Designers from all fields sharing their work and wisdom

Tuscaloosa Designers Tips: Five ways to improve

During my journey through college I went down several different paths before arriving at my final major and minor combination. Like many students, I couldn't decide what to do. I declared a different major yearly, until realizing graduation was approaching and the decision had to be made. In the end I looked at what I like to do and the lifestyle I wanted for myself.

Graphic Design was something I had dabbled in over the years and I could picture myself traveling the world with my laptop. So, that's what I did. I haven't exactly taken my laptop across the globe, but I've enjoyed the flexibility of working from anywhere I have access to the internet.

My official degree is Studio Art with a minor in General Business. Within Studio Art I concentrated on Graphic design. Looking back I would have done things differently if I had majored in Graphic Design from the beginning of my college career.

Based on my experience in college and working for the past 2 years here are 5 ways to improve as a graphic designer:

1. Start reading books on design theory, principles and history.
Dig into your craft. Get to know the story behind the design industry. Who are David Carson, Andy Warhol, and Walter Gropius? The Universal Principles of Design is great book for understanding the foundations of design.

2. Fall in love with Typography.
Bad typography haunts bulletin boards across the globe that cluttered with random flyers. Having a real grasp of typography will set you apart from your fellow students and eventually the designers you compete with. Your work will look professional and you will learn how to communicate the message

3. Expose yourself to Photography.
This will help teach your eyes to know good composition they see it.

4. Get an entry level job or internship in the Design Industry.
You can gain a ton of valuable experience, wisdom, and relationships by working with someone who is already doing what you want to do. If you have the chance to work with a graphic designer while you're still in school, DO IT! Print shops are also great places for learning since they are involved in every print design job you will ever work on.

5. Go to a school with an awesome graphic design program.
Critiques may be one of the most valuable aspects of going to art school. Learning how to take criticism is valuable no matter what field you end up choosing when you graduate.

Of course there are other things you could do to improve your graphic design skills or get networked, but from my experience, these five tips are good places to start. This will help you build a solid foundation for your design career.