A design (design or pattern) is one of the most important parts in every aspect of human life. If you enjoy looking at designs and thinking about how they are made and used, you may have an interest in working in design. The following is a guide to becoming a successful designer (designer).
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Part 1 of 3: Learn About Design
Step 1. Think critically about the designed objects around you
Take a look at what you like and don't like about the design, then start thinking about what makes the design better or more suitable than other designs.
- Anything made by humans must have a design, whether it's graphics, websites, or jewelry accessories.
- Pay attention to how well the design functions, pay attention to its appearance.
- Practice looking at specific aspects of a design, and how these aspects fit together as a whole.
- For example, if you're looking at graphic design, pay attention to how the colors, lines, sizes, text, and shapes make the design interesting, and how the design conveys its meaning.
Step 2. Think of a design as a way of meeting a need or solving a problem
A design serves to make things look attractive, and design is different from other types of art because it has practical applications.
- An emblem, for example, is a type of graphic design that helps a brand or company be recognized quickly.
- The purpose of clothing is to cover parts of the body, in addition to making the wearer look more attractive.
- The car dashboard is designed to make it easy to read various sizes/meters, also to improve the appearance of the car interior.
Step 3. Practice communicating visually
A designer must be able to draw or create other designs to explain to others, such as fellow designers and manufacturers.
- By learning how to visually convey what you imagine, you can develop and study it in detail. Many pictures you imagine in your head or describe in words.
- Drawing is a great way for designers, but don't worry if you can't draw a photo realistically. A designer's drawing or painting doesn't need to be an extraordinary piece, you just need to quickly draw up your ideas to help you complete the product you've created. Plagiarism is also allowed.
- Apart from drawing, a designer also needs to use objects such as mockups, basic shapes, and computers to visualize their designs.
Step 4. Pay attention to how the items are made
If you work as a designer, you not only consider how the item looks good, but you also have to consider how your design is implemented.
- A shoe designer must choose the technical aspects of making shoes, such as where the leather will be sewn and what type of tread will be used.
- For an object such as a cell phone case, an industrial designer must think about what type of plastic and how the molding process will be used, and how each part is linked together.
Step 5. Find the best sources of information
In addition to design magazines, look for books on design processes, principles, and methods.
- Try reading books and playing videos about clothing making, clothing production methods, and other techniques.
- Even if you don't understand anything, try to think of what technical process you prefer.
- Learning about design is much better than reading fashion and decorating magazines, although they are also the best sources for finding out the latest trends.
Step 6. Learn about designers whose work you admire
Knowing their design philosophy, educational background, and work habits can help you understand your interests and ambitions.
- Do some research on the internet, read their biographies, and watch documentaries about famous designers, and see how their careers took shape.
- Remember that you too can be a successful designer, even if you are not from Paris or New York. Think about how your background and imagination can make your design unique.
- You should also try to find a designer you don't like. Find out how they contrast with the people you admire – or perhaps give them a new appreciation for their work.
Step 7. Think about getting into design school
Design schools are a great way to get information about design, learn good habits and techniques, and join forces with other designers.
- Studying at a design school for 4 years is a great way to start a career as a designer, but it's not the only option.
- Many universities also have design programs.
- Start taking workshops or diploma exercises at a design school. There are many intensive programs that only take 3 weeks to 2 years.
Step 8. Don't obsess if you're not sure what kind of design you want to get into
Don't worry either if an interest in design isn't something you expected at the start of your career path.
- Many designers start in other fields, such as fine arts, architecture, or marketing, and others may never formally study.
- It does take some time to figure out what aspects of design you are good at, and sometimes you can't anticipate how other people will respond to your designs.
- The only way to find out about your design career is to keep designing and showcasing your work!
Part 2 of 3: Developing Your Design Skills
Step 1. Find a way to create a professional design as quickly as possible
Studying and practicing is great, but the thing that can really take your design career to the next level is real experience.
- When people pay for your work, it will give you a better understanding of what you expect as a designer.
- This may lessen your worries. You will discover what is the most important thing you need to do in order to complete your project. Sometimes as students we tend to be too fussy and picky.
- Think about doing an internship at a design company. It will give you a great feeling if you can work in a professional environment.
- You can also take on temporary projects. Look at your personal contacts and look for opportunities to work on temporary projects online, then slowly look for clients or customers.
Step 2. Learn how to work together
As a professional designer, you will often work with other people on a team, and you must know how to share and represent the team.
- It's important to stick together, rather than be a competitor to other designers. This will help you to get a lot of work done faster and also get better projects.
- Don't underestimate how much you learn from your colleagues. If just one person can give you lots of ideas, what if many people give them? More heads are much better than just one head.
- Collaboration can also make your decisions more efficient. You can benefit from someone else's perspective.
- Don't force yourself to do anything by yourself. It's more important that the job is done – even if the result isn't what you imagined. Learn to cooperate.
Step 3. Don't worry about finding your “style” as quickly as possible
It's much more important to stick to your “style”, but at the same time, it's also important not to panic if you can't decide which style you want to use the first time.
- Sometimes it takes you a long time to figure out what kind of work is truly unique in your eyes, and usually this happens by accident.
- Don't be afraid to take inspiration from what others have done, and incorporate that inspiration into your own work from time to time. You need to try a lot of different things.
