The Tribune

How do you plan to improve your design life in 2015? Have you given it any thought yet? Every New Year, we have a brand new book containing 365 blank pages. Besides, taking a little time for reflection, even once a year, slows things down a bit. We speed past so many seconds, minutes and hours as countless things are thrown our way, with the client request: “We need it now”.

Last year may have been a non-stop cavalcade of success, possibly an unmitigated disaster or something in-between, but year-end is the traditional time to take stock of what is working in your life and what could be improved.

Graphic and web designers, in common with many other creative professionals, require a unique set of skills to be successful. Whether you freelance or work in an office, there are probably a few areas in which you can improve in one way or another. So consider a few graphic design New Year’s resolutions as you prepare for 2015.

Nurture your

personal passion

Many professionals tend to lose sight of their passions as they delve into the ritual of everyday design. Think back to what appealed to you the most when you first began. Take on projects that will allow you to nurture whatever it is you love best about graphic design. Or, better yet, start a passion project on the side.

Blog more often

This resolution is applicable in any industry. However, blogging continues to drive sales, increases exposure and helps establish authority in the design world.

The more you blog and share via social media, the better you position your brand for greatness. Here are a few possible blog ideas for graphic designers to help gain a fresh perspective in 2015:

• Relevant industry news

• Latest trends in your particular area of design

• Repurpose content you find meaningful, adding your own perspective

• Ways you gain creative inspiration

Recognise and save

inspiration for later use

Speaking of inspiration, as you are researching information and discover a design you love, bookmark it so you can return to it later. Keep a personal library of resources, adding to it every time you find something new you like. Organise your resources in a way that makes them easy to find when you need them, or when you are in a creative slump.

Initiate more relevant conversations

Do not forget to keep your social media life current in 2015 if you want to remain in the know (or design click). Initiate conversations with respected individuals in the graphic design world, and follow entities that will inspire and motivate you. Stay current with the trends, so you can tweak your social presence to ensure it is working on all the right platforms.

Get out more

If you are an independent designer, try and get out more. Shake off the morning robe, and meet people out in the wild, creative world. Visit our art galleries or any local shows that are happening. Periodically, stop at coffee shops or cafés, and take a day working from another perspective. Sometimes a new environment will spark new ideas.

Leave your cave

Make it a point to change your scenery every so often. If you work from home, change it up. If you design from an office every day, change the angle of your desk or hang some inspiring new artwork in your workspace.

Create a mastermind group

Everyone can benefit from collaboration. Mastermind groups are groups of smart people who act as peer guides for one another. Your mastermind group is your soundboard, and an extension of your network. Reap the benefits that come with the added confidence of knowing you always have a support group.

Break out of your comfort zone

Maybe you have always wanted to learn code, or perhaps how to build your very own website. Whatever it is that you have been talking yourself out of, challenge yourself this year. Personal growth occurs when you break out of your comfort zone and aim for excellence. More importantly, try to commit to at least 50 per cent of your New Year’s resolutions (personal or professional) and, if you achieve any one of your goals, it is quite OK to reward yourself.

I have often fooled myself into thinking I will work on something in my ‘spare time’, but spare time rarely comes by. As a result, I am planning to schedule time - in the hope of challenging myself creatively - to develop a stronger visual style and, ultimately, build a richer portfolio.

In the hope of adding more structure to my daily design routine, I have also decided to focus on never-ending ‘to do’ lists and, despite the rush hour, dutifully switch off at a reasonable time.

As a final point, the process of growing and progressing can sometimes be challenging, but we are the authors of our own destiny. Do not be afraid of failure or changing goals along the way, as you learn more about yourself and your true talents when you push beyond your threshold. If you are making mistakes, then you are trying new things, polishing your skills, learning, living and changing your world.

Remember: “Success is measured by many things, and taking chances is one of them”. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer/marketing coordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas