Graphic Design Process: Blog1

Being an artist is not as easy as you think. Some people are born with a gift and luck on their side. Then there’s people like me who have to grind their way to the top. Today, I want to talk about my graphic design experience and help people who are beginning their graphic design career to get an insight and valuable information about the industry that you can’t get from a book or classroom. 

What is a Graphic Designer?
Graphic Design is the process of creating efficient and effective visual communication by using the right brand identity through elements such as typography, visual design, illustration and more. In other words, you are a visual therapist helping your client solve their problems by clarifying an issue. 

What kind of skills are you required to have as a Graphic Designer?

Ambition: It’s very important to tell yourself that you are “born for this” and “I can do this.” As a creative person, your mindset should always be focused on looking forward towards innovation.

Enthusiasm: When you’re out in the real world you’re more likely to be working with a marketing and/or communication team. Be excited and give good energy to yourself and your team.  Whatever energy you put out, make sure you want to treat others the same way you want to be treated. 

Common Sense: Being an artist is hard because you have to be confident in your work 24/7 but you also need to have common sense and be able to take criticism. Be a great listener and always strive for improving yourself.

Professionalism: Being able to separate your personal emotions from work experiences when it comes to criticism is the key. I’m sure we have all experienced that moment when you have to put your graphic on the wall your teacher called your art as a shit in front of the entire class. It is OKAY! Today your art is shit but it will challenge you to improve and show everyone else that you can be better next time.The world isn’t perfect so do you. 

My experience

I’ve always been one of those weird kids that prefers drawing in my room alone rather than going out with friends. I have always loved drawing and imagining things since I was young. I guess I would say that my personality traits were made for it. There’s one moment in life where I was conflicted about what I should be pursuing as an artist. Let’s just say that being a traditional artist is very challenging unless you are already rich and famous like the Kardasian family. Anyone would buy a used tissue from a Kardasian for $1000. However, I decided to choose another path: Graphic Design. With the graphic design career, you can make very good money and there are many opportunities for growth. 

I’m always a fighter. As an Asian American who was born in the United States but raised in Thailand until highschool, I have quite a disadvantage as a minority woman in America. As much as I believe in goodness, racism and segregation exist in every shape and form.  However, I don’t give up no matter how hard my life had been in the past. As long as I work hard for it, I will get what I want. I came from a super workaholic family mindset so I feel like I always need to use my time and make it valuable every single day. Being ambitious and goal driven are nice but it also takes a toll on me. I end up always being harsh on myself and expecting way too much of myself ALL. THE. TIME. I don’t know when and how to stop to appreciate the moment that I’m becoming more successful than most people my age. There’s always that mentality that I will never be good enough for myself ...which is honesty something I have to work on and I’m getting better at everyday. 

In conclusion…

I love my job and what I’m doing so much that I think about it everyday, even after work. It makes me very happy that I’ve chosen it as my career and that it allows me to contribute back to the community. The next thing that I want to touch base on is my school experiences. I think it’s going to be very helpful for young folk out there who are still in the process of getting a degree. 

Thank you so much for reading my blog and don’t forget to follow me on social media!!