A few days ago I got an email from a fellow blogger. He asked about how to be good at graphic design, as well as what things to be learned. Well, since I personally don't feel like a very reliable in graphic design. So, instead I acted knowingly and say something like: 'these are the things to do in order to be good at graphic design', I thought it would be better to create a knowledge sharing program about graphic design.
You should know that this article is intended for those who just started studying graphic design. I also understand that there is a special department for graphic design, which will definitely open your mind and build your skill much broader than reading this article. So, what is written in this article are based on my own experiences while studying graphic design.
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How to
In formal education, we are usually directly confronted with 'how to?' questions, like (how) to make a good user interface? or how to design something using a particular software that is usually determined by the majors.
Each of the graphic design department of every university is different, they tend to emphasize the most graphic design software. For example, on the campus 'A', they give priority to the use of Adobe Illustrator, while the campus 'B' prefer the use of Corel Draw. Although in the end each student must also be taught how to use other software.
But it is easy to learn skills, skills can be achieved by simply learning to frequent, and multiply the hours of practice, then finally the technique and results will be better. Actually, technique isn't an essential thing in graphic design, but rather to discover how ideas relate to what you want to design. Well I'm not going to share directly about how to design. Maybe this is just 5 easy ways to to get started learning graphic design Graphic Design (my version).
5 Easy Ways to Learn Graphic Design
1. Focus
Focus your intention to study graphic design, this is the first step. If you want to be a good graphic designer, then you should be prepared to learn constantly and dedicate your life to the graphic design world. Collect your intentions and convince yourself that graphic design is your passion, and look at some future time, if you can still continue to survive in graphic design field, or otherwise you might even be bored and then left the graphic design field. Remember, intention is important.
2. Do not rush
Be patient, there's no such thing as an instant expert in the graphic design world. It requires struggle, sacrifice, and a continuous exercise. So make sure you are patient in skill building. Try not to be jealous to see someone who is proficient in graphic design. Let's just say they have experienced a lot of learning in the field of graphic design. So be patient and keep practicing!
3. Use the most popular and easy to use graphic software
Try to deepen your knowledge of specific software design. There are two major companies that dedicate their products to the design, such as Adobe and Macromedia. Please choose the product that you think suitable for use. I personally prefer using Macromedia Fireworks, and a touch of Adobe Photoshop as I feel comfortable in their use.
Find your favorite software and do not be afraid to try all the tools provided by the software. Note: If you are new in graphic design, I would recommend you to use only one software first. Do not often move into other software which will eventually make you confused, or at worst no one any software that you really good at. If you're feeling able to and master the software you choosed, you can then try out your skills with other design software.
4. Get rid of graphic design tutorial books
At this time you should stay away from tutorial books on how to use graphic design software. It would be more effective for you to try and explore some of the tools that exist in a software rather than to find how it works from a tutorial book. The more errors you find or the more often a mistake you do, the more you understand. Why would a level one programmer can make a brand new 'cool program'? Because they also do trial and error. If they were guided by a tutorial book, perhaps the results obtained would seem stiff and does not indicate the identity of the creator. The more spontaneous we make something, the stronger character we gained.
5. Start with simple objects
Usually you will be stunned to discover an exciting artwork. This will bring up a question like: "How could you make a design like that?" You can also, but especially for this early stage, first get rid of your desire to make the same design quality with artwork that you see before.
Try to start from simple objects. Try to design a glass, TV, or camera from some flat objects. Do it over and over again. Then begin to add some detail on the objects that you created earlier, until this point have honed your skills without realizing it. Along with that, you also have got a solid design foundation. You have mastered the characteristics of each form a flat object, until finally you are free to combine everything into a smooth object.
well, that was 5 tips from me, now you can begin to create with free! So, I'll see you in another post. Be inspired!
