Good Advice For Students & Graphic Designers 2023
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
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Are you a student or a graphic designer? If you're looking for some advice to help you with your career, you've come to the right place! In this video, I'm sharing some good advice for students and graphic designers in 2023.
From tips on finding a job to advice on creative design, this video has everything you need to start your career on the right track. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to bolster your skills, I hope this video will be a great resource for you!
If there's anything you would like me to cover in a video, then let me know by commenting down below!
👉 For more helpful advice and inspiration, check out the designers and entrepreneurs featured in today’s video:
@aliabdaal / @aliabdaal
Chris Do / @thefutur
@JeremyMuradesign / @jeremymuradesign
@madebyjames / @madebyjames
@StefanKunz / @stefankunz
Viktor Baltus / typedesignclass
@zimrimayfield / @zimrimayfield
Viktor's Typedesign Course: www.typedesign...
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Thank you to everyone who gave advice! I hope this video is motivational to you all :)
❤
thanks man
Did my question on Facebook inspire this video? 😂
Sir please help me
Help me
I've been a graphic designer for over 10 years now, and the biggest difference was... At uni, I'd have a hypothetical brief (that I'd create) and I can spend a month or two on. In the real world as a junior designer straight out of uni, you'll have a few hours to work on a brief. Look at what other people are doing, and imitate it. Before you start a project, look at 5 or so examples of people that have done it well, and create something "unique" from it. Your boss and your clients want something that others have done because it works. Take this tip, and you'll develop so fast as a designer. But get stuck into real work.
Thats one of the things in hindsight you'll appreciate - not to be bound by budget. Around 20 years down the line I used to do a lot of exploring, imitating and such, which I still aim to do - but in the end of the day i'll mostly do client work. One plus about beeing experienced is that you'll aim better at the assignment and know beforehand where to go.
I've recently graduated from uni with a terrible grade. I feel that I'm a terrible designer, but I thought that way because I always was thinking that I needed to be original with my work and come up with very estravagant and work that has never been seen before. But I guess, I never allowed other people work to influence me and tried to do things my own way which I often procrastinated out of fear and judgement.
So I guess what I understood is that taking people's work as inspiration and doing what's trendy gets you places. Rather than trying to be original and coming with the next design techniques and methods.
This is really helpful and practical advice. Thank you!
Not really advice, but a good quote I saw yesterday: ”You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you used to be. And that’s major.”
I went back to school at 33 years old and am about to graduate with a degree in graphic design. It's not always easy to learn something new. It's more difficult when you are pushing forty years old. Your videos have not only been like taking extra classes and giving me invaluable tips and knowledge in the field, but they also build my confidence and ease my anxiety about my designs and entering the professional world. Thank you for what you do. In my case, your videos actually change a life!
I'll graduate at 53 with my graphic design degree, and had never drew anything until I was 49. Talk about scary. Good luck!
@@stevekdigitalworx good luck ! very inspiring !
@@stevekdigitalworx you landed any good job since?
Hi - Also switching to graphic design at 33.
I did a similar thing. I think it was well worth it. Good luck to you!
University was never established to turn you into something. It's simply there to facilitate both student & teacher with information and a physical network that also obsesses over the same subject(s)/discipline you desire. However, the spark to create, the drive for work, and the hours of devotion to your craft must already be in the person before they sign up.
"Be content where you are because you know where you're going". This is a really pertinent point, and very well put. It's an important reminder that life is happening right now, it doesn't start when you've reached your goals. Enjoy the journey there.
The best advice I’ve received over the years came from a previous manager. He said to “always ask why?” in other words, always question the brief and don’t just take it at face value, because it will help you to fully understand the problem that you’re trying to solve with your design.
Nothing wrong with asking questions to get a deeper understanding.
Solid advice!
So true on different levels. When I was in design school, my mentor told me this same advice: never stagnate, don't live in a vacuum, always seek out criticism and leave the ego at home.
There's something I'd like to share: When I had finished my studies in graphic design 6 months ago, my teachers had called up everyone for a one on one meeting where we were supposed to showcase our portfolio of the work we had done through the course. And when I was done with my explanation of each project. the head professor began with a speech about how much sincere I was through out and was also quite hardworking BUT! I was not ready to enter the industry and begin working even as an assitant/Junior Graphic designer. I Lost hope so badly when she said I needed to to restart everything from learning the fundamentals to creating doodles.
That very incident has created self doubt in me. Something I never had. Those words made me feel small and useless.
But the best part is I still believe in myself and am still learning being on the same path I had chosen 3 years ago.
