Comments on: Top Mistakes New Designers Make When Learning Graphic Design

By: Tara: Freelance Designer

Tara: Freelance Designer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:57:54 +0000

Hi Kate, It's definitely not just you. In the first year or two I was working I made a lot of mistakes and back then we rarely got print proofs so we had to check films before printing (nightmare). What I would do is create yourself a list of everything you need to check on a job - take a look at my post Design for Print Check list and put tick boxes beside all the items. Then each time you are about to send a job out, print of the list and tick everything off as you check it. As I set a job up I always try to make sure is CMYK and has bleed, but I also do a check at the end. Hope this helps.

By: kate

kate — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:18:18 +0000

Hi thanks for a really interesting article.

I just started my first design job about 10 months ago and while I feel I do well in the designing and concept stage, it all seems to go wrong when I’m artworking and sending stuff to print. I seem to make silly mistakes and it’s getting to the point where I just feel like I’m letting everyone down. To make matters worse my studio have just employed a new junior who doesn’t seem capable of making any mistakes whatsoever! Has anyone else ever had this problem, and does anyone know of any good ways to overcome it? I feel that because of the mistakes I get scared when it gets to the artworking stage and probably end up making even more mistakes. I feel like theres so much to remember. Would love to know if anyone has had a similar problem, or if it’s just me!

thanks

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:08:59 +0000

Thanks for sharing such a nice article. This article is very helpful for me as i am beginner in designing. Keep Sharing!!

By: Tara: Freelance Designer

Tara: Freelance Designer — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:06:06 +0000

Hi Rachel, I have those doubts too and I get days when designing is easy and others when nothing looks right.

By: Rachael Arnott

Rachael Arnott — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:00:50 +0000

There have been times in my previous jobs where the sketchbook got abandoned, often due to such tight deadlines. However; to me a blank page on a screen is worse than one in a sketchbook. I now tend to quickly sketch my ideas and see where they take me… it’s so much easier than trying to launch straight into the concept on the mac.

Another issue I used to have was undervaluing myself and doubting my skills and experience. However; I’ve learnt to recognise my abilities as a designer and be confident as one. I find that I design better when I’m at my most confident … loud music helps too

By: Kwasi Appiah Sarpong

Kwasi Appiah Sarpong — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:00:29 +0000

like seriously, some years ago i won a contract over facebook and as i gave the client the quote he was ready to add more cos it was a low quote. now he wont give me jobs anymore cos i have a prize tag which other people wish they could set but i keep learning and i keep moving high…

By: Neil Owen

Neil Owen — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 19:57:19 +0000

I think once a designers has produce their first design, they believe they can’t do better and just produce 3 similar designs that are not of the same standard. With this they never push themselves and grow as a designer.

Also I agree that new designers do no value themselves high enough. This could be down to confidence or not estimating how long the work will take.

Great post, I’ll point this article out to my members!

By: Tara: Freelance Designer

Tara: Freelance Designer — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:55:50 +0000

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks for your comment

I think a lot of us are guilty of not asking as much money as we should. It is always hard to know where to pitch your quote, I have quoted people and they have said – you’re very cheap and others who have said it was way too much.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:38:32 +0000

Great advice, here! I think another mistake newbies make is being too timid. I guess this falls under not asking a reasonable price for their services. I’m definitely guilty of this. In the back of my mind, I know I’ve got great ideas and lots to offer but I’ve found myself being talked down to prices I end up dissatisfied with.

By: casinoeuro

casinoeuro — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:01:23 +0000

This type of design client is great providing you understand their business you can sell the best design to them, Often they will want to see multiple designs but as the designer you just know that the solution is right. If you can justify your suggested graphic designs relating them to the demographic appeal of the clients business you will be able to persuade them that the design is the best solution for them