Don't pause your Design Process
In my early days, I would often take breaks from designing to spend hours observing and discussing the works of others. By studying the industry and examining portfolios of renowned designers and famous design studios, I was able to refine my taste. However, I soon realized that designing like a pro requires practice, and this process can take a long time.
To excel, my advice is simple: design, and then design some more. So, open up Figma or any other preferred design tool and start creating. That's the essence of it.
Strive to constantly be in a state of design. Design is not just about artistic expression; it's about solving problems. Challenge yourself to find better solutions with each project, aiming to surpass your previous creations. To improve myself, I studied and recreated the works of industry leaders, practicing relentlessly.
Saying "I can do it" often falls short. Critiquing a finished design is easy. Instead, immerse yourself in design. It was through continuous creation that I truly grew as a designer.
Preserve Your Progress
Deleting designs feels uncomfortable to me. Once they are gone, they are gone. While the idea of starting fresh by getting rid of old versions is tempting, I have learned that it can trap you in a cycle.
There were times, after weeks of hard work, when I needed to show my progress to a client or mentor. Presenting only the pieces I was proud of seemed like the right move, but experience taught me otherwise. Now, I value having a "wall of inspiration" that displays various designs, trials, and efforts. It guides me for future projects.
Archiving, rather than deleting, works better. Keeping a record allows me to revisit and learn from past designs. Treating each design as a basic version (Minimum Viable Product) fosters continuous growth instead of discarding everything.
My archived designs represent my creative journey—a mix of success stories, trials, mistakes, and experiments. They mark my evolution, changes in style, and enhancement of skills, forming essential landmarks in my growth.
Connect with Design Community
Networking can greatly enhance your design career. While it's tempting to stick to familiar circles, expanding your presence on platforms like LinkedIn, X, Dribbble, and Behance can bring many benefits. Additionally, attending design events worldwide exposes you to fresh ideas and valuable connections.
Consistency in creating is as important as admiring others' work. Some people struggle to create despite appreciating great designs, so it's crucial to stay active and proactive. Joining communities, such as Figma, has provided me with valuable insights. Make sure your environment fosters constructive growth.
X is particularly vibrant for designers. It's not just about showcasing work, but also sharing innovative ideas. Active participation on platforms like X and LinkedIn, as well as sharing your portfolio on sites like Behance and Dribbble, can significantly enhance job prospects.
Building genuine connections in the design world can lead to excellent job opportunities.
Embrace Deadlines
I've come to recognize the utmost importance of adhering to deadlines. When I allocate a specific timeframe for a project, I make a steadfast commitment to stick to it, regardless of whether the outcome is groundbreaking or not.
For me, completing tasks within the given time frame is paramount. Leaving projects unfinished and remaining stagnant at the starting line is the absolute worst thing I can do.
For instance, when faced with a short deadline, I've discovered a valuable strategy to help me reach my goal. I break down the available time and use it to sketch something, then I simply duplicate and refine it further.
Lingering in front of a blank page without filling it will lead to nothing. I always remind myself not to stay stagnant because the deadline is rapidly approaching.
Don't get stuck with your Portfolio
As a designer, aiming for perfection in your portfolio can slow you down. Waiting for the "perfect" projects might hold you back.
Instead, set a clear deadline for yourself and stick to it. Work consistently to showcase your skills. Here's a design world secret: no portfolio ever feels 'perfect' to its creator.
Avoid spending too much time overthinking. Focus on each section, then move on. Treat your first release like version 1.0—it's a work in progress. As you gain more experience, update and refine it to versions 1.1, 2.0, and so on.
Having a portfolio gives you a base. As you grow, it gets easier to build on that foundation, improving your presentation and showing your journey in the design world.
Showcase your Work
How do you start taking on projects when you have nothing to showcase? Working for free solely for visibility or to fill your portfolio isn't worth it and can lead to conflicts.
As I mentioned before, having a portfolio is crucial, even if it doesn't include client work. Here are some steps you can personally take to develop a portfolio without prior projects:
Personal Projects
Pursue designs that spark your passion, such as apps for hobbies or local business websites. They show off your skill and enthusiasm, even without real clients.
Redesign Existing Products
Refresh a popular product's design. Detail your choices and the issues you're tackling, showcasing your analytical and innovative flair.
Explore New Concepts
Conceive and design a novel product or service, be it futuristic transport or a unique social platform. It underlines your visionary capabilities.
Design Challenges
Engage in online design prompts. They highlight your adaptability and fast problem-solving in diverse scenarios.
Collaborate and Connect
Team up with peers on projects. This boosts your portfolio and underscores team dynamics, vital in design roles.
Volunteer Work
Offer your design services to non-profits or charities. It's a win-win: they get expert design, and you enhance your portfolio. Just ensure a clear project boundary to prevent undue demands
Your personal touch and unique experiences will make your portfolio stand out. By following these personalized steps, you can create a portfolio that showcases your true potential and opens doors to exciting design opportunities.
The Impostor Syndrome
Feeling like you're not good enough in design, known as impostor syndrome, is something many designers face, even the experienced ones. Design is subjective, and self-doubt is common.
If you're always criticizing your work or feeling like a fraud, remember: the design world is big, and everyone's journey is different. Those designers you admire likely value your efforts more than you think.
Talk to other designers and mentors; they've probably dealt with the same doubts and can offer support. As you gain experience, the unease may not vanish, but your confidence will grow with your evolving portfolio.
If it feels like everyone is judging you, it's just a feeling, not reality.
Recognize the right time to give up
Designers, like everyone else, sometimes find themselves stuck on a project. Instead of staring at it endlessly, try switching tasks. Doing something different can help clear your mind and keep things fresh.
It's not about avoiding the main project; it's about avoiding getting stuck. When you return to your main task, you often see it with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Small changes can lead to significant progress.
I'm not a fan of procrastination—it usually doesn't end well. But taking a break is different. If you need a day off, take it without feeling guilty. Engage in something else for a while, then return to your design work with a clearer mind. It's all about finding the right balance.
Specialise in a a Design Role
When you're starting in design, you might do a bit of everything—graphic design one day, web creation or basic development the next. It's like exploring the entire design world to understand its different parts.
But as time passes, it's valuable to find what you're best at. It's not about limiting yourself; it's about discovering where you really shine. Maybe it's UI/UX design, visual storytelling, or front-end coding. Each area has its own details and complexities.
By picking a specific path, you can go deep into it, learn everything about it, and become an expert. Employers often want specialists—people who know one thing really well. While having general knowledge is good, being a specialist makes you the person others turn to in that field. It's about finding the right balance between knowing a bit of everything and becoming a pro in one thing.
