GRAPHIC DESIGN
survival guidebook
BEFORE YOU START
1. Create a PATTERN TO NAME AND SAVE your files in a organized way.
for example, use the subject, sprint number, assignment name and revision: Design 101_S1_Portrait_R0.pdf
When dealing with multiple assignments, SCHEDULE WHEN TO START AND STOP working in one of them.
2. Use the CLOUD to store your files. If the worst happens with your computer, you will still have everything saved.
3. Be mindful of your WORKLOAD. You will need more than class hours to finish your assignments.
If you work part-time: try not to work the day before the deadline, if possible.
DURING THE
1. Time well spent on your DESIGN PROCESS is time that you won’t have to spend re-doing your work later. (I can’t stress enough how precious the two first steps are.)
2. Take care of the other aspects of your life. Make sure to REST, SLEEP, EAT AND HAVE FUN, in order to be able to do well at school.
4. Try not to do school work OVER THE WEEKENDS, and if possible rest all that you can.
THE SEMESTER
3. Surround yourself with good quality work. Have GOOD QUALITY REFERENCES. (RGD, Behance, It’s Nice That and 3x3 Directory to name a few.)
5. DON’T FORGET to take a break when you feel overwhelmed or if
you’ve run out of ideas.
6. Stop by Mike’s and/or April’s office to get feedback BEFORE FINISHING YOUR PROJECTS so that you have time to make improvements before the deadline.
1. Create an ON-LINE PRESENCE as soon as you can, like an Instagram and/or Linkedin account for example.
2. Keep your portfolio in mind. In another words, GO BACK TO FIX YOUR DESIGN projects to improve them using the feedback you got during critiques.
