Any career in a technology-based field is going to require quick thinking and a growing skill set, so graphic designers starting a career in the web industry have to hit the ground running. Here's the top ten things every beginning designer should know.
1. Get Out There
Even though you're young, it's very important to start putting yourself out there early on. Go to the meetings, the conventions, the forums. Talk, discuss, learn. Don't wait until your design is perfect to submit it for feedback, or wait for the opportune moment to join the StackOverflow conversation (it'll never come). As the industry evolves, so will you.
2. Seek Inspiration
Don't underestimate the importance of inspiration. There are no excuses for getting blocked into a no-idea zone. Check your favourite sites for inspiration frequently and be sure to check out our Ultimate 2012 Inspiration Guide.
3. Do Your Own Thing
Yes, it's important to be unique and develop your own style. But that comes in time. What's more important as a beginner is pursuing design outside of the workplace. Start a blog, run a website, be active on platforms for deisgners such as Dribbble or Forrst. Practice doing your own thing.
4. Design for Users
Remember who you're designing for: the users. Avoid getting caught up too much in trends or a really cool idea--if that really cool idea is going to distract the user or take away from the overall experience, it should be omitted from the comp. Always keep in mind accessibility issues such as font sizes and colour usage. If your designs focus on good navigation, the rest of the design will flow easier.
5. Learn to Code for Yourself
How the website comp will be implemented has so much to do with the code and platforms used that it's nearly impossible to do a solid design job without an understanding of the rest of the process--at least, a very efficient job. There's a world of tools out there to learn HTML and CSS, such as these, that will help get you started.
6. Plan to Revise
It's highly, highly unlikely that the first comp you create will be the one implemented. This is because more about the project is revealed over time, as the website becomes more fleshed out. In addition to drawing out multple versions, plan to revise the chosen comp multiple times. The website will be better for it.
7. Learn to Communicate
Good design communicates, and good design is created through good communication. Learn ways to articulate problems and goals better, both to your fellow team members and to clients. If it's over email, don't forget to cc all the project stakeholders. There's nothing more destructive than a game of broken telephone in the middle of a project. The importance of good communication can't be underestimated.
8. Learn to Listen
It goes both ways. Learn to listen and set aside time for it. Listen to what your project manager is really trying to communicate. Make time to make sure your clients can communicate fully their needs and goals. Never rush listening. It'll save you, and each of your stakeholders, much time and headache. For many designers, ourselves included, this is part of our Discovery Phase.
9. Keep it Simple
Remember, it's all about the user. Keep it simple and to the point. Too many features spoil the comp. Omit any that don't have a purpose, no matter how trendy or fun they were to create. A good design is not one that just looks appealing visually but also one that is user-friendly.
10. Keep Learning
If you're a recent grad, that's probably the last thing you want to hear. But it's true, especially for web design, and it can't be emphasized enough. The vast majority of all learning occurs by doing. Whether it's a new coding language, a new design style, or from your mistakes (especially from your mistakes), never stop learning, never stop designing.
Are you new to the web industry? Check out our advice for beginning developers to see what it's like on the other side of the fence. Or are you a weathered veteran? What advice do you wish you had had as a beginner?
