It is a major decision to return to school. Evaluating your options and deciding if the risk is worth the reward is important. You’re not looking to get another job but establish a career with this education and training.
Perhaps you have considered becoming a graphic artist but aren’t sure it’s the right career path for you. You are creative and love seeing the amazing work of other artists. Is that a guarantee you would be a great graphic designer?
Walter Funke, chief creativity officer at Keys, says creativity doesn’t like being confined or pinned down. While anyone can press buttons on a computer, it is only those who can consistently develop new ideas that make someone creative and professional.
You might be wondering how to determine if graphic design suits you. A list of nine characteristics that make a great graphic designer was compiled from the insights of creative professionals. You never know what you might be able to do with this information. You might be more prepared than you realize.
Are you a talented graphic designer? 9 signs it might be right for me
Communication is key
You like people. And, even better, people like you. It’s easier for people to get to know you because you understand what others are trying to communicate.
This skill is extremely valuable in a career as a graphic designer. “One trait I admire most in graphic designers is their ability to listen. Funke said that everyone comes to designers wanting something. However, they may not always know the right words to express their desires. The best designers can communicate with clients and fulfil their wishes.
Speaking up is a key part of strong communication. Funke states, “Your work is only as good as the ability to sell it in a world that doesn’t understand good design.” It’s your responsibility to explain why your design meets their needs when you meet with clients or stakeholders.
“Show your audience that you are able to understand the problem and explain why your solution is the best.”
Continuous learning is your commitment.
You love learning. It’s not something you need to hear from others to help you grow as a professional or as a person. This is why it’s been your top priority. You are motivated to get up off the couch and make the most of your time for personal growth.
“In many agencies and companies, graphic designers are ultimately responsible for their work,” Pablo Benites, graphic designer for TinderPoint. “As a consequence, feedback from colleagues can be very generic and does not reflect the skills-based targets that graphic designers need to improve,” Benites states that the best graphic designers will actively self-critiquing their work and seek professional development.
While getting bogged down with projects is easy, learning new techniques and keeping your eyes on the future can become a priority. But don’t let that stop you from continuing your professional development. When possible, explore new techniques and experiment with your work. Try a different approach in one of the three mock-ups at an early stage that you will present to the client. Although the client may not prefer you “out there on a limb”, it can be a valuable opportunity to test and get feedback.
You are a master multitasker.
Your life is constantly a juggling act. You have a lot on your plate, including family obligations, housework, and the occasional after-work event. But it doesn’t seem to bother you. You enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle that you have created.
Graphic designers are rarely able to do one job at a given time. Graphic designers often have to manage multiple projects at once with various clients. You must be able to manage multiple projects at once effectively.
Benites says, “You often get work that has conflicting priorities and deadlines.” It can be hard to manage all the tasks at once, but it is possible to be creative and produce high-quality work.
He believes that accurately prioritizing tasks, and getting constant feedback about the progress of your work, can speed up turnaround times and keep clients happy.
You are the source of creativity.
You are open to seeing the unexpected and unusual things in your daily life. It is tiring to approach a problem or task the same way every time. So you look for new ways to solve it. Mixing and matching styles is your passion. You also love repurposing pieces from the past to give them new life.
It’s not surprising that creativity ranks high on the skills a great designer should have. It’s much more complicated than you might imagine. Graphic designers need creativity beyond the ability to match colours and use typography. Graphic designer and digital market consultant Rob Stephens explain that you will also need to come up with creative solutions for complex business problems.
“Can you present your client’s brand in an original way that makes it stand out from the rest?” Stephens says that in today’s competitive market, it is important to consider what makes your client’s a product/service unique. Design is more than making things look beautiful. The creativity of their solutions often judges graphic designers.
You are always curious.
You enjoy reading books, not because it’s necessary but because you love to. You can often be found on social media looking for new ideas at any hour of the night. You are interested in new technologies and trends and enjoy pushing yourself to the limits.
Kristen Friend is the art director of Custom Legal marketing. Trends and tools change all the time. A designer who isn’t constantly evolving with the industry could become obsolete if they remain static.
“Curiosity makes it a good listener and can work with any group environment,” Friend states. It drives curiosity, a willingness to learn new things, and flexibility.
You are punctual
You’ll be there at 6:55 if you have dinner plans for 7:00. You won’t appear late for a meeting or event unless there are unforeseeable circumstances. And you don’t have to pay your bills late. Managing your busy schedule requires keeping a well-organized calendar and managing your time effectively.
Graphic design is driven by challenging deadlines. You could lose work, clients, or worse, your paychecks if you don’t keep up with the fast-paced environment. Graphic designers must thrive under pressure to be successful.
Stephens states that meeting deadlines is crucial to graphic designers’ success and earning the trust of future clients. You must adhere to deadlines. If the deadline is not met, you must inform the client immediately.
Stephens says clients will usually be understanding of delays when communication is prompt, and the holdup isn’t your fault. But don’t expect always to have that flexibility.
You have thick skin.
It takes a lot to hurt you because you are a strong person. Although life has brought you many obstacles, you have always risen from them and continued to move forward. You are independent and self-reliant.
Graphic design can be difficult. It’s essential to have thick skin. Negative feedback from clients or creative directors about a design you have worked hard on is not something you should take personally. Successful designers don’t focus on one project. They take the best from each critique and move on to the next.
Funke explains, “I was working in an advertising agency for the first few month and treated every assignment as a direct reflection on my personality, skill, and worth as a designer.” Funke explains that while you can explore and express yourself in design school, your expectations must change once you begin working.
Funke states, “It is far more important that you make a functional part of design within a time limit.” He says beautiful work will still be done. However, it’s less about you and more about reaching the design’s goals.
You are open to collaboration and new ideas.
In a field that encourages individual creativity, it is a fact that no one can do this job alone. If you want to be a leader in your field, you must rely on the insight of others.
“Listen, Learn and Watch,” says Kristin Shess, a freelance graphic designer Kristin. Senior designers, copywriters and social media managers have helped her discover new ideas and techniques. While school gives you a solid foundation to work with, I have learned exponentially from my co-workers and creatives.
You are flexible
Your creativity is about changing your perspective and embracing new information. You become curious about others’ opinions and take notes. You don’t need to dwell on the fact that life has thrown you a curveball; you need to get on with making the most of it.
Graphic designers should have this trait. Hess stresses that every opinion is valid despite all your knowledge of design rules. It’s not math. “When it comes down to designing and creative careers, there is no wrong answer.” She explained that adaptability might be required to accommodate other people’s views.
Hess states that if you are satisfied with a design and the client requests that it be made larger, it can eat away at your core. However, it is all about preference.
