Do you want to produce amazing work, but sometimes you feel like you are not getting ahead?

It is very hard to stay relevant in an industry that is constantly changing. The world of design is not the same as it was 10 years ago. The advance of technology now requires you to master new design programs. Drawing on a screen instead of paper is much more convenient and 3D printing is advancing. Apart from that designers are no longer just experts in one field.

To stay relevant means you need to understand this industry much more in depth: you are not just a designer, you need to be a storyteller, innovator & excellent communicator.

In the creative industry it’s not enough anymore to master one skill- companies want and need people who understand brand mission and purpose, who can design but also think of functionality.

In order to become better and advance your skills I suggest:

- learn a skill that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Is it the newest software, hand drawing, specific technique or virtual reality knowledge that will make you outstanding in the future? Is it your brand value or what you stand for shown in a specific way through your creative work? Choose a skill that targets the area you want to become better at, then show up every day and master this skill.

-be very confident in the use of at least 3 softwares.

The more the better. Being relevant means you need to show impressive knowledge and continue to develop your creative work.

-constantly update and share your work.

Having up to date website, social presence and an ongoing creative project is a must.

-Always research what is new.

You need to follow and keep-up-to-date with the latest innovations. Apart from that always have a look at what other people in the industry do! Look at your role model’s websites, books or stories they shared. There is a valuable lessons from everyone’s creative vision.

-Be consistent in your passion.

Being relevant means you always come up with new ideas, enjoy what you do and make your creativity a priority. Your passion can and must be seen and felt from the work you do. In whatever medium you present your message across, make sure you do it with passion!

The creative industries include acting, advertising, content writing, architecture, art and design disciplines, crafts and film, tv, radio, theatre, dance, music, performance, photography and many more.

It is so fascinating industry but many people believe it doesn’t have too many opportunities which is completely wrong! If that is your passion and you want to continue developing in this way here is some reasons why you should:

1. The creative industries are the FASTEST growing part of the UK economy!

The sector has grown at nearly twice the rate of the economy since 2010 in UK. They contribute 101 billion in gross value - greater than automotive, aerospace, life sciences and oil and gas sectors combined.

2. Employment is growing.

Same as the sector the jobs have doubled since 2010 and are growing with a surprising speed! Which means you will have much more opportunities for a creative career now and in the future compared to the past few years.

3. Design makes a difference.

Design and its principles have a greater impact on our lives than we might imagine. From the environment that surrounds us to every product we buy, use and wear stands a design solution.

4. You can design a different life.

One of the most valuable principles of following a career in design is that you can create your own path. There is no limit to the ideas you can develop, project you engage with and variety of people and places. There is a great amount of flexibility as you can work where and when you want and choose a style you want.

5. The future economy will be built on creativity and technology.

The projected job growth across the UK economy is estimated to be 5.3% by 2024 and additional 119,495 creative jobs in the same year.[ According to creative industries federation]

Nesta’s analysis suggests that UK could create as many as 1 million new creative jobs by 2030.

I personally find this very amazing and encouraging. Don’t forget through that means the competition is growing and you need all the resources to develop your skills quickly in more than just one area!

DM me @christine_official_design for what else you want to learn!

Have you noticed that the path of successful designers and people in the creative industry unfolds in a very different way. Our industry is like no other. Certainly there is our choice to follow the footsteps of more successful people before us, however often that doesn’t work for you. Why?

Because the creative industry is individual. There are no creative people who are completely alike. That makes it a very unique field where following a “traditional” path won’t work.

All creatives want to make a difference through the work they do. In whatever field you work you want to stand out.

The advice of getting the education and get a job is a very first and totally important step in your career. However you always need to build up your own dreams and not always stay in the same job. If you feel stuck is it because you are working for someone else’s dreams or your own?!

How-to not follow the crowd:

1. Ask yourself what is your dream vision?

Make a list of your goals and how to accomplish them. Maybe you are in one field now, but are really passionate for writing or making art? You need to ask yourself what is it that you want to do?

2. Prioritise time for working on your goals

Taking time off doesn’t work if you take a weekend off. Knowing what your passion is is not just to describe “art”, “design” or “interiors”. You need to take a lot more time off for you to really understand what your plan for the future is. Where you want to be in 5 years! But most importantly what you need to do today to get there. Not tomorrow, not in two weeks, today.

Taking time off has massively impacted the way I think, helped me clear my mind to where I am going and changed fundamentally my career goals and daily activities. You are the only person responsible for where you are today and where you will be tomorrow. If you continue to do the same things, you will get the same results.

3. Invest in training, education, reading and plan ahead!

I have recently discovered my passion to help creative people become better at what they do! I don’t describe myself as an expert, but I have read so many books on personal development and I really think it is worth sharing this knowledge as it helped me to get in the design industry, build my portfolio and work for some of the most exciting design companies in UK!

So back to my point. Forget entertainment and focus on education. Being your best self requires more than watching Netflix. You tube, Google & Apple Podcasts has just a few of all the resources available online. You can become excellent graphic designer only through online training. You just need to know which one is the best.

Webinars, workshops, courses - investment in all of these will bring your game up!

Drop me a message if you want to chat or share your opinion x

@christine_official_design