Ten Ways to Keep Growing (Be A Design Group)

by Bennett Holzworth, (10 comments)

Like most students, when I left school I had a great deal to learn. While I feel I missed some valuable things in college, I felt like I had the basis to be a great designer. Over the years I have learned how to keep learning and growing outside of college and outside of the cubicle walls. You learn a great deal of practical skills in your job, but it is also important to learn things outside of Adobe and Apple.

In no particular order, here is a list of things that I have used to keep my mind active. I might not have been the most talented designer leaving college, but I was determined to keep learning and develop a designer’s most valuable asset … the mind. I wish someone would have given me this list when I left college.

Volunteer your services. For example, if you want to design identities for a living, you have to have some samples in your portfolio. Seek out projects for non-profits that you would like your help. Since the project is pro-bono, push for more creative freedom.
Attend local AIGA events. This should be a no-brainer … hang out with like minded people and learn from some of the best in the industry.
Do something you are not capable of. Find something you are interested in and tackle it. Wether that is expanding your capabilities in writing, video editing or book design, find something that will force you to keep learning.
Self initiate projects. Produce your own t-shirts, print a line of greeting cards, develop new web ideas, create a graphic novel …
Create a blog. Do this for yourself and others will see the honesty in your writing. Even if you never get Digg or Design Observer to link to you, you are still thinking and solidifying ideas.
Get a computer. You are probably not going to want to stay at your first job forever. It is no fun hiding the fact that you are working on your portfolio and resume on your company’s computer. Get a cheap G4 and some outdated Adobe software on ebay, and start polishing your online portfolio, resume and your actual portfolio. You need to be ready to send out the portfolio when that perfect job does appear.
Read books. It doesn’t matter what kind. Just read.
Socialize outside of design. When I moved to a small town, I knew I would miss my regular involvement with my AIGA buddies. I did, but I was also forced to find people outside of design to learn from. Look to local college professors, musicians and fine artists. They will expand your horizons and maybe even turn into some great creative freelance work.
Enter competitions. The fact that you are entering competitions will hopefully make you approach each project to make it the best it can be. Hopefully you won’t design projects with the sole goal of winnings awards.
Get a hobby, or pursue your crazy ideas. Letterpress, glass blowing, camera collecting, fencing … anything but watching primetime TV.
Bonus Tip: The one I have never accomplished. Start saving for a “course correction” fund. There is nothing worse for design passion and your career than feeling completely stuck in a horrible position. If you save four months of wages, then you always have the luxury of quitting a horrible job, even if you don’t have a new job to go to. I’ve never actually done this, but I really admire those out there that have had the foresight to save enough money to accomplish this. A fund like this could also come in handy if you get layed off or if you decide to go out on your own.

Comments (10)

Kyle Fletcher said:

Bennett. Good work on the list. Coming from a student about to graduate these make a lot of sense - it’s good to see my plan solidified into a nice arrangement like this with a few extras.

Now … to find a weekend to start letterpressing @ MN Bookarts.

Posted on June 1, 2007

Prescott Perez-Fox said:

This is a good list. I can say with confidence that I’m doing 6 of these, with another 3 or so in that ‘kinda’ realm. I really need to get of the house more. No excuse now that it’s summer and all my primetime TV shows are off.

Posted on June 1, 2007

Mac said:

I would suggest just doing stuff you’ve been thinking of. I’ve always wanted to make a chair out of a bunch of recycled wood I had lying around in the garage. One day I just thought screw it, and dived right in. Now to be honest I didn’t strictly make chair that was usable, in fact it broke first time I sat on it, but I learnt so much and it really got some cogs turning in my head about things.

I’d also suggest keeping a notebook, just pick a small one around A6 and carry it everywhere, then read it once a week. Thanks for the list!

Posted on June 3, 2007

Ryan said:

Bennet, This is a great list. It has taken me awhile to create the same list, nice to see someone post it though.

Thanks.

Posted on June 4, 2007

micahellis said:

Thanks so much. Great article. I appreciate your perspective and will endeavor to put these things into practice more efficiently.

Posted on June 5, 2007

Brad said:

Very nice list Bennett. Although my line of work is not creative by nature, creative thinking can make all of the difference no matter what your profession is. Each of your points stimulates creativity. Reading, less TV, Hobbies, Blogs, Projects, Volunteering, etc, all of which stimulate the mind and spur creative thinking. Of course I would have to recommend running.

Posted on June 14, 2007