My journey to graphic design
What is graphic design?
Ideas and independence are what graphic design means to me. When graphic designers apply their ideas to a project, the outcome can be amazing and one-of-a-kind. Anything from logos to icons to posters, infographics, icons, motion graphics, website designs, package designs, and much more may be created by graphic designers. Graphic designers use elements like line, shape, texture, typography, and imagery to create distinctive and powerful designs.
A graphic designer needs exceptional ideas, creativity, proficiency with design tools such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, an understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and composition, and more to stand out and excel in the field. Additionally, it's critical to practice time management, multitask, collaborate with others, solve problems, and pay attention to details. Find out more about graphic design
My story
I was surrounded by art and design for as long as I can remember. I liked to do quick sketches, draw using pencil or paint, and create various designs. I considered my alternatives and who I wanted to be after high school. Selecting the appropriate major might be challenging, particularly if you are interested in several distinct fields that do not overlap. In addition to my interest in graphic and interior design, I wanted to study business. It was vital to me to select the right major, feel content with it, stay interested in it during my time in college, graduate, land my ideal job, and start my career.
After doing extensive research on different colleges, I made the decision to apply to Penn State University, and I was accepted into the business major. I studied at the Penn State Brandywine campus for two years, and I was content with my major. I did well in every class, I knew everything there was to know about how businesses operated, and I wanted to know more. I took some art and design classes while I was studying, and I didn't intend to switch my major, but I kept thinking about design. I made the decision to give design a try. I was accepted into the graphic design program at Moore College of Art & Design. It still amazes me that I'm a graduate. Since all I had was my own ideas, creativity, and ambitions rather than any experience with graphic design programs, to be honest, I didn't expect to be accepted. Since attending two different universities concurrently was not an option, I decided to postpone my business major and continue my degree by taking business classes during the summer.
My four years of studying graphic design went by very quickly, and in May 2023 I received my bachelor's degree. All graduating students participated in a senior show at the end of the last semester, where I presented my thesis project, "Collect Moments. Not Things" I chose to focus on four travel posters, and I am happy with the way the project turned out.My four travel posters were chosen by the galleries at Moore College of Art & Design to be displayed in the Executive Office for the academic year 2023/2024. Find out more about my thesis project and it's process. I have gained a lot of knowledge about graphic design by now, and my current objective is to complete my business degree. With reflection, I can confidently state that I chose my career wisely, and I'm really proud of myself.
My hobbies
I have a few hobbies. I believe that there ought to be something that brings us all happiness. Drawing is my primary interest, and I often come up with unusual ideas for paintings. Sketching and selecting colors, forms, and mediums for my artwork are enjoyable activities for me. Basketball is my second interest. I have played basketball on a high school team for four years, and I usually play it outside in the summer. I can still clearly recall many enjoyable times, matches, teammates, and each and every shot I made. Photography and photo editing are my three interests. I enjoy taking photos, especially of nature, and editing them when necessary. The process of taking a photo and enhancing its appearance through the selection of presets, effects, and flaw removal seems interesting to me.
Advice from me
I would tell you not to fear the unknown because growth always occurs in an unpredictable environment. Finally, don't listen to others; if something really appeals to you, you should try it. Always go for what brings you happiness and fulfills your desires. Regardless of how well or poorly an experience turned out, I I am incredibly grateful for everything in my life. I am making an effort to learn from my errors and avoid making the same ones twice.
Is a logo significant ?
Why logo?
A brand's symbol is its logo. Texts, shapes, or a combination of elements make up a logo. For a company to succeed, an effective logo is necessary. A website visitor's first impression of your brand logo is formed in ten seconds. Of small businesses, about 18% are willing to pay up to $1,000 for a logo design. A whopping 67% of small firms are willing to pay up to $500 for a logo design.
A logo gives a business a memorable symbol, draws in clients, helps define its identity, and leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, the logo helps you stand out from your competitors and fosters brand loyalty. Furthermore, 80% of small business owners believe that graphic design has a very important or moderate role in their company's success.
Trends
Seven logo trends are expected to be prevalent in 2023: vivid color, abstract botanicals, dynamic design, aminated logos, minimalism, hyper-lettertype, and handmade logos. Find out more about seven logo trends
I would like to share my top five recommendations for creating a distinctive and powerful logo for any kind of business:
1. Define your brand’s purpose
Before designing a logo, you should consider your brand's objective and unique selling points before creating a logo.
2. Create a mood board
Generate a variety of logo concepts, gather visual components such as images and font styles, and consider color selection.
3. Look for existing logos for inspiration
You can research existing logos to get ideas flowing. Examine the logos you discovered to determine their effectiveness as well as the aspects you find appealing and objectionable.
4. Choose typography
Typefaces can be categorized into five main categories: serif, sans serif, script, monospaced, and display. The typeface can be casual, modern, elegant, playful, retro, wedding, and many other styles. Though keep in mind that your typeface should reflect your brand, experiment with different fonts, colors, and design elements.
5. Sketching a logo
Sketch ten to fifty different logo iterations. Avoid repetition and make an effort to generate a fresh concept every time. Sketching doesn't need to take a lot of time, and it's a quick process. Having a clear direction for your logo through sketching can help you come up with new ideas or elements for it.
