7 Don'ts that graphic designers should know.

1. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there-

Many designer have a fear of being criticized. This is mostly due to the fact that we criticize ourselves to much. When we begin to put ourselves out there we begin to build a name for ourselves. This process in not something that happens overnight. Now-a-days it is so easy for you to put yourself out there with social media and all. Twitter and Instagram are probably the best place for you start building your name. If you never take the chance you may never be known as a graphic designer.

2. Don’t be narrow-minded-

Some designers think that their way is the only way, and to be honest this is a very amateur way of thinking. It doesn't matter how long you went to school or how much training you have you can always learn something differently. It can be very beneficial learning from others in your field especially if they have a fresh take on design and art. You can learn new techniques and combine them with old tricks to make your workflow flow faster. When dealing with customers some of us designers have the tendency to shut out the customers creative ideas simply because they're not designers, the bad news is that we could windup losing the business. Some of the best designers are the ones that can expand their minds to create great work and still stay true to the principles of graphic design.

3. Don't work for free-

When your first starting off it is very hard to charge someone for your work especially if you know them. Graphic design is not an easy job. It takes time, so charging people to do work is more than justified. Doing things for free can cause people to take advantage of you and lose respect for your quality work. Free work is often left on the back burner and forgotten until you have the chance to get to it, and because of this people bash on your work ethics. So all in all it is never beneficial to do free work, it will windup costing you! Let alone defame the rest of the graphic design industry.

4. Don't take on more work than you can handle-

Taking on more work than you handle can build a negative reputation for you. For some designers taking on to many projects can overwhelm them and cause them to shutdown and not do anything at all. If you're a father or mother to many projects can put some tension on your family. Knowing your limits can ultimately help you control your work schedule and be an organized business owner.

5. Don't underestimate yourself-

Practice makes perfect. Graphic design is not just a gift given to certain people it is a skill that can gained by applying yourself. With the right motivation any one can be great. Shutting yourself out because you think that someone else is better than you can only bring you down. Every designer has a unique  way of working . If your way is not the same as all the other designers that’s ok. Believe in yourself and be you.

6. Don't use Photoshop for everything related to graphic design.

This one is probably the odd ball of this list but that doesn't mean that it is irrelevant. Most graphic designers start off using Photoshop to manipulate images but get so use to the workflow they try to create everything from it. Photoshop is a great tool to use but its not your one stop shop. Great designers need to be well balanced in the programs that they use.

7. Don't QUIT-

Many people quit things if they are not good at it, but the truth is if they tried a little harder they could become great at it. Quitting will get you nowhere, and if you progress forward even if it's only a little bit you would still be further than you would be if you quit. Michael Jordan was kicked off his high school basketball team, imagine if he quit. Steve Jobs was fired from his own company, imagine if he quit. Never give up you could be tomorrows next big thing.