some thoughts on Graphic Design
I've been in and around the Graphic Design industry for over 15 years now, I've seen a lot of trends come and go and a lot of designers make waves and then quiet down. I wasn't sure about posting this one as I've been quite critical around my career and how I've fallen out of love with the practice.
One of my biggest issues with my career was that I didn't get to do that much of the 'Graphic Design' bit and instead became more of an artworker.
The difference? The graphic designer essentially creates the vision, the artworker then helps produce that vision.
For example, a graphic designer may create a brand strategy and then the artworker may put that strategy into a specific project (usually using a brand guide).
My experience has been that unless you're a freelancer (and have to do both), you end up as one or the other if you're in-house. This may not be the case if you're working for a start-up or small business that can't afford both.
Now, social media around the design industry. I understand the need for it, but I can't stand it. Particularly because this brought up a trend of having technically sound, but incredibly boring logos and calling them 'brands'.
Absolutely anybody can create a decent looking logo now. It's the cover we judge the book on, but when someone picks it up and reads the rest. They're going to be incredibly disappointed if you've not done the actual work of building a brand.
Also, I would recommend you learning to use social media1, and not just posting finished pieces on Instagram and thinking that's enough. Share everything. Sketches, mood boards, thoughts, ideas. Make sure to post shorts and longer-form video content.
This is what building a brand for yourself looks like.
Networking is important.
This is my one biggest regret with my career, I never built the connections within the industry or tried reaching out to build those connections. Now, this could perhaps be because of my aversion to social media, but that's no excuse.
Build connections with absolutely everyone within the creative industry, not just within Graphic Design.
I can't stress enough how helpful it can be to know and have friends across multiple professions within the creative industry in case you want to build your own thing or even refer them work.
The amount of times I've been unable to do a certain thing for a client and don't have anyone to refer them is ridiculous2.
Building a network is so helpful if you ever want to do your own thing, or even build something on the side if you're working in-house.
My last thought is to tell you that while it's important to immerse yourself in the industry, make sure you also have interests away from Graphic Design.
What you learn, experience and do away from your work can be an incredibly powerful way of boosting your design work. Whether it's to help with personal projects or for clients. It also helps much more with the networking if you have other things you can talk about.
These were a few of the thoughts that came to me recently while I've been thinking about my career, maybe they can help someone - maybe they come across as an angry designer yelling at a cloud.
Who knows...
Enjoy this?
You can get the feed or you can email me directly.