17 Design Pros Dish Their Best Career Advice

6. Bill Gardner
www.gardnerdesign.com

“Be interested in something besides design. It is invigorating to work with a designer that is passionate about what they do, but I am finding myself in too many conversations with designers that only know their field and nothing else. Read anything that you can. Know the classics for reference purposes, understand mythology, know how a steam engine works, how to change a bobbin, calculate compound interest, and why the North Star doesn’t move.

“Yes, great design skills, knowledge, and draftsmanship are fundamental. It’s what you know beyond that world that allows you to conceive of a solution your fellow designers are oblivious to. Load your chamber with everything you can so when it’s your turn to take a shot, you have something to fire at the challenge besides surface.”

7. Amy Graver
www.elementsdesign.com

“Never stop learning. Embrace what interests you and stay on top of it. Everything you need to know is a never-ending pursuit. It doesn’t stop when you are handed a degree or when you accept your first job. Keep taking classes. Find ways to mingle with other designers who do what you do. Actively research and discover what is out there and who is doing it really well. Ignite discussions with them. Share your passions with your colleagues, friends, spouse. Keep acting as your own teacher and play, practice, experiment and share. Above all else, stay curious and authentic.”

8. Alexander Isley
www.alexanderisley.com

“Don’t assume people are familiar and comfortable with (or even aware of) the design process. What we do is often a mystery to people, and it’s worth taking the extra time in input sessions and (especially) presentations to explain, in normal and human and non-jargony terms, how you went about approaching the solving of a problem. You’ll be surprised how well this approach will serve you.”

9. Debbie Milman
www.sterlingbrands.com

“I wish someone had told me that patience and persistence pay-off. I wish that someone had told me to trust my instincts when they warn me to stay away from people that are bad for me. I wish that someone told me that, despite my fears, I would not end up homeless by the time I was 40. I wish that someone told me to get a dog as soon as possible. And most of all, when I was first starting out, I wish that someone had told me not to worry so incessantly; someday, in the far distant future, I would be really really happy.”

10. Noreen Morioka
www.adamsmorioka.com

“I wish someone would have told me to put my personal life aside and focus on my career. I’m not saying that is right for everyone, but each of my career mistakes was caused trying to make adjustments to keep a relationship. In the end, those relationships failed and I learned that if your partner doesn’t want to you to stay focused on your creative career, then it’s better not to have a partner.

“I’ve always said the difference between ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’ is that ‘good’ is about creating, and ‘evil’ is about destroying it. Being a ‘Creative’ is a superhuman trait, and it’s important to make sure that no one or anything stops you from doing great work. Never loose focus.”

11. Shel Perkins
www.shelperkins.com

“Talent is essential for success as a creative professional, but you also need mastery of current methodology and tools, excellent people skills, and business savvy to make your career sustainable over the long haul.”

12. Christopher Simmons
www.minesf.com

“There’s a lyric from the song, Ooh La La by The Faces that says, ‘I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger.’ I think of this any time someone asks me what advice I would give young people just starting out. On the one hand, there are a thousand things that I’ve learned over the years that would have made my early professional life easier; things I know now. On the other hand, the great joy of life is learning and growing and making one’s own mistakes. I’d feel robbed if— when I was younger— someone had taken that away from me.

“So my advice is to remember that success is a map of failures; Explore with courage. Draw the contours with grace.”

• Check out Christopher Simmon’s latest book “Just Design” that highlights socially conscious design projects.

13. Gail Swanlund
www.gailstudio.com

“Work for things, and with people, you believe are good. Good work and good people attract more good.

“Work outdoors. If you’re stuck, go outside and watch squirrels or take a walk. Take paper and a pen.

“Give your own work devotion.”

Career Resources for Designers

• Enroll Now: Web Design For Beginners Series.
• 2012 Creative Professional’s Marketing Plan Bundle.
• The Designer’s Career Collection.