A professional must keep in mind that to improve he must achieve goals, meet goals and learn every day.
No matter what time of year we are, it is important to be clear about our objectives and our action plan for the coming months. Surely you have the resolutions for your personal life and I’m sure they are similar to those of previous years (go to the gym, eat healthily, save money, etc.)
However, have you created a list of your purposes at a professional level as a creative? If you have not already done so, we have a list of where you can get some ideas to add them to yours. Hopefully, in a few months, you’ll have many more things to feel proud of when looking back.
Here we leave you with these 10 Purposes that all designers should have. Do you think we’re missing one?
- Keep your portfolio / CV updated
First, check each of the pieces you have in your portfolio. Do they show the best of you and the quality of your work? Only the best pieces should be there, everything else out there. Now review what has been done in the last 3, 6 or 12 months and select the best works you did and place them in your portfolio or website. Make this evaluation every time you make a new project and if it’s worth it, add it.
Your CV must also be updated always and ready to send. Add the new skills you learned in the last year and the type of projects you worked on. I recommend you look at our article about the most designer resumes.
- Choose only worthwhile customers
We all have one or more clients that simply are not worth it, their files always have problems, the projects are for yesterday and the payment is 6 months later. These clients are always more problems and fewer joys for your work.
For the next few months, check your list of clients and evaluate which are worthwhile and which are not. Those that have caused you more problems than benefits, avoid them.
With those who were good clients, strengthen your relationships with them and contact them to know if they need help in any project.
- Increase your presence in social and professional networks
With social networks becoming the main players in the designing industry in recent years, this moment will be more important than ever for those who take advantage of them. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Behance, Dribbble, LinkedIn, etc., are the networks you must use if you want to get recognition and make a name for yourself in the designer scene. Use them to get new customers, gain followers and interact with colleagues from whom you can learn and create connections to the fullest.
- Learn something new
As designers, we are constantly looking for a way to be better every day. Any time is the perfect time to learn something new, improve your skills and turn those weaknesses into strengths. Research and learn something that you are passionate about or that complements your abilities, this will help you in the future.
You can do it by taking face-to-face classes at the University, in an institute that has short courses or simply with online courses. That’s right, avoid the free tutorials because you will learn things that everyone does the same.
Distribute your time to learn and practice what you learn.
- Do designer things away from the computer
Do you want to learn to play an instrument or learn to cook? Just because they are not directly related to your career does not mean that they cannot be useful at some point. When you have a blockage of ideas, look for ways to distance yourself away from your desk or your office. Creativity can be anywhere and inspiration can come at any time.
- Find alternatives to improve your income
There are different ways to get money in the designer world. Many of us concentrate on being independent or having our work in best mobile app development company in San Jose. But there are other options to create income as eBooks, courses, consulting, blogs and many more options that can generate extra money.
The important thing is that you diversify your sources of money income in order to have a lifeguard in case your main job suffers a crisis.
If you are a student, look for projects in which you can learn, gain experience and extra money.
- Stop stealing other designers
Stop deceiving others and deceiving yourself. The phase of searching for references, although necessary, does not mean taking “borrowed” what you like, changing some things and using it. With the proliferation of templates and files ready for all types of projects, it is easy to fall into the trap and believe that nobody has seen that piece that you downloaded and changed the font or color.
It’s good to look for inspiration and ideas in the work of other designers, but I’m sure you’ll be much better at creating your own designs and pieces without looking at the others. Try it and you will see that your work will soon improve and you will have your own style.
- Create a personal project, just for fun
Start something new or improve one that you ever did and you never finished. Publish it on your networks and share it with the world. This can help you create a more complete portfolio and show something you really did for fun. Also, do not forget that any project will help you improve your skills.
- Show your work to 10 companies or people
The only way to get work or new customers is by applying to offers and showing your skills. Follow the employment sites and send your updated portfolio / CV to each company that looks for someone with your profile. If you are looking for work as an independent, call your friends and colleagues in the industry, ask if they need your services or if they know someone who may be interested, show your availability and take advantage of the opportunities to make relationships.
- Keep your workspace organized
This is possibly the easiest of all. The definition of order on the desktop depends on each one. There are people who like to have many things on the desk, all lined up or messy and others who prefer to have as little as possible. No matter what your preference is, having a nice workspace and how you like it is important for you to feel comfortable.
