Graphic design is a very
creative and specialized job there are lots of skills and qualities you will
need in order to become a designer and become a good designer. In this I'm
going to talk about: Psychological skills.
Now the psychological
skills can give you an edge as a designer and help you stand out. These are skills
that can in no way be taught in a classroom. These are skills that make you
unique and can only come from within. If you wish to acquire them or become
stronger in them it will be down to your own will, thinking and personal
development.
So, first is:
Objectiveness. You will need to be objective. You will need to be able to think
practically, realistically and look at things from a non-personal standpoint.
This might mean putting your personal biases, tastes and emotions aside for the
best of a project. Just because you like something does not necessarily mean
it's the best solution or answer to it brief. Good design is design that works
well that is easily understood, has a solid justification behind it and most
importantly solves and answers the brief. Always try and find reason and
meaning for your work. If there is room for it to look fantastic as well then
that's a bonus.
Creative disciplines and
judgment. You will need good judgment to know if an idea is strong enough to
answer the brief. You will need discipline to edit and streamline an idea this
may mean simplifying an ambitious idea to meet a tight deadline or particular
budget. You may have to simplify a layout or creative execution and to make it
less busy more balanced and striking.
Confidence. To live a
creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. To succeed you will need
confidence. Confidence in yourself, confidence in your ability and in your ideas
to apply yourself to present and talk about your work and compete in the industry.
Receive criticism. Now
this is a big one I have seen a lot of designers react bad to criticism and it
has not helped them. When it comes to receiving criticism, you need to be
objective. Do not seek praise, seek criticism. You will need to embrace criticism
do not take it personally be happy to learn from your mistakes and listen to
others for it is criticism that will make you more experienced and a broader designer.
Remember it's better to be criticized that ignored. Everyone these days seems
to be a critic. It's easier to criticize then to create. The good thing about
criticism is that you can take it or leave it. If someone says something about
your work you do not agree with that no harm done you can forget about it. And
If someone says something you believed to be correct and agree with then you
can learn from it.
Coping with failure. If
you failed it means you tried. The person who does not make mistakes is
unlikely to make anything. You have to be philosophical here. Almost everything
you do, you should sider a learning experience and we never stop learning. Like
most designers it will take you years to master your craft. If things do not
work out the way you hoped first then don't be discouraged and give up learn
from it and become better next time.
Determination. Now what
can sometimes separate designers’ success is their determination. To never give
up to keep working hard to keep learning and push for that better job. It can
take years of hard work to build and develop your career. It can be very hard
to learn the skills necessary to create your work and succeed. You may have to
stay late to get something finished, you may have to work the weekend, you may
have to learn software to get the job done, you may have to work with people
you don't like or agree with and do things you do not want to do. If you are
determined you will go far.
Team player. You may
often have to work with other creative professionals or early on in your career
you may have to work for others in more senior roles than you. You will need to
be able to work in a team and take instructions from others even if it's not
what you like or agree with. If you can work well in a team, have a good
attitude, be liked and helpful it will help you become successful.
Patients. The last
quality here is patience. To produce anything creative takes time try not to rush
it if you do not have to. Allow your creativity to blossom. Patients can be rewarding.
If you take the time to pursue your creativity you just might discover things
you get not anticipate. Keep in mind that your life is a creative journey some
people reach their desired destinations quicker than others. Just do your
thing, believe in yourself and take your time. If you stay true to yourself you
will reach your goal eventually.
So, those are some of
the key psychological skills you will need to be a graphic designer.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
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