A designer’s most valuable asset

If the first thing that comes to your mind when reading this title is Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, you might be looking at graphic design from the wrong perspective.  While most people think of graphic design being the manipulation of digital tools, it is more profound than that.  

When I first made my way into graphic design, my thoughts about it were limited to digital tools without thinking much (or even knowing much) about the design process and ways to come up with creative solutions.  For me, design was merely an artistic form that seemed to be fun, exciting and imaginative.  And… I was so wrong to believe that coming up with new ideas was automatic.  

According to the AIGA, graphic design is defined as

“the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.” (AIGA).

We have all heard about the importance of the brain and how it provides us with motor functions, as well as other essential aspects such as emotions, consciousness, imagination, and communication. 

We are able to gather experiences from activities that we engage in, feel emotions that connect with us on a deeper level (which sometimes does not make sense at first). 

As designers, it's important that we possess the ability to observe and analyse the work of others, as well as our environment and our own work, with a critical eye. By deconstructing ideas and concepts that we encounter, we can then reconstruct them using new parameters and our unique perspective, allowing us to add our own voice to the design process. (Recommended reading- Everything is a remix by Kirby Ferguson).

Our ability to connect past experiences with present ones enables us to make well-informed decisions. This skill also allows us to repeatedly generate new ideas and solutions by drawing from our accumulated knowledge and experiences.

So, how do we achieve this realistically?

As a graphic designer, it is necessary to have a systematic approach.  A well-nourished brain has a more robust ability to think critically, analyse information, generate creative ideas, and make informed decisions.

I have compiled 5 tips that can help you in developing your most valuable asset:

1. Be curious enough to try new tools and techniques
   While I have covered this in past blog posts (Embracing change), I cannot stress enough how important it is for designers to be curious and open minded.  While you may focus on one particular style for your work, trying out different tools and techniques will most certainly help you in developing your visual language and may even lead you to new discoveries.  Attempting something for the first time can be challenging, and you may experience the urge to quit.  However, breaking through the self-imposed barrier of perfectionism will eventually lead to new creative outcomes.

2. Read
   During my time as a lecturer, I have met countless students who always frowned at the idea of reading recommended materials- ‘Why do I need to read when I am enrolled in a graphic design course?’ or ‘If I wanted to read I would be doing some other course.  I am here to learn about Photoshop’. 
   Well, to be outstanding designers, you need to possess critical thinking skills.  And a great way of doing that is by consuming literary works.  By reading between the lines, you can form insights about characters, plot development and anticipate future reactions.  

   Read what you like, as long as you do it.  Whether it is novels, self-help books, romance, fiction, etc; reading helps in discovering new ideas and in translating literary works into visual stories.

3. Travel if you can

   Travelling is a great way to discover new cultures, lifestyles and engage with people with different backgrounds and perspectives.  While this is not something that is affordable to everyone, there are ways of overcoming such hurdles.  The internet is a great place to get started.  There are virtual galleries and museums that you can visit from the comfort of your couch.  For instance, The British Museum is one of those.  There are even virtual tours that allow such experiences.  Of course, it does not beat the real thing. But you can also find hidden treasures in your own country if travelling is not possible. All you need is a critical pair of eyes. 

4. Explore beyond your field
   If graphic design is what you are studying, I would highly recommend (again), to derive inspiration from other fields than design.  It can be from theatre, fashion, game design, motion, architecture, or even crochet and botany.  The last one is my current source of inspiration.  You can study the history of arts, architecture and find out how these influenced contemporary graphic design.  Discover the impact of fauvism.  The possibilities are endless.  All that matters is the way you look at things.
   Consider this scenario:
   If you are simply observing a flower, there may not be much to discuss except for its physical attributes.  But if you try to deconstruct the meaning of its name, what led to its current beauty, how it is able to sustain itself, the little ecosystem it creates, and so on, you can turn this into a graphic book where you are a storyteller using graphic design techniques to tell your story.

5. Document everything

   What (the problem), why (the context) and how (the solution).  I remember as a student how much documenting the design process was a hassle. However, over the years, I have found that this is what leads me to new discoveries.  Documenting my process, analysing what went right or wrong, the failed attempts, the rejected ideas, the sketches are all there for me to review.  There are two ways you can go about with this.  Either keep a digital document of your process, or a physical sketchbook that contains all your thoughts, trials and experiments.  

   I personally keep a physical one because it feels more intimate.  These sketchbooks are for my personal use only as they contain my thoughts and ideas.  This also provides me with enough confidence to express my ideas and try new things without the pressure of having to be good enough to post them.  This book is not about judgement, but rather about exploration of ideas and translation of your vision onto paper.  Sometimes it works out, other times it does not.  

   Of course, the type of sketchbook you keep depends on your activities.  Think of it as an artist’s sketchbook- it’s practice.

   Well that’s about it!

   To wrap up this article, make sure that you nourish your brain with materials that help you both in your professional and personal life.  This list is by no means exhaustive.  I am merely sharing my own experiences and things that I do on a regular basis to be better prepared.  Hopefully, you may find at least one positive takeaway from this post.

   Have fun creating!