Thank you Will as your content and you have played a major role in boosting my confidence and improving my skills !🥰😇
Thanks for sharing! I bet that was really hard to hear, and obviously I wasn't there so I don't know the full story but it's good to know there are professors and teachers out there who are honest, even when it's not what we want to hear and who will be realistic with students to help them improve and be prepared for the real world (employers and clients will have even higher expectations as they're paying you) Well done for taking their feedback on board and keeping believing in yourself and growing! Keep at it
I had a professor say something similar to me, basically told me she “worried about me in the industry” because I had been through a deep depression during my second year of design school. The comment has been a mental burden that’s been tough to carry, but I’ve been a professional freelance designer for over 10 years now and have worked in multiple countries for some very famous brands and institutions. Don’t let their judgments keep you down, keep building your skills, look for mentorships and opportunities to collaborate with other designers and get constructive feedback on your work 😉 Keep going 🤗
P.s. The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, The War of Art by Stephen Pressfeild and Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland have been some of the best resources I’ve found for dealing with self-doubt 😉
@@willpatersondesign thank you so much Will! This really means a lot and yes you are right it is hard to find honest people nowadays.
@@folkit.studio wow Emma! Your journey sounds amazing! I'm so happy you shared your story because it is very motivating for students like me.
Something that was never told to me was the high amount of turn-over rate for graphic design. Do not be discouraged by this. People rarely give graphic designers their dues and they are incredibly underappreciated. Remember what God told Joshua, "be strong and courageous. " So, be strong and courageous.
You will NEVER learn Graphic Design in college. Teachers will always see you as their competition, they will never teach u how to find a job or how to truly become successful in Design. I'm glad i realized this on my own and the minute i started exploring and learning by myself i got really better with my work and college projects. Will bro u are a great guy and thank you for sharing stuff like this. :)
Aaaand that's true as fuck, when i went to an institute which teaches you the basics of graphic design, i made a final project that was decent enough to be considered professional, it was an identity for a brand, the idea came out of nowhere and ended up being great, but after presenting it to my teacher i could notice the jealousy on his face and from the words that he said, that was the moment where i realized that i have even more potential than i thought of myself at first, and somehow learning on my own would be more productive since i already have control when it comes to research and finding more information related to what i want.
Um, and you are a moron.
You are part of the problem
Lol, says the guy that is uneducated and can't come with a definition for Gestalt.
Woah! So sorry you went through something like that 😞 I’m currently a sophomore majoring in GD but it’s been nothing but amazing. I’ll come back if I stand corrected but every student in my major can tell that our professors genuinely want their students to be successful and go on to do great things, they wouldn’t have accepted us if they didn’t believe it. Maybe it’s because it’s mainly older men who are confident designers and artists. And looking back at the portfolio I submitted to get in, is years behind what I’ve done and learned in the last semester alone. I couldn’t imagine going through that and I’m sorry (and I don’t usually reply) but I didn’t want a someone to miss out on the amazing experience that I’ve had because of your comment. Even meeting people who are just as passionate about it as you is so exciting. I didn’t even think to look out for this though, if I know anyone who wants to major, I’ll let them know to do their research. I believe in you 🙏!!
I remember leaving school last year and worrying a whole lot about freelancing, I fell into the design business rabbit hole and got to work. Living in a 3rd world country where Design isn't the most important thing for businesses (and the big businesses that do only use agencies) I'm fighting an uphill battle, I'm currently making $200 - $300 a month, and working hard to increase it using a lot of these advice already.
Where do you live?
@@nimblethenoble8850 Jamaica
I PRAY much success for you
We're all rooting for you. :)
@@willpatersondesign Thanks
Mr will, this is one of the best advice i found on TH-cam, as a self taught graphic designer i always confused i ask professional and industrial leading desginner what to do what to not. They started giving me tons of advice then i ask myself what's my goal? Then i fillter out all my advice that gather from individual and start applying one by one. It takes a lot of time but it worth it
I have been a graphic designer and the digital marketing head for an engineering company and this made me shaped one lesson that will always stick to me. My mentor said to me confidence comes from competence.
I love that :)
Thanks so much for this video! I'm currently a student at Full Sail University in the Graphic Design program. After I complete my English Composition class, I'm starting with Design Theory, and I'll finally receive my macbook pro and my sub to Adobe Creative Cloud. Until then, I've downloaded a free trial of Affinity and started to create some designs for some extra portfolio pieces. I'm constantly looking for new tutorials, new videos, and new inspiration. I wish I could join an internship at this point, or have some kind of mentor, but that's what I use TH-cam creators for.
