What They Don’t Teach You in Design School
As a recent college graduate, I thought I knew all the important basics about how to be a successful graphic designer in the real world. After starting my first “big girl” job at Launch Digital Marketing, I quickly got a dose of reality! In college I knew I was getting myself into a fast-paced field, but I didn’t realize how fast-paced it would be. The field is constantly changing, with new trends and ideas emerging all the time.
At Launch Digital Marketing, one of the key things we strive for is innovation. We have learned to think and act 10 steps ahead of our competition. I learned that I need to use my free time to stay up-to-date on all the recent technology and design trends in the industry in order to maximize my potential as a graphic designer at Launch.
So for everyone who thinks we “power down” for the night or during the weekend, you may want to think again! Here are some of the ways I’ve taught myself how to stay ahead of the game.
Social Media:
Social media has become a staple in most people’s lives. People need to connect and constantly receive updates on their friends, families, etc. — but it’s also a great way to stay on top of the latest discussions and trends in your field.
Some Twitter accounts I think are worth following for web designers include:
Adobe Photoshop: @Photoshop
Photoshop Tips: @PhotoshopTips
Webdesigner Depot: @DesignerDepot
Launch Digital Marketing: @LaunchDigital
I also like to keep an eye on Design Bump’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DesignBump
Websites and Blogs:
Since I am online all day, I always make an effort to have these web pages bookmarked and/or open. You never know when you’ll need some design inspiration!
WebDesigner Depot: www.webdesignerdepot.com
WDL: http://webdesignledger.com/
Behance: www.behance.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com
You The Designer: http://www.youthedesigner.com/
Dribbble: http://dribbble.com/
Visual.ly: http://visual.ly/
Books and Magazines:
For those of you who still like to have a physical book in your hands, here are a few great reads!
Designing for the Digital Age, by Kim Goodwin
How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul, by Adrian Shaughnessy
Smashing Magazine (http://www.smashingmagazine.com/)
Even with all the hard work staying up-to-date and informed, I love my career and I wouldn’t want to do anything else! The ever-changing field makes me stay open to new ideas and styles, and I love being kept on my toes.
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