After reading this post by Sofia Arvegård I got inspired to actually set a few goals for 2010 for myself. Conveniently enough I recently stumbled upon a list of 51 New Year resolutions for graphic and web designers and figured, why not? I’ve edited the list down a bit to suite me, and I will try to complete as many of these as possible, as I like challenges and love checklists!
Graphic Designers, Code your first web site
Web designers, Design your first set of business cards, a logo, or a poster
Design and Code your first wordpress theme
Learn the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator
Learn the principles of usability in any design setting.
Get a twitter account if you don’t have one.
Try out some sort of new online social media.
If you freelance, raise your rates.
Find new and better ways to connect with clients (Google Voice, Google Wave, etc.)
Study Typography more in depth and apply it in your designs
Try a color scheme you have never even imagined
If you are a freelancer, try an office job. If you are in the office, try freelancing.
Get all the info you need from your client by asking the right questions
Start a blog or write for other blogs
Get involved in the online community
Learn the basics of XHTML and CSS (web designers: learn something new–perhaps CSS3 or HTML5)
Take up a new hobby that doesn’t involve design in any way
Exercise the left side of your brain more (give the right side of your brain a rest)
Learn the basics of copywriting
Update your portfolio to meet industry standards
If you don’t have an online portfolio, get one. If you don’t have a print portfolio, get one.
Update your resume
Do some volunteer design work
Use at least one project to defy all the rules you have ever learned
Take an extra class about design at a local university, college, or community school
Learn more about some designers who created things before computers were popular
Subscribe to top design blogs and frequently read from their feeds
Follow top designers on twitter and interact with them
Take on odd jobs that sound impossible or above your level of expertise. Then force yourself to be good enough
Start your design process with good sketches and brainstorming
Learn how to market yourself or your client via social media
In your next meeting with a client, be a little more professional
Really impress your clients – current and new
Have confidence in your work. Show that confidence by bringing a contract to the first meeting
Help someone rebuild or fortify their branding
Redesign something just for fun
Learn the basics of advertising and marketing
Take time to be inspired
Simplify your life and Simplify your design.
Avoid these logo design mistakes
Be a little more patient with your most annoying clients
Embrace Failure. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or admit your don’t know something
Clean your desktop off. No, Really.
Go against the grain. Don’t follow design trends
Sell something besides your services. Code a wp theme, write a book, etc.
Organize your time and be more efficient
And a last note to self; Make a more lucid version of the list, to illustrate progress.