It's a real comfort watching and hearing about design, big and casual things within it. You always give me a boost when it comes to creating and and not just giving up on it even though I have to do. Kudos to you, my friend!!
Thanks Will! So lovely to see all the collaborations you were able to make happen. Each and every one of them have inspired me or touched my life in some way or another 🙏
You're so welcome. These guys are amazing.
Wow thanks for this video Will and thanks everyone for all the great advice. I’m an older student and decided in the past few months to go back to uni to study Graphic Design and really looking forward to it
That's amazing, well done you!
Great advice for people starting out! (And to be honest a lot of great reminders for those who have been designing for a while too!) ❤
How come this only has 50k views after 4 months?! I've watched almost all of Will's videos and this is by far one of the most valuable ones. Thanks for putting this content up for free, Will & Your Team ❤
Btw, as an affiliate manager by trade, I'm impressed with how you place sponsored content in your videos. Top notch!
Thanks! We aim to make videos that are evergreen. Focusing on making sure the video is relevant in the years to come will slowly increase the views. I think that's why we're good with sponsors!
The moment I learned that you know "Made By James" - a big smile shows up on my face! You guys turn logo design "a pain in the @ss" to something that I can start enjoy working on. It usually takes me longer than the client can afford cuz I keep finding things to tune and adjust.
i guess, working; and failing can be beneficial. as you said, the only thing you learn is how not to fail again doing the same mistake but you might learn a new technique, or you might find your "flow" for working. very motivating video will as always!
Well said!
This was just the motivation i needed 🙌 ❤thanks.
What the heck, I just got a notification from you for the first time since last year. That’s crazy, this whole time you’ve been making videos and never once did I get a notification! Freaken TH-cam!
That's the algorithm! hahah. Thanks for watching :)
Loved this video. I'm graduating in a few weeks and was introduced to your channel by my lecturer in 2019. I'm super grateful for your channel 💛 I can say I'm always learning now about freelancing and all sorts of things... including music 😂
That's awesome, congrats on your graduation! And you're absolutely right, as creatives we should never stop learning :D
Thanks for that little push it means a lot 😊
No problem :D
Thank you for all of your videos. You’re such an amazing inspiration to us!!
Wow, thank you so much! Thats so kind of you :)
😍😍😍😍
Hey Will, can you do a video of your own rebrand of Pepsi? Their recent change has been getting a lot of praise, but I personally think it could’ve been done better. Would love to see your approach and rating the new one they went with.
Thanks!
I'll check it out :)
Thanks so much from Benin in Africa 🌍
Thank you for your motivation!
Love from India!
Thanks for watching!
As a student in the craft, this was handy
Glad to help!
I've been learning a ton from these videos, thanks! Currently transitioning from self-employment as a musician back to the workplace due to the pandemic and it feels like a massive undertaking. Telling myself to take it one day at a time.
Glad the videos help! Keep at it :D
Learn everyday and act on it, even if its only 1%. Progress is progress one step or 100 steps...
Great advice!
This is a great video I wish I saw this when I was in school. I literally learned all of these lessons the hard way lol Some people these points might seem outrageous, But I. Go through literally all of this all the time. Lol
I'm glad I bumped into this video, really helped me a lot
Thank you for posting this video this was some great advice. I have moments where I doubt my skills/me learning new things but I have to get out of that if I want to get better I need to focus and practice more I may not be the greatest graphic designer in the world but I can be the best one I can be and eventually create good work that people will like.
Thank you Will actually I'm a big fan. Your words always inspire me nd give me a push
Happy to hear that!
@@willpatersondesign ♥️
Excellent video! I can't wait to share this with my students.
Please do! :)
A real inspiration you are. Thanks for being amazing at what you do.
That's so kind, thank you
Thank you! really needed this 💖
Glad it was helpful! :D
thank you so much for this amazing video! Recently I had actually been wondering if it would benefit me to just make a fake client and practice or if that was a silly thing to do, and when you explained how it can build your portfolio and improve your skills through direct action, it really made me put the puzzle pieces together. Thank you!
I hate "vibe" too! And "mood" while I'm at it! What is a vibe or a mood? Anything you want... means nothing. Great stuff here.
The best advice I can give is Learn as much as you can and girl the business ( Regardless of speed) We've all been there. The. Best way to do that is too Find your own way. It may sound super corny, but it's fact. You could be the best designer, but if you work at c company you hate, Designing things you don't care about your Mental health and financial situation will suffer. I've been working for myself and have builded my own agency for 7 years now. And I am beyond Fulfilled. If you're in school, Start looking for clients now. Or At least someone who has witnessed your work and Will put your name out. Take control.
