Jamie Wieck compiled a list of 50 things every graphic design student should know and it’s definitely worth a read.
A few favorites are:
5. Starting anything requires energy.
It takes more energy to start than it does to stop. This is true for physics, your career, and that idea you need to work on. #the50
7. Have a positive self-image.
Your self-perception is your most important asset. See yourself as the person you want to be and others will see this too. #the50
8. Get a clean, simple website up.
An online portfolio is the alpha and omega of your career. With a wealth of web services, there’s no excuse for not having a website. #the50
12. Hand-write addresses.
Clients, prospective employers and potential clients gravitate to letters with handwritten addresses. The personal touch goes far. #the50
15. Do as many internships as you can stand.
Internships are a financial burden, but they are vital. They let you scope out the industry and find the roles that suit you best. #the50
17. Make friends with a printer.
A good relationship with a printer is invaluable – they will help you save money and the environment. #the50
21. Ask for opportunities.
It will feel cheeky, but ask for things. Ask to be included in exhibitions, magazines, pitches – if you don’t ask, you can’t get. #the50
28. Never work for free.
Not only does this devalue the profession, but it makes you look weak. Even a ‘nice’ client will take advantage of this. #the50
34. Embrace limitations.
Limitations are invaluable for creating successful work: they give you something to push against. From this tension comes brilliance. #the50
40. Show sketches, not polished ideas.
Clients often mistake ‘rough’ digital work for the final design. Show sketches for as long as you can, it makes them feel involved. #the50
44. If you’re going to fail, fail well.
Being ambitious means you have to take on things you think you can’t do. Failures are unfortunate, but they are sometimes necessary. #the50
48. Get out of the studio.
Good design is crafted from understanding the relationships between things. These connections can’t be found when locked in a studio. #the50