You’re looking to get promoted in graphic design. What’s the most important thing you need to know?

Showcase a diverse portfolio demonstrating your creativity, technical skills, and versatility. Highlight successful projects, innovative solutions, and client satisfaction. Continuous learning and adapting to industry trends are key for growth.

Most important. Work, work, work. Work smart, not hard. If the digital platforms for showcasing your portfolio didn't work any longer, it is time to create your own website and host your portfolio there. "I don't do business with people that don't have a digital footprint" - is what will you hear from lots of people/clients/customers going forward in the future if you are not able to showcase your experience and skills. Keep your work up to date, but most importantly, make sure you work on a different set of design projects so you don't showcase a Deja Vu projects on and on.

"Crafting Compelling Design: A Journey Through the Creative Klongs of Graphic Design" In the world of graphic design, the journey from concept to creation is often likened to navigating through intricate klongs (canals) of creativity. As a Graphic Designer, I've embarked on countless such journeys, each presenting its own challenges and opportunities for innovation. Allow me to share my unique perspective on the skills essential for success in this dynamic field.

Always seek inspiration. Don't design in your bubble. Look outside, other cultures... other industries. Strive to impress yourself with your work and your work will speak for itself.

"omg, I fear my job position will be replaced by an AI" - No it won't. You will be replaced by someone who KNOWS how to use AI tools and has adapted to them. Fear of AI comes from science fiction and the unknown. People worry their jobs will vanish, but AI is more like when the calculator was invented. Just like someone still needs knowledge to use a calculator effectively, AI will create new opportunities for those who can leverage its power and adapt to a changing technological landscape. Again, the future workforce won't be replaced by AI, but by those who can work alongside it. You can create 10X more beautiful designs, in a shorter timespan and still help the businesses earn huge profits.

Don't fish for people to praise your work. Find a curmudgeon. If you don't have that special someone who consistently prods your work into improvement, work on your phrasing. Ask: "What would you FIX about this?"

Go out. Don’t sit at home. Remote won’t get you anywhere. You need to be in the field to grow. To inspire people you have to have so much more than simply technical skills.

Consistently produce high-quality work aligned with company goals, demonstrate creativity and innovation, and effectively communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders

Collaborate with other designers. Grow your network. Social media helps with this situation. And not just that - if you build relationships and often collab with others, you will grow your portfolio versatility and learn new skills - you will not even notice it.

A goal without a plan is just a wish. Ask yourself, which design piece (digital art, post, poster, painting, art or anything else related) you wish you had designed, and is out there on the internet that someone made, but YOU haven't?