Hello future design students,
My name is Payton Campbell. After reflecting upon my time in VIS 317 this past semester, I thought I’d share a few pieces of advice for you to get the most out of this course and develop as a designer.
- Slowly start to emerge yourself in design related work over the course of the semester. I did this by creating Pinterest channels and made an Instagram account where I just followed designers and design related work. It served as a place of creativity that sparked inspiration. I started to also form my Instagram around design and unfollow accounts that didn’t align with my future goals or design. Over time, I also started to curate a top list of graphic designers, photographers, videographers, fashion designers, and artist that I admired.
- Visit Professor Strong during office hours. She really pushes you forward in your designs. Many of the collective brainstorms I had with her birthed some amazing ideas. Her instant feedback saves a lot of time in the long run. Every time after I left, I felt my designs become more cohesive and felt better directed. A design is never 100% complete and she will continue to push you in the right direction especially when you feel blocked.
- Find a way to focus on your niche or an area of design that will keep you motivated. Do work that makes you happy and that you are proud of. When you are working on a project that you care about, it shows and you enjoy the design process even more.
- Always stay committed to the idea that your best work is yet to come. Take every opportunity given to perfect your designs and don’t ever think an assignment is too perfect to correct. The project that I was most proud of ended up being the last assignment I worked on!
- Get to know some of the other designers in the class. They are helpful to bounce ideas off of and provide encouragement throughout the course. Become comfortable showing your work off to your peers. This was probably the hardest lesson for me to learn, but it was extremely necessary for developing faith in myself and a vision for myself as a designer.
This course will push you beyond what you thought possible, so be open to the process and allow yourself to grow. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Wishing you the best of luck!
