Now entering my eleventh year in the design sector, I’ve embarked on a diverse journey that began with freelance graphic design contracts for startups, progressed to in-house web design and development roles, and culminated in the ownership of an online magazine specializing in design-related content.Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered and learned from designers whose skills surpass my own. I’d like to discuss some of the observations I’ve made about them.Do you recognize any of these signs within yourself, suggesting a calling to become a designer?Have you ever wandered through a grocery store, pondering thoughts like, “I wonder what font this tuna can is using? It could have been more effective with a touch more kerning.”Designers are constantly immersed in design, with their minds effortlessly extracting lessons, ideas, and solutions from the things they encounter and experience.Designers perceive design beyond their immediate interests; for web designers, this means extending beyond websites and user interfaces, while print designers look beyond business cards and letterheads, and interior designers explore beyond furniture and wallpapers.I find myself analyzing design in seemingly unrelated aspects of life.For instance, I might instinctively recognize an inefficiently designed workstation, envisioning a more effective layout that accommodates my left-handed preference and maximizes space without disrupting essential utilities.
Even while driving, I notice design possibilities, like a road sign that could better serve motorists with a different positioning or angle.I appreciate the innovative user flow solutions mobile apps employ on small screens.Design is ubiquitous, and designers have a natural inclination to observe it.Becoming a designer means valuing details, which goes beyond mere attention to detail.It involves recognizing which details matter and ensuring they receive the care and attention they require.Details impacting users’ experiences with our designs are sacred, and we scrutinize their impact on readability and usability, even when it comes down to subjective or stylistic preferences.The ability to discern what’s important from what isn’t is what separates a highly productive designer from one who fears imperfection and other trivial matters.I distill the core purpose of design to this: To improve something by designing it, making it better than if left untouched.A design is successful when it effectively addresses real-world problems.This could mean redesigning a website to enhance navigability or devising data visualization solutions for infographics to make complex data digestible.Thus, a successful designer is inherently a problem solver.Moreover, a great designer is compassionate, prioritizing the needs of others.A designer understands that a design created solely from their perspective and style will fail if it doesn’t resonate with others.While sometimes I may overdo problem-solving, I’m working to refine this aspect of my character.I tend to approach everything as a “Problem -> Solution” scenario. However, when a friend merely needs an ear to listen, offering solutions isn’t always the best course of action.This example illustrates my point: The desire to help and solve problems isn’t due to a sense of professional obligation or a calling in life, but rather, it’s simply a part of my character.Do you find yourself constantly considering ways to improve things by filling in the blank in the phrase, “This could be better if [blank]”?Are you the kind of person who rejects the notion that “good enough” is sufficient, always seeking to rise above the current situation and find innovative problem-solving methods?Great designers continuously seek new ways to innovate and enhance existing solutions.We’re not afraid to rework our grid layouts or iterate on UI versions to ensure we provide effective solutions to real problems that benefit the users we serve.Designers invest considerable time in learning, whether it’s mastering new Photoshop techniques, discovering new web design approaches, or improving marketing strategies for their design businesses.Designers resist complacency, understanding that it can lead to subpar designs.Effective communication is paramount for designers.As an introvert with poor communication skills, I’ve had to learn this the hard way, through challenges in closing projects, implementing ideas, and collaborating with others.However, what’s important is that I’ve desired to improve in this area, recognizing that better communication makes me a better designer.I’ve sought out resources, read extensively, and sought advice from effective communicators to enhance my skills.These conversations have provided valuable insights and tips, such as reading specific books, joining groups like Toastmasters, and focusing on being genuine and honest.My communication skills are still a work in progress, but the benefits of my progress are evident.I’m now better at conveying my ideas and collaborating with other designers.Design, as the communication of information and ideas through a visual medium, necessitates effective communication skills.The most critical takeaways from my experience are that communication abilities, like Photoshop skills, can be learned and improved if one is committed to doing so.Designers are intensely passionate about their work, sometimes so focused that they overlook basic needs like food and sleep.However, I’ve experienced this extreme focus firsthand, even to the point of neglecting my basic needs.Productive designers, on the other hand, manage their time effectively, focusing on the essential details and solving problems that matter.A good designer is purposeful and results-driven, unable to waste time on trivial decisions.Improving time management and productivity is achievable, much like enhancing communication skills.Being creative is a prerequisite for a good designer, as it involves being resourceful and seeing the world in unique ways.While creativity is well-documented, I’ve included it here for completeness.For those considering a career in design, if you see these signs pointing you in that direction, seize the moment.You already possess two key qualities: the desire to be a designer and the interest in learning how to be one.That’s likely why you’ve read this article this far.Here are some actionable steps you can take today:
Enroll in an online course through platforms like Treehouse, Train Simple, or Code School.
Acquire a design-related book and commit to reading it thoroughly.
Explore local educational institutions to kickstart your design education.
Subscribe to the RSS feeds of design-focused websites, magazines, and blogs to immerse yourself in the field.
Engage with admired designers to gain insights and advice on their journey.
For those already in the design field, I have two requests:First, share your own experiences and thoughts in the comments below to enrich the experience of readers who follow.Secondly, continue to create outstanding designs.I acknowledge that this profession can be challenging, but remember, you serve a significant purpose in the world.
