Embracing growth lessons from my self-improvement journey as a Graphic Designer
- wongscmegan
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
I have been a graphic designer for more than 20 years. You might think this makes me an expert in the creative industry, but that's not entirely the case. With each software update, I'm continually learning new tools. Now, AI is the hot topic, and even my design software incorporates it. I am passionate about graphic design, and to earn a living doing what I love, I understand the need to constantly adapt and learn.
Embracing a continuous learning journey
A key aspect of my self-improvement journey has been embracing continuous learning. The design industry is always changing, with fresh trends, tools, and techniques emerging regularly. To stay relevant, I prioritized learning.
I enrolled in online platforms, where I completed basic courses on how to produce videos for brands, digital & social media marketing, and branding strategies. These experiences not only enhanced my technical skills but also introduced me to different design philosophies. Learning from others, through mentorships or collaborations, proved invaluable for my growth.
Seeking feedback and critique
Another vital step in my self-improvement journey was learning to seek feedback and critique. At first, I hesitated to share my work, fearing negative comments. However, I soon realized constructive criticism is essential for growth.
I began sharing my designs with peers and my family, actively seeking their honest opinions. For instance, I joined design forums where I could post my work and receive input. This practice helped me pinpoint improvement areas and refine my design process. Viewing feedback as an opportunity rather than a setback significantly boosted my confidence and skills, ultimately leading to better work.
Building a strong portfolio
As I sharpened my skills, I recognized the importance of a well-constructed portfolio. A strong portfolio should showcase not only my best work but also my development as a designer. I took time to select projects that reflected my style and flexibility, ensuring that each piece told a story.
I made it a point to include personal projects in my portfolio. For example, I created a colour pencil drawing which took me 3 months to complete. These allowed me to experiment with new techniques and express my creativity freely.
Staying inspired
In the fast-paced world of graphic design, experiencing creative burnout is common. To avoid this, I consciously sought inspiration from a variety of sources. I visited art galleries, read design blogs, and followed influential designers on social media. Browsing design portfolios on various websites really gets my creative juices flowing.
Additionally, stepping away from the computer and diving into other creative activities, such as painting or photography, helped revive my creativity. By diversifying my sources of inspiration, I could bring fresh ideas into my design work.
Reflecting on my progress
My journey to becoming a better graphic designer has been super rewarding and has really changed me. By always learning new things, getting feedback, building up a solid portfolio, networking, and staying inspired, I've grown both personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, I'm pumped about all the endless chances to grow and be creative in the design world. I urge fellow designers to dive into their own self-improvement journeys. It's through these experiences that we really discover what we're capable of.
