Early in my design career, I recognized the meaning of the expression "it's not always about winning, it's the taking part that counts".
You see, when I was starting out, I realized there was always going to be designers with bigger portfolios, a wider range of skills, and those who were simply just more experienced.
Whilst still a visual communication honors student in Sydney, I began using DesignCrowd to improve my design skills. The whole process shifted my thinking about how the whole design process is managed. I also knew I needed to take part to improve myself, rather than initially worry about winning every time.
Some people are sceptical about becoming involved in bidding contests for design work, but here are a five things I picked up from being part of the community that helped fast track my career.
Identify the distinctive elements of the design brief
Some of my student peers refused to follow the guidelines and marking criteria the university tutors set for assignments. As a result, those students barely passed their subjects.
I learned quickly that each university project is a working brief, and you have to be able to recognize the key elements of what you are being asked to deliver. The closer you read the brief, the more chance you have of pleasing the tutor, who is essentially your client, and be rewarded with those distinctions you deserve.
By entering DesignCrowd contests, I was able to develop the skill of understanding the specifics of what I was being asked to design. The principals of working on competitive contests are the the same as producing course work. But instead of a tutor, it's a real world client who will pay for the designer at the top of the class.
Experiencing the competitive pressures of a design brief early will give you an edge when going into the job market full time.
Tips for using DesignCrowd:
- Read the brief carefully, and make sure you are hitting each point the client is trying to make.
- Develop a critical discourse around your own work and that of others, especially see what could've been improved.
- Look at the winner and critically review the work. It will make you a better designer in the long run.
- You need to look for the project gems.
- Look for detailed, unique briefs. There you will find more chance to let your creativity flow.
Build up your portfolio with projects you are passionate about and proud of
With hundreds of design jobs open at any one time, you can afford to be choosy. I only do the projects that interest me and that I think I would be able to do a good enough job to have it as a portfolio piece.
I admit I'm not a logo designer and have more of a penchant for typography, so I would look at the stationery and flyer design projects as these are the type of briefs I enjoy.
Even if I didn't win, but I thought the work was better than what I had produced before, I would shift the design into my portfolio as a personal work project. In my eyes, it was a win-win situation.
Tight Deadlines and Flexible Work Hours
Starting in the industry, whilst making ends meet can lead to a hectic life. But in the idle time, I recommend you substitute YouTube and Facebook for browsing available jobs on DesignCrowd.
Generally you'll have a small amount of time in your schedule to submit a design, which is a great way to build up your portfolio.
You will no doubt encounter techniques that will build your skill-set, and therefore, you are far more productive as you begin pursuing your design career.
Working local has its benefits.
In my first project, I discovered the client was based in Australia, which helped fast-track our collaboration. We got through the design process quickly. The client liked my work, and I was able to develop a continuing customer-designer relationship where the client would send me projects from time-to-time.
The key thing to highlight is the DesignCrowd platform provided an excellent opportunity to build client relationships that offered ongoing work.
Although there is no guarantee of extended work moving forward, you always have the opportunity to develop your client-designer communication, which will stand you in good stead moving forward.
Commercial design is competitive, get used to it
This is the most important point - Get a head start in your design career and learn how to pip opponents out of the competition.
The more experience you have in the field, the more chance you will get the job you want later on.
Having a range of professional design experiences means your chances of generating consistent earnings for yourself grows with each new project, whether that's on DesignCrowd or as a freelancer working within a traditional design model.
You also learn to develop a thick skin, which certainly helps when going into the professional environment. You're designs will be rejected, you won't win every contest, and the designs you go up against may be vastly superior.
Again, use this experience to evaluate your submission, and to understand how the successful designs work so well. It's never personal, so use it to help your professional development.
In Conclusion...
DesignCrowd provided me with a series of contests to explore my boundaries and skills as a designer.
As an emerging designer, your focus should be on building your design practice, so I recommend setting goals around the output, diversity and range of design experience you can explore.
A key strength of DesignCrowd is the diversity of design briefs, and actually having design briefs you can work on.
Starting off in the design world is stressful as it is, so use the DesignCrowd platform to stimulate your problem-solving skills and develop the strengths you need to be successful.
Want More?
Starting out in the design industry can be challenging, but here are some of our top articles you may find useful:
The 7 Steps of a Professional Design Process
10 of the Best Productivity Apps for Designers
Six Ways to Rise to the Top in Your Next Design Contest
Written by Josh Borja on Monday, November 30, 2015
Josh has worked as a graphic designer at DesignCrowd, and is currently an in-house graphic designer for two community groups - Harbour City Bears and Penrith Musical Comedy Company. He credits both groups as being important in helping shape who he is. He says graphic design is a tool getting him to where he wants to be.