Ps even if you find a job after school it's 97% A bad time
I’m new here and I have to say that I already love you’re videos and you gained a new subscriber! Keep going with the great content, it is inspiring me a lot and giving me the confidence I needed to follow the graphic design field! 🙌🏻😍
Thanks for collaborating to serve this great piece
I've been a designer for 20+ years. If I followed what I wanted to do (astrology, fairies, crystals), I'd be broke and out of work. So maybe that's better advice for those who have a more mainstream direction they'd like to go.
This is a great inspiration to me as a beginner in graphic design. Thanks a lot! ❤
You're welcome 😊
Could you make a video on how you would create a concept project?
Thanks for this video 🙂 I desperately needed it
be aware with your deadlines, be AWARE with your deadlines, BE AWARE WITH YOUR DEADLINES
I followed you from start❤
Thanks so much
Thank you so much for sharing this
Thank you so much will for sharing this valuable lesson
Good advice for non-students as well.
thank you for always sharing great content
My pleasure!
Thanks for sharing these valuable advices.
You're welcome!
I guess I am Not qualified to give advise, because I have just began to explore this field,
🎯and what I learn is being versatile in your trade is essential, because every time you want produce amazing projects different from previous one, so understanding client requirements and surprise them with out of Box idea is not only challenging but fun as well and in this process you will never get bored or stuck and your learning process never stop.
Zimri had the best advice. But for real great video as always. Very helpful! We all make mistakes. It's whether you learn from them or not that makes you smart.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!
That was really helpful 😊
Thank you sir❤
Thank you for your videos and advice. Is it better to go to a college for a certification or to get a degree? I have a BS in Biology and work in the medical field for over 18 years and looking for a new career. I love creating logos, designs, and art on PS and a little bit on Ai. So I figure why not get into something that I like. So I'm trying to see which route to take. I really want to start right away because I want to be happy in what I do and work for myself or a company.
Any Advice for someone who has been a Designer for 16 years? ❤
Don't lose your passion :)
Bro my dream is animated graphic designer pls make a video for animation graphic designer ❤
I’m currently doing a design course so this video is great for me. I find the course however is actually killing my creativity and I feel I could learn more in my own time. Should I stick with the course or go without the degree?
I wouldn't want to give specific advice on this as I don't know the full story, sorry
Hi Will! Thank you for the video, it's really helpful! Any advise for those who are not getting a degree, but learning on their own?
Best advice would be to come and join me on my new course! www.logo-launch.com the second module is going live today :D
Good advice
What they don’t tell is how over saturated it is and its very hard to find work.
I did a ba in design in 2014 I struggled what to do next after and still struggle I give up in the end because it’s hard to get started specially on your own and no mentor or anyone around you for a bit of support just got stuck 😢
Good presentation
Do you have any suggestions on a great boot camp that is respected and reputable?
I have done Mphill in graphic designer
Is going to uni even worth doing? Seems like the uni experience is to pay a LOT of money to go only to learn the most after you finish. Sounds like a bad investment to me.
some time I like my work but after some more time I don t like and same time I like but its so bad
Hi Will, great video!
I am graduating in a few months and honestly the most worrisome thing at the moment for me is what’s going on with AI generation. I can’t help but feel like even design work is going to take a big hit in just a couple of years which is very sad. What do you think about it?
It's a hot topic at the moment, despite all the varying opinions on it as designers we need to be aware of it and in my opinion learn how to use it to our advantage, we can't just bury our heads in the sand and hope it goes away - it's already being used and implemented by journalists, designers, copywriters, accountants, marketers and so many more and it will only continue to be developed - I made a video not too long ago where I shared my thoughts in more detail, but my best advice is to not ignore it, and ideally learn how to use it to your advantage, which I appreciate some people won't want to hear, but that's my thoughts :)
Hey Will, I am currently about to finish my college study graphic design, but next to this i am also focusing on my own brand. I wanna follow a four year bachelor degree design study next year, do u recommend following this study? or is it better to focus on my own brand and learn from that? (18 years old currently)
I wouldn't want to give an opinion on your specific circumstance as I don't know enough about it to comment, sorry
Hi, I'm very embarrassed to ask this, but how do you present yourself after... taking a break from the field for so long.
