As a graphic designer, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in your field. But how can you find time to learn new skills when you have a packed schedule of projects, deadlines, and clients? Here are some tips to help you balance your work and your professional development.
Before you dive into any learning activity, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. Do you want to improve your proficiency in a specific software, learn a new style, or expand your portfolio? Having a specific and measurable goal will help you focus your efforts and track your progress. You can also break down your goal into smaller and more manageable steps, such as completing a course, reading a book, or watching a tutorial.
Setting goals is universally acknowledged as the cornerstone of any successful journey. It's a piece of advice you'll hear from every corner: "Set your goals." However, the method a designer employs to establish these goals is equally critical to achieving success. In my experience, the key to unlocking higher quality outcomes lies in setting achievable goals that are meticulously organized according to their priority. This structured approach not only enhances time management significantly compared to other strategies but also guarantees clarity on what needs your attention at any moment. It's this precision in organizing and prioritizing that can make all the difference in a designer's path to success.
While clear goals are set, make them SMART Specific: straight to the point Measurable: Quantitative enough to do Achievable: They should be possible for you to achieve alone or with help Realistic: Don't be delusional. Judge your current and future capabilities and use them. Timely: Give yourself a deadline for achieving even the smallest of the goals
One of the best ways to make time for learning is to schedule it in your calendar, just like any other appointment or task. This way, you can commit to a regular and consistent routine of learning, and avoid procrastination or distraction. You can also choose a time that works best for you, whether it's early in the morning, during a break, or in the evening. Try to block out at least 15 minutes a day for learning, and increase it gradually as you get more comfortable.
Continuous learning and skill development are the keystones that afford professionals their competitive advantage. Incorporating this into one's daily routine, akin to a work schedule, is essential—even if it means dedicating merely 15 minutes a day. During particularly busy weeks, I recognize that my available time for skill enhancement may diminish. However, it's crucial to treat this learning commitment as an independent, non-negotiable part of your schedule, rather than an optional activity to pursue in your spare time. Prioritizing this dedicated learning time is fundamental to fostering genuine growth and maintaining a sharp edge in your professional arsenal.
There are plenty of online resources that can help you learn new graphic design skills, such as courses, podcasts, blogs, videos, webinars, and ebooks. You can find free or affordable options that suit your level, style, and interest. Online resources are also convenient and flexible, as you can access them anytime and anywhere, and learn at your own pace. You can also use online platforms to connect with other graphic designers, get feedback, and share your work.
LinkedIn Learning excels as a platform for mastering skills such as coding, while YouTube stands out for its comprehensive tutorials on Adobe software. For a deep dive into design theory, nothing beats the insights gained from reading books. Embrace these resources without hesitation; they are invaluable tools for enhancing your strengths and unlocking a wealth of learning opportunities.
Learning new skills is not enough if you don't apply them to your work. Applying your learning will help you reinforce your knowledge, test your abilities, and showcase your creativity. You can apply your learning in different ways, such as creating a personal project, taking on a challenge, updating your portfolio, or offering your services to a new client. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, or clients, and use it to improve your work.
The last tip to find time to develop your skills is to review and reflect on your learning process. Reviewing and reflecting will help you evaluate your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and celebrate your achievements. You can review and reflect in different ways, such as keeping a journal, taking a quiz, or creating a portfolio. You can also set new goals and plan your next steps based on your feedback and results.
Sometimes you may have the chance to learn on the job. I’ve added a number tricks to my toolbox by making it a part of the project that I’m doing. This isn’t something you want to be doing with complex skills, but you can often get a working knowledge of concepts and new skills by including them in the work you’re already doing. For example, you can pick up some basic animation skills fairly easily and including them in a project can be a great way to add that something extra on top.