I wanted to share some advice with other newbies in the design industry! These are a few things I wish I would’ve known or taken more seriously before I started my career.
1. CARRY A JOURNAL WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.
You just never know when that cool idea is going to come and just how fast it leaves your memory! There were so many times when I had these amazing ideas or thoughts and because I didn’t have a journal with me, I’d forget them. Now I keep a journal in my purse at all times, and that same journal is almost filled. I write down inspiring quotes, design tips, project ideas and pretty much any creative idea or thought!
2. DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN YOUR PERSONAL BRAND.
In other words, market yourself first! Make yourself marketable. Learn as much as you can! Show the world who you are, whatever channel you use rather it’s social media, your blog or vlog. One thing that I’m learning is to not be afraid to be myself. I know online we’re told to be professional and act a certain way, but in my opinion that makes us all robots. Everytime I go to write an “about me” I cringe because I hate the typical “My name is” paragraphs. They are so general and you can never determine the type of personality behind the writing. Your personality is your brand!
3. DON’T SETTLE FOR JUST ANY JOB.
There has been so many times that I have felt under qualified for a job because of my age. It seems that college graduates automatically only qualify for entry-level positions. It really bothers me because I know some pretty amazing designers who have had to settle for entry-level position only because they were fresh out of college. Apply for the junior-level positions, don’t sell yourself short! You just never know what door may open!
4. SELL YOUR IDEA, LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
Don’t be afraid to voice why you chose the layout, typography or color for your design. If you can sell your idea with total confidence you will most likely persuade your audience into agreeing with your choice.
5. THERE ARE A LOT OF DESIGNERS OUT HERE, BUT ONLY ONE YOU.
I took a Personal Selling class in college that was probably one of the most interesting classes I’ve ever taken. I learned that finding that one thing that distinguishes you from others is how you’re able to sell yourself even in a room full of people who do the same thing as you. Develop your elevator pitch that caters specifically to you, your skills and aspirations! Whatever that thing is, sell it.
– ME