10 Unforgivable Sins of Graphic Design
When it comes to landing a career in the Graphic Design or Digital Arts the competition can be fierce. Once you do get hired, it’s important to maintain work ethics and a particular way of maintaining your career. Otherwise, the reality is you could be ‘laying on the beach’ so to speak, rather than working at your dream job. For freelancers and independent contractors, the same set of rules applies. Whereas you must provide a level of service, your client will be happy with. In this presentation we uncover ten of the most unforgivable sins in the graphic design field for you to be aware of to make you an outstanding DMAC graduate.
- Not Enough Research
- Not Enough Questions Asked
- Turning in Projects Past Deadlines
- Ignoring Work Ethics
- Plagiarism
- Not Being Organized
- Not Taking Good Care of Yourself
- Creative Crunching
- Not Managing Day to Day Business
- Never Improving Skills
Not doing your homework or research, is one in the same. By researching the company you’re designing for in a thorough manner you are grasping necessary Intel to make good design decisions the clients will rave about. Just do it and you’ll do better work.
Research can start out by asking the client or art director important questions to make the design. Many of your colleagues include a questionnaire found on the Internet or self-created. No matter where you find this helpful document, it not only helps you get educated on their wants, needs and ideas, it makes you look like a professional. We were born with two ears and one mouth, so ask questions and always listen.
It’s bad policy to not meet the deadlines you are given. Because many people are relying on you to complete the design process before doing their job, you need to be on time and on point. One person can hold up the process of many. Be sure to meet your deadlines as best as you can. The time to speak up is during the creative brief. Let them know the deadline is unrealistic in a nice way.
As we all know plagiarism is a big NO, NO. Utilize stock photos that have a clear license and always give credit where its due. Be wary of images on the Internet that have been flagged for non-use. You’ll save yourself a lawsuit and loss of money.
Many people in the artistic fields flock to jobs that are relaxed and less stressful. One thing you can never be relaxed about is your ethic to work. If someone hires you to do a project, meet it with respect and integrity. This method of thought and procedure is what sets apart the people making 6 digits and those working paycheck to paycheck.
It seems that one of the first things your instructors will teach you is to be organized. You need to carry this important skill set throughout your career. It makes your life easier and again makes you a pro and not an amateur.
Take good care of yourself, no matter what path you’re on. That means eating right, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. This field will consume you if you let it, so be sure to condition yourself to give a top performance every day.
“Creative Crunching” is a term used to bash someone else’s work. People are sensitive in the creative fields and it’s important to always respect their ideas and opinions. This is particularly true for Creative Art Directors, as they are more impressive when they help to build their team up not tear them apart. Find nice ways to express a design’s direction. Never speak negatively about another person’s work as it may be something they are passionate about.
Managing your day to day business is extremely important. Whether you work from home or you go into a studio, be sure to be on time, stay organized, keep good records, manage your accounting, etc., etc., Always think of things as “your company” no matter who you work for or with. Again, this is a part of your character and integrity.
In the digital world, one thing is true, everything always changes. Rapid fire from places like Facebook to Mobile will keep you on your toes with its fast pace of change. Read at least 20 minutes per day about industry related topics to make yourself in the know. This is your career and no time for excuses to not do your best to strive for greatness.
By following these simple rules, you’re not only going to shine in the eyes of your peers, you’ll be creating enough brightness around you to make you fierce in the marketplace.
Keep pushing every day to be the best you and it will happen.
For more information on pursuing a career in digital arts, visit our website at DMAC.edu
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