All about design
Design matters?
These days, design is all around us and has a significant impact. Successful design creation is an essential ability for advertising agencies, designers, and business owners. First impressions count, and visually appealing designs will draw clients and help the company. Since visuals are more successful at communicating concepts, graphic designers interact with the audience in an effective manner. The three main purposes of design are function, communication, and aesthetics.
I would like to share five important statistics in graphic design:
1. 90% of graphic designers prefer working freelance.
2. 60% of graphic designers have a bachelor’s degree.
3. 81% of businesses reported using graphic design in various formats.
4. 85% of people are attracted to a brand if it has visual graphics.
5. 94% of people believe their first impression of a company is design-related.
Find out more about graphic design statistics
Interaction design (IxD)
In the digital age, design contributes to the creation of the most engaging experiences, and consumers are drawn to innovative designs and goods. The interaction design (IxD) process is what designers use to create solutions centered on user’s needs, aims and behavior when interacting with products. The (IxD) process involves 5 stages: discovering what users’ needs / wants, analyzing that, designing a potential solution, prototyping it and implementing and deploying it. Consumers don’t buy just products anymore; they search for holistic solutions, meaningful experiences, and authentic stories. Designers have an opportunity to enter into problem solving, to grasp the requirements and wants of people, and to comprehend what is relevant to the business company.
“Design plays a unique role in building value for people who don’t search just for products anymore, and in a business world where the vast majority of entry barriers are down, you need to create something extraordinary for society and for human beings", Mauro Porcini, Senior Vice President and Chief Design Officer of PepsiCo. Find out more about design significance
Graphic design portfolio
Portfolio is required
Graphic design portfolio is a collection of a variety of design projects. It's crucial to develop a solid portfolio and present your work effectively. Graphic designers should continue to develop, enhance, and expand their portfolios throughout their careers. A strong portfolio is important, just as it is to dress professionally for the interview to demonstrate your seriousness and professionalism. A portfolio can help you demonstrate your abilities, concepts, and the design process. As a designer, you are showcasing your identity and abilities. Find out more about graphic design portfolio and tips
You can discuss your project's objectives, concepts, methodology, and approach while showcasing your portfolio. A digital portfolio can be stored digitally or in a folder. A PDF portfolio appears professional and is linked to on many people's websites these days. Throughout your career, designs and portfolios will improve, and if you devote enough time to them, your portfolio will have a polished appearance.
Graphic design tools
Having the appropriate design tools is essential to your performance and professional advancement. Using a multitude of tools, graphic designers are able to generate incredible designs and new concepts. Find out more about graphic design tools
I improved my designs over my four years of college, using those tools that are now essential for any designer:
1. A notebook is the ideal medium for spontaneous ideas and quick sketches. I drew a lot of sketches to get an idea of where I should go, as well as quick notes and hand-drawn items that I might utilize for the project whenever I started a new project or worked on an existing one.
2. A digital camera to showcase my finished work beautifully and include my own images in my portfolio. Using my phone or digital camera, I captured images of high caliber. I attempted to achieve a striking outcome by illustrating details and expressing color saturation.
3. One essential piece of equipment for graphic designers is creative software. I utilize Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop most of the time.
4. Digital artwork, logos, icons, typography, and other illustrations that may be utilized for a variety of purposes are created using Illustrator.
5. Designing visual layouts and documents is made simple and intuitive by InDesign's array of sophisticated tools and capabilities, which include typography controls, page layout controls, and pre-designed templates.
6. Photoshop is a flexible program that can be used to create, edit, and manipulate images with extreme detail and precision. Among other things, users can enhance photo quality, fix imperfections, crop images, and change color tones.
Design and burnout
Burnout is a very real problem in the creative industries that may impact anyone, regardless of experience level. Extreme exhaustion on all fronts—physical, mental, and emotional—caused by protracted high levels of stress is known as burnout. Find out more about burnout
What is burnout?
Burnout may strike designers who have to cope with difficult clientele, tense deadlines, and monotonous work for extended periods of time. While every individual's experience of burnout is unique, the following are some common indicators of impending burnout:
1. Feeling emotionally drained and unable to cope with stress.
2. Lack of motivation and interest in your work.
3. Difficulty sleeping or staying focused.
4.Chronic fatigue or physical exhaustion.
5. Physical and emotional detachment from colleagues and clients.
6. Increased irritability and a short temper.
7. Decreased productivity and creativity.
How to avoid burnout ?
I would like to provide four important tips on preventing burnout, as I have experienced it on a few occasions:
1. Take a break: To keep track of the time while working on designs, set an alarm. When designing, time goes by so quickly that we occasionally lose track of the number of hours we have worked.
2. Get more sleep: Being creative and productive is difficult if you don't get enough sleep or work late at night.
3. Eat well and exercise: Eating well and exercising will help you stay healthy, increase your energy, and improve your quality of sleep at night.
4. Eat more designs: Try doing something else when you have a break from designing. You can work out, read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or take a walk outside.
5. Focus on your wants and needs. Think about what makes you happy and spend time doing it. If only designing makes you happy, you can do quick sketches or drawings instead of working on a laptop on real design work.
Find out more about burnout recovery