Top three graphic design interest:

Logo design

Branding

Pattern design and illustration

 

Is there any new software I need to learn? If so which ones? Create your list with the top in

the list being first priority.

 

LOGO DESIGN:

• Adobe illustrator or affinity designer (vector based program)
• Working with grids
• Mastering the pen tool

 

BRANDING:

• Photoshop, illustrator, indesign, or similar programs (adobe creative suite - affinity designer)
• Marketing theory – brand development, marketing, marketing research, target demographics

 

PATTERN DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION

• Illustrator and affinity (vector based program)
• How to create seamless patterns
• Illustration techniques
• Digital sketching app: procreate or equivalent
• Sketching, drawing, watercolor and other mixed media art

 

Is there any design theory I need to brush up on? If so, what?

Color Theory

 

• Design theory – typography and color theory
• Design theory – color theory and psychology, layout, photo editing
• How to work with printers and printing process: CMYK printing, pantone and spot colors, UV finishes, paper options, understanding bleed and ad specs

 

I may need to do a few practice projects first before taking on client work, what will be my

first practice project in this niche?

 

• Project 1: design a logo for prahlad or tltl
• Project 2: do some branding collaterals for the logos created (from biz cards to web design)
• Project 3: pattern design or illustrations for all types of purpose; info graphics, symbols, etc

 

 Fears, Hopes and Dreams about shifting to a new design focus/

niche?

 

• Fear? >>> I finished school but was confused on how to continue and where to start in my career. All of this is technically new to me, and my skills aren’t as good as I want them to be. Staying up to date with the changes within each program is a bit scary as well, I guess because it becomes new all over again. I want to do it all, but choosing my top three has really opened my eyes to focus on a particular area as a graphic designer.

 

• Hopes? >>> I hope to get better within my skills to become a freelancer and make a living from this. I want this as my main income and would love to work from home. I also hope to continue to stay up to date with the updates and changes in each program.

 

• Dreams? >>> I dream that I can make this a full-time job with stable income. I want to enjoy my job and be creative. I dream for success In my graphic design career.

 

Interested in going freelance? Or staying in-house at a company with this design

focus?

 

• I’m open to both options, but I feel that an in-house job will help me expand my skills and I’ll be able to work with a team, and hopefully get promoted as well. Even if it’s not in-house I would love a hybrid or remote job. I’m sure we will still work as a team through video calls. As for freelance, I’m definitely open to this option, but for some reason I feel that I won’t get the creative feedback from others or learn from others. I sometimes find it a bit difficult to be self-taught, but I do try.

 

What is your timeline in learning the new tools and skills required for some of these

focuses?

 

• I’m considering doing some practice after work, or my days off on the weekend. It is difficult for me to make time after work, but lately I’ve been working on making better habits to fulfill this goal. This is all a refresher for me, so I plan to refresh everything (and learn new softwares) by end of the year, or possibly sooner.

 

What are some general action items for me so I can start moving forward?

 

• Lately I’ve been taking a bunch of online graphic design courses and plan to continue. I got a Pinterest again so I can get some creative inspiration. I’m trying to sketch more as well. I recently pulled out my branding book and will be reading some pages before bed.