your work printed, in person, as well as online. You can use free website builders such as Wix or Squarespace, or you could add another skill to your resume and learn to code one yourself. Remember, you are branding yourself through your portfolio. Make sure your website follows this brand!

Show Off Your Work and Gain Experience:

“What good is art if you can't show it” -unknown

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Now that you have a portfolio of work, show it off! There are a variety of ways you can do this. Firstly, use social media to your advantage. Create a professional Instagram where you can post your work and create a custom hashtag. Post your work on Pinterest, Behance, and DeviantArt to get your work out there. For example, graphic designer Rachael King created a Pinterest page called “Living Resume.” On this page, she posts personal designs projects and other work. This example is an excellent way to show off your work beyond just the graphic design community. 

Also, Enter competitions! Graphic Design organizations such as AIGA and Communication Arts hold a variety of competitions throughout the year for graphic designers. This is a great way to network, earn a little extra cash, and something to add to your resume.

As a graphic designer, you learn the most by working with clients. Make sure your friends and family know you are willing to help out with any design needs; odds are someone will know someone who does. Ask any organizations you are a part of if they are need of a graphic designer. Lastly, apply to as many internships as possible. Graphic Design firms want designers with experience, so take the initiative and put yourself out there.

Stay Current:

“Change is inevitable, growth is optional”- John C. Maxwell

As a designer in today’s crazy digital age, staying relevant is more important than ever. The world is changing fast, as are the trends. As a designer, education is something you need to get used to (Jacob). It is not something that is ever finished in any field, but especially graphic design. It is important always to be looking around you and pay attention to what you are seeing. A few years ago, the hot thing to design were websites, today it is apps, but what is going to be tomorrow? (Wojciak). You always need to be willing to learn the next thing.

To keep up with the trends, see what your peers are doing. Continuously look at social media such as Instagram and graphic design websites such as Creative Bloq. Read industry books and magazines like the Design Annual and Wallpaper*. Lastly, join graphic design communities and participate in discussions and events. American Institute of Graphic Arts is a great way to become involved with other graphic designers, as well as talks and discussions at local museums. Not only will this help you stay current, but it is also a chance to network and meet other designers.

Eat, Breath, and Sleep Graphic Design:

“Design is not a thing you do, it is a way of life” - Alan Fletcher

Throughout this entire process, it is important to not be afraid of failure. In the words of the famous Paula Scher, “It's through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good”. Establish relationships from the start. Always keep networking and showing your work, you never know who might be able to help. Along with this, whether you are working on a project for you dad’s friend or a huge client, look at it like it is the biggest one of your life because it just might be your big break. 

That being said, always have fun. Graphic design can become annoying, frustrating, and overwhelming. When this happens, take a moment, and remember why you pursued this field. Graphic design makes the world a better, more organized, and beautiful place. Who wouldn’t want take part in that?  

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Works Cited

"Advice To Young Designers By Today’s Top Designers." Graphic Design USA, gdusa.com/career/advice-to-young-designers-by-todays-top-designers. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.

Cass, Jacob. "How To Keep Up To Date As A Designer." Just Creative, justcreative.com/2011/10/20/how-to-keep-up-to-date-as-a-designer/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.

"HOW TO BECOME A GRAPHIC DESIGNER: GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOLS & CAREERS." Learn How to Become, www.learnhowtobecome.org/graphic-designer/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.

Jordan, Caitlin. "Design Inspiration A Showcase of 100 Design Quotes To Ignite Your Inspiration." Canva, www.canva.com/learn/design-quotes/.

Lauby, Sharlyn. "5 Ways to Showcase Your Freelance Graphic Design Work." Mashable, 12 July 2014, mashable.com/2014/07/12/graphic-designer-resources/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.

Mazzoni, Sara. "Checklist to Become an Employable Graphic Designer." Shillington Education, 29 Aug. 2017, www.shillingtoneducation.com/blog/checklist-become-employable-graphic-designer/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.

Onolan, John. "THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ART AND DESIGN." Web Designer Depot, 21 Sept. 2009, www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/09/the-difference-between-art-and-design/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.

Shorr, Graham. "4 easy steps to create a beautiful design portfolio." AIGA, www.aiga.org/4-easy-steps-to-create-a-beautiful-design-portfolio.
Wojciak, Ewa. Lecture.