- Of course, you don't want to copy fake designs, but designers are often influenced by other designers too. Avoid falling into an “identity crisis” when you worry that you can't have a sufficiently unique style in your designs.
- Remember that a "style" develops over time. The distinctive "style" of great designers often becomes more evident in their careers.
Step 4. Make a mistake
Don't focus too much on one project, especially if you're just starting out. As a novice designer, you're bound to make a lot of mistakes, and the sooner you solve them, the better.
- Instead of just making one design at a time, it's better to work on it little by little. This will give you room to test your ideas, instead of worrying too much if you make the wrong decision on just one piece of clothing.
- Think about making a very important design draft. First, make sketches and basic shapes quickly to save materials and avoid using expensive materials, as well as to avoid wasting your time by making a few mistakes.
- Look for the fastest way to make things. For basic shapes, make items from inexpensive materials that are easy to make. You don't need to carve anything out of mahogany.
Step 5. Always be ready to come up with ideas
You should have a camera and a sketchbook that is easy to carry, and put together the designs you find interesting.
- Find inspiration everywhere. Inspiration doesn't have to come from other people's designs or the latest designs of the moment – inspiration often comes naturally or from things that happen by accident.
- You should have a good filing system and review your collection of ideas regularly.
Step 6. Balance your desires with persistence
You must be tired if you make designs 24/7, so don't be afraid if your enthusiasm sometimes wanes.
- Look for inspiration actively. If you feel like you can't come up with a design, go to a museum or have a look at an interesting design.
- You should have a regular time when you create a design. Inspiration sometimes doesn't stay in your head for long unless you sit down quickly and work on it.
Step 7. Stay positive
Understand that from time to time you will doubt your abilities, or you may also get a negative response, but this is part of the learning process.
- Don't worry if your work sometimes isn't great, even really bad. Mistakes are often the best teacher of success.
- Don't take criticism personally. Just because someone disagrees with your approach doesn't mean you're a bad designer.
- If you get a negative response, think that you should have done better. Be open if someone gives advice because it is good for developing your skills.
- If you don't agree, take more opinions. Not everyone has to like your design, and you may need a different person to respond to your design.
Step 8. Know when it's time to rest
Sometimes you need to let your subconscious mind rest, so you can return to work with a new and fresh perspective.
- If you're constantly working non-stop, sometimes you can't think anymore, start to panic, or make mistakes. Notice when you lose focus.
- Try to set a good schedule when it's time to work and rest. In one day everyone has a time where they are more productive. Try to pay attention to when your productive time.
- Planning to have time off is very important. Working too hard can tire you so much that you become slightly unproductive for a long time.
Part 3 of 3: Selling Your Design
Step 1. You need to have a good portfolio
Portfolios are a place to showcase your design skills, and are essential for job interviews, multiple school applications, etc.
- Always show your best work, and present your work as professionally as possible. You don't need to explain your work, or show your unfinished work.
- Also think about an online portfolio, so clients and employees can see your work in the best possible way.
- Find out how to make a portfolio with the right format and look professional.
Step 2. Remember that design is a business
Having a professional nature and having some knowledge of the business world is essential for your design career.
- Even the most famous designers have to market themselves. Taking time to strategize from a business perspective doesn't mean you're "not selling."
- No matter what type of design you're in, clients and buyers will only be interested in you if they think your design will grow their business.
- Understanding how your designs can benefit others can help you find ways to market yourself.
Step 3. You have to be willing to get paid
The more you can develop yourself through design, the more time you will have to design. Find ways to earn from what you love.
- Think creatively about how to market your design. If there's a particular type of design you'd like to create, think about what company would pay for your design.
- Find out how much clients are willing to pay designers for certain types of work, and see what you can do to increase your income.
- Also, paid designs will let you try new things which can help your development as a designer. Think of making money as a tool for learning what works and what doesn't.
Step 4. Think more specifically in one area, but don't force yourself to decide quickly
There are many different types of design work, and you as a novice designer may not be aware of all your options.
- There are many different types of design professions, and some of them are not well known except by design companies
- Keep your options open, and do some research on lesser-known design careers. Many people who enter the world of design think they will become famous designers, but there are many other interesting jobs.
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The following are lesser-known design careers:
- Packaging designer
- Environmental designer
- Display designer
- Product maker
- Clothing specialist
- Souvenir maker
Step 5. See yourself as the best designer
As a designer, looking and acting professional is the link between how you convey your skills and the world around you.
- People will probably expect better work from you if you can demonstrate your competence, not only through your work, but also through how you present yourself.
- Be fair to your designs by paying attention to your professional image. Act as part of an amazingly capable designer, and people will see your work even better.
Step 6. Do what you enjoy most
Wanting an exciting and prestigious design career can make you work harder, but seek motivation from the work itself.
- Too ambitious will never make your design better. Look for problems to solve that make you happy, and projects that you find really good and useful.
- Furthermore, if you truly love what you do, you will find ways to market yourself. Whatever happens, don't give up!
Suggestion
- Exercise every day. Even if it's just practice making one sketch, or one symbol, or whatever you want to make, practice is a way to master your skills.
- Try to find your own “style” and technique by trying different methods.
