Constantly improving your graphic design skills is very important. As in any other profession, there are always ways to get better, but in graphic design you also have to keep up with the evolution of technology, new techniques and tools, so it’s essential to keep up with new improvements and trends.
It’s very easy for a graphic designer to plateau, especially when you specialize in a particular style or niche or field, and that, over time, can mean your designs become predictable and lack freshness.
In this article we give you 7 useful tips to become better and more efficient in graphic editing.
1. Study graphic design
Even if you started out on this path with no formal education, you’ve certainly learned along the way that graphic design isn’t just about putting a bunch of elements together and hoping for something beautiful.
Although practical experience is extremely important, it may not be enough at some point and lack of training in the field may limit you. That’s why it’s important to study design, you can sign up for online courses or read about the basics, but the bottom line is to study.
2. Use feedback and criticism to become more effective
Although criticism can be hard to handle and process, especially when you’ve put a lot of work into a project, it is your best ally.
If you take feedback and criticism into account, you can constantly improve your creations and skills. Try to detach and learn from the feedback you receive.
3. Experiment with more design software
Don’t limit yourself to one piece of software, especially if you’re just starting out, as this could limit your skills.
In addition, experimenting with different graphic design programs will help you refine your techniques, become more efficient and versatile, and will certainly help you on your way in this field.
4. Specialise
While it’s good to gain experience and build up a portfolio of diverse projects when taking your first steps in graphic design, it can be useful to choose certain areas to focus on after a few years.
By specialising in one or a few aspects of graphic design you will refine your knowledge and skills and become an expert in your chosen field or fields, which will enhance your credibility and prestige with clients.
5. Review your creations
Just as criticism can help you be better, so can self-criticism. Review your creations, study them and evaluate them with the information and experience you have gained in the meantime.
This will help you see your weaknesses, lapses, insecurities and address them. Reassessing your own work will also show you how much progress you have made, which is essential to finding the motivation to constantly improve.
6. Try
Whether you choose to keep your options open and get involved in a variety of projects or decide to specialise in one area, it’s important to experiment.
To avoid the risk of having trite and linear creations, always experiment with new fonts, colours, shapes and techniques. Use your creativity and the wide range of options available to you in this field to always stay current and self-improve with each project.
7. Discuss with other designers
Interacting and talking to other designers is another great way to keep up to date with what’s new, but also to learn new techniques or “tricks” to make your work more efficient and better.
No matter how far you’ve come on your journey, you will always learn from others and they from you.