1. First of all, list your goals for learning or studying graphic design

My goals for learning graphic design are to make a career change, to have a job I enjoy doing and to follow my inner self.

Two years ago, I hit the reset button on my life. The 9 to 5 office grind started to make me feel stuck and small; I started to be less productive, and my soul was yearning for something more meaningful. So, with a leap of faith, I said goodbye to my sales job and traded in the office for the sandy beaches of Malaga, Spain.

It was time to be brave, follow my dreams, unleash my creativity, and find inspiration.

I'll be honest; half the time I questioned my decision. I departed on a new path, in a new country, in a new city, and boy, this road was no smooth ride.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainties. Frustration, fear, and self-doubt became constant companions. Those were my greatest teachers. They taught me that I should be supportive and patient with myself, not seek confirmations on the outside anymore, not quit, and trust that every step, even the smallest one, was leading me closer to what I dreamed of.

Fast forward to today, and here I am, still in Malaga, but with a different version of what I used to see in the mirror. Now I see someone who looks more like me. I found my passion, my purpose, and, most importantly, myself.

I started to make a plan to learn on my own, to improve my skills, to learn new ones, and even if I'm not that far away yet, I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, excited to take on the day.

2. Research the software you need to have

I've already covered this step, as I already have an Adobe Creative Suite subscription.

3. Research equipment and list what you need to purchase

This step is already covered too, since my laptop supports the software.

4. Choose your desired work option

My desired work option at this moment is to find a full time job, but I want to remain open to all options too.

Until now I've tried to build a personal brand by making a store on a print-on-demand platform and also started a new Instagram page to promote it, helped a new company with their Facebook page and posts and I've made a post on my LinkedIn account to "announce" my career change and that I am open to any kind of projects.

Figured out that I need to take a few steps back and start making a better plan, to build a foundation and to make sure I am not skipping some important steps. So I started to take it easy and to look for guidance.

5. Where will I get my work and studying done?

Mostly at home, where I can choose either to work in our home office or in the living room. These spaces were already designed for working from home. I only use the home office if my boyfriend is at the office or if I need to concentrate more.

From time to time I like either to work outside on the terrace or to go to a coffee shop that I like.

6. Finding places of community and inspiration

Places or people to check out in the next month:

The Daily Logo Design Challenge - it will be a good idea to improve my skills
Sharpen Design - will help me explore new ideas and will help me to develop my creative flow
Kate Silver - I've recently started to follow her work and newsletter, since I followed her Skillshare classes
Lindsay Marsh - can't wait to see more classes and to implement your guide into my plans

Ana-Maria Fundătureanu

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