Graphic design is a brutal industry.

I’ve received some of the most brutal critiques in my time of being a freelance graphic designer. I can take it really well and I’ve always been good at detaching myself from my work.

Unfortunately, the design industry has it’s issues. Some designers think because design is a critical industry they can get away with saying whatever they want.

The biggest asshole will just hide behind ‘it’s critique get over it’, when there’s a huge difference between critiquing and being an asshole.

But let me just tell you the truth.

1. You’ll struggle as a designer if you can’t handle critique.

Not everything is a personal attack (although sometimes it is). If you feel like it’s genuinely personal, you should do what I do with all my haters on Twitter:

Let them argue with themself.

Other signs you will struggle as a graphic designer:

2. If you lack passion.

It honestly goes without saying but if you don’t wake up everyday and love what you do, it’s pretty much pointless.

You have to love design, but at the same time, not live and breathe it for every single minute of every single day.

3. Refusing to Learn New Tools

Design tools evolve rapidly. Refusing to adapt will limit your capabilities.

With Artificial Intelligence times are changing, you need to get on board or get left behind.

It really is that simple.

4. Consistently Missing Deadlines

If you do this consistently then you have low IQ. It’s easily the quickest way to fuck up your reputation as a designer.

Word will get around and people will just stop hiring you.

You need to be focused on overdelivering. Not just talking a good game and then falling at the final hurdle.

5. Closing a client and then ghosting them

Don’t forget to:

— Get your 50% upfront

— Schedule meetings

— Update regularly

— Talk projections

— Outline goals

Because you can’t just close a deal and send work when it’s done.

You must deliver an experience for your client.

Take care my friend,

Joseph | JaffaBranding

0 comments

Don’t Become The Richest In The Grave

You Are Winning

Running a Design Business for Cheap? It’s More Possible Than You Think

My 10-Year Design Journey – Lessons I Wish I Knew Earlier

How To Make $450+ Per Month Working 7 Minutes Per Day

See all posts from JaffaBranding