You see, I graduated with a B. A (as a graphic designer) in 2019: around the time the pandemic hit. My professors weren't really the most friendly... it was a very competitive work environment: if your work didn't measure up, you were kicked out. Half of my class was kicked out: I was part of the lucky half... but I didn't feel worthy. Those years drained me: I lost my confidence altogether... I was afraid to search for a job, but then COVID... my family hit tough times.
Basically, I have a college grad portfolio... I missed... all those years toiling away at a dead-end part-time job. I"m ashamed of myself...I don't know, I have so much to do. I feel ashamed; I'm afraid people questioning me on my lack of ability, or why it took me so long to get out into the field. How am I supposed to show credibility when I'm nothing more than a sleeper designer that's just waking from a nap. I just feel so overwhelmed... there are so many things I need to relearn. I just don't know how to take the first step and I feel frozen.
I'm sorry you feel like this and experienced that :( it doesn't sound like a very positive start to your design journey. One thing that I would say is that the past doesn't define you - and professors aren't Gods, they're humans just like you and I.
If it's daunting to get back to it after a negative past experience I would just start small. Get your portfolio online, give it a freshen up, put your best foot forward :) and be kind to yourself, you are your own biggest supporter after all! And slowly change the narrative to 'I'm not good enough' to 'I can do this' - you're the director of your own life
Thank you
Great tips! All these advices made me remember something that was, but still is here in Brazil, finding good peers to exchange knowledge and experience. That is really important to grow faster and consistent! Guys, do you know were is a great place to build network and what are your advices of how to build great networking and make peers? Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky like Paterson to have a wife as a businessman! 😄
The link to our Reddit page is in the description, there are so many amazing designers there and people are awesome at giving feedback on eachother's work, it's a great community :)
@@willpatersondesign Sounds great! Definitely I will get into it. Thanks!
Learn from the best - to be better than the rest ;)
Fail. Fail again. Fail better.
my favourite advice)
does anyone know any design challenge newsletter sites? or something. i want to hone my skills after a break
stefan sound like he having panic attack
Yeah the audio has warped a little bit as he recorded it outside so we had to fix it to remove the background noise which has left him sounding a little bit worried!
What if your a hands on type of person and dont like reading?
Could you please recommend me any book on layout and composition?
Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Muller-Brockmann 👍
@@multosakalye Thank you so much for the recommendation, I'm currently going through "Making and Breaking the grid - by Timothy Samara". It is pretty informative.
I did a video not too long ago about books for designers if you search it on my channel you'll find it - Grid Systems is absolutely the best for layout :)
@@willpatersondesign Thanks a lot, I'll check out that video for sure. :)
Where should I watch for more design ideas
Hi Will I want your suggestion how about CorelDraw VS Adobe illustrator?
Would you recmend getting an MFA in media design after getting your bachelors degree
I am a graphic designer, so now I want to start my freelance work, what should I do for that?
Any advice for a high school student?
No advices related to what AIs will bring in a negative or positive way, in long and short term... that´s something huge and people who are about to start a graphic design career should be aware of what AIs are capable right now, and what they´ll be capable of in 3 or 4 years when students finish their careers... that´s creeping
I'm a student from EEE background on my 2nd year undergraduate programe . I am earning quite well & i'm enjoying doing designs for my client . Now i am really confused to match my Major EEE with the design work that i'm currently doing for my clients. Investing time in both of them sometimes gets messier as two paths are completely different.. Suggest me something , my aim is to blend two skills and match them up . But is there any career out there for that ? Drop your thoughts pls
Maybe instead of the word 'vibe' you can use the word 'connect'
What would some 20 year old know about design. Tell me what gestalt is.
Hi
Hi :)
Be a graphic Design entrepreneur that you will learn than going to stupid school
I´m considering enrolling in a graphic design program at my local UNI.. I liked art class at school and I find it amazing what graphic designers do, and all there is to it, but I´ve never owned a tablet/ WACOM drawing tablet, so I don´t really know how it will work out. I´m still unsure as everything depends on some issues at my workplace..
Does anyone have some advise? Will they teach me what there is to know, or do they expect me to be familiar with all this already? :(
I have a can we do graphic designing a hobby and then have it as a side income
Did you name your concept pieces as concept pieces in your old portfolio?
Yes :)
I'm spellbound by this. I had the pleasure of reading something similar, and I was spellbound. "Dominating Your Clock: Strategies for Professional and Personal Success" by Anthony Rivers
Should I bother to go university to my masters in Graphics? I graduated in Film Production (undergraduate). How cam i create my own or start my own graphic design work
I've just posted a new video about becoming a designer in 2024 which you might like, I talk about university and starting out :)
@@willpatersondesign Thank you will actually give it a watch.