How to Catch-Up in Graphic Designing - You Snooze You Lose! « Graphic Design Blog - An Ultimate Resource for Graphic Designers

How to Catch-Up in Graphic Designing - You Snooze You Lose!

15 Comments

Posted on Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

We are living in a world where information travels faster than light and people communicate faster than ever. In this rapid age of technological advancements, the field of graphic design has immensely developed as well. Every other day, new and innovative techniques of graphic designing surface from here and there. These times make the life of a graphic designer all the more challenging since they must keep the pace with the latest developments in graphic design.

Especially for newbie and aspiring graphic designers, it is essential to stay in touch with the latest developments and advancements in the world of graphic design. And for those designers who are seasoned, it is all the more essential to pace up with the next generation of design. However, the question arises…how to catch-up with all that is novel and upcoming?

Following are some simple and easy ways of staying in touch with the latest developments in the field of graphic design:

1. Surf on the Google Wave:

In today’s age of internet revolution, you can pretty much search for anything that is present on this planet. The web has developed into a huge database of information on all kinds of topics. Graphic designers should take advantage of this blessing and stay in touch with the latest developments in their field. Subscribing to RSS feeds is also a good idea to pace up with the current happenings in the world of graphic design.

2. Blogging – Creates Discussions and Ideas:

Most people believe that starting a successful blog requires immense knowledge on a particular subject. But I beg to differ. This is because the purpose of a blog is to generate discussions and dialogue on various issues. By starting your own blog, you will be able to learn from other people who will comment on your blog. Through discussions, you will stay in touch with the latest developments in your line of work.

3. Be Conservative – Read Books:

Another incisive approach that has been neglected nowadays is the concept of reading books. Many people perceive books as old fashioned. Many also term the concept of book reading as geeky and nerdy. Well, if this were true, then J.K Rowling would have never been a super hit. Being a graphic designer, your thirst for knowledge should never quench. Always take pleasure in reading design books and keep yourself on track with what’s new in your field.

4. Follow Other Designers:

We waste countless hours of our time on social media and networking sites like facebook and twitter. So why not use it constructively to gain knowledge and information about graphic design? Simply follow other designers and be a part of the designer community. This way, you will be tweeted about the latest movements on the web and you will be updated every second.

5. Keep an Open Mindset:

The foremost thing for a graphic designer to accept any major developments is to keep an open mindset. This is because, in order to accept any change, you need to broaden your horizons and learn to keep a flexible attitude. Being in the designer community, you will get heaps of opinions, thoughts and viewpoints from other designers. Always learn to accept others opinions and ideas. You never know when they might come in handy in the near future.

Tags: graphic design developments, graphic design news, graphic design techniques, graphic design tricks

15 Appreciated Responses

Ovsyannykov On June 28th, 2011 at 7:34 am

1

Great tips I agree with most of them!

designbastard On June 28th, 2011 at 8:10 am

2

I do all of them, I own my own blog, I read design books, other peoples design blogs, … I do this every day for about half an hour for designers that haven’t been around for a few years, this is a great way to catch up and improve skills, know the trends, …

Adam Booth On June 29th, 2011 at 2:57 am

3

Some excellent points raised here and some great rules to stick to in order to keep up to date with current trends, techniques and what other designers are up to.

It may be a cliche to say this but the internet is an excellent, ever expanding and developing tool for any graphic designer. It is a major way of self promotion and inspiration. This includes blogging which is an excellent way to be part of the community and hear what other designers opinions are and what ideas they have.

Anna Green On June 30th, 2011 at 6:28 pm

4

Catching up is all well and good but what you really want to do is get ahead of the game! Online is definitely the right places to do that!

Taylor On July 1st, 2011 at 6:26 am

5

Using the right internet marketing strategy is really important. It be the maker or breaker of your internet business.

Steve Van On July 4th, 2011 at 3:03 am

6

I agree with what Taylor says - the strategy is essential for the success of your marketing business ,but to do it one should be always aware of the newest , which is rather difficult today…

JAT Source On July 4th, 2011 at 5:03 am

7

Awesome,i agree with them

Will On July 4th, 2011 at 6:27 am

8

Good tips, although I think Google Wave is now defunct.

Ecommerce Website Design uk On July 6th, 2011 at 5:37 am

9

Catching up is all well and good but what you really want to do is get ahead of the game! Online is definitely the right places to do that.This way, you will be tweeted about the latest movements on the web and you will be updated every second.

Yolanda On July 11th, 2011 at 10:41 am

10

Great points! I am a new graphic designer and I find the world of design overwhelming. I will receive my associates degree in Applied Web Graphic Design and I feel that my design work is less than professional. I find myself discouraged sometimes, until I find articles such as yours. While, I feel a bit uplifted, I’m still confused as to how to generate some kind of income with my skills. I’m sure with the help of twitter and other social networking sites, I’ll be able to find my place somewhere.
Keep up the good work and you have a new fan.

Yolanda

CindyMartin On July 14th, 2011 at 7:01 pm

11

Excellent points-thanks. YOLANDA, I too am fairly new in the design field, after working in corporate marketing for years, laid off, pursued my passion for art and design. I too occasionally find my work has an air of ‘student’ hanging around it, but here are my tips.

Work for free for a few select clients. The return is invaluable, in experience and referrals, plus you may end up with a great addition to your portfolio. Link with others in your field via networking, you will be surprised at the local opportunities that will result from those associations. Good luck!

Designpinklady On July 17th, 2011 at 12:42 pm

12

Hi,

I’ve been working as a Graphic Designer now for 5 years since graduating. I feel now though I have to start from the beginning again by discovering web design as looks like this will be the future, and I need to learn this, although I have no clue where to start

Halifax Graphic design On July 24th, 2011 at 11:41 pm

13

Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience.

Cartoon Pictures | Images For Licensing On July 29th, 2011 at 9:31 pm

14

Study the current marketplace online. I am not a gd per se, but more involved in cartooning and humorous illustration. After fulltime cartooning for over 20 years, the internet began to proliferate and I kept procrastinating to get my work in a visible and accessible online web portfolio. One aspect is to avoid procrastination when trying to evolve in the busy. Sometimes money can be an issue. However, if you consider yourself a business person, do like I have done and go to your banker and apply for a “business loan”. Or, your credit card can be your best tool in this business…..not to mention the fact you’re strengthening your credit rating.