How to Become an Efficient Graphic Designer: 9 Proven Strategies
At the beginning of 2023, I realized I was someone who could come up with ideas quickly, but needed to work on expediting those ideas — especially when it came to production and cranking out designs. I wasn't SLOW, per say, and I've never missed a deadline, but I knew I could improve my efficiency. Lightning fast designers have more time to level up their professional development, network, and have healthier work/life balance. Best believe, improving efficiency is a marathon, not a race. In order to consistently produce quality work at an increasingly faster pace, there are a few things I have mastered over the course of this year. Note: this isn’t even considering the quickly-evolving world of generative A.I., which will only improve productivity in the coming days.
1. Track Your Time
The first step to becoming an efficient graphic designer is to track your time. This might sound counterintuitive, but by monitoring how long it takes to complete various tasks, you can identify patterns and areas where you can improve efficiency. Focus on the design tasks that typically consume the most time, and look for ways to streamline them.
2. Templatize Your Work
Starting every project from scratch can be a time-consuming endeavor. Instead, work smarter by creating templates that you can customize based on your creative strategy and client's requirements. Templates provide a solid foundation for your designs and save you valuable time.
3. Build an Archive of Go-To Elements
Icons, stock images, infographics, formatted text boxes, and tables are often used in graphic design projects. Pre-format these design elements and build an archive, making them readily available for quick customization. This approach simplifies your design process and speeds up project completion.
4. Reuse and Recycle
Don't be afraid to reuse and recycle your previous work when appropriate. Save all your discarded designs, as you never know when you might find a use for them in future projects. Recycling your own work can save you considerable time and effort.
5. Be "Heavily Inspired"
Seek inspiration from other designers' work. While you should never directly copy someone else's work, there's nothing wrong with being inspired by it. If you find yourself strongly influenced by a particular design, reach out to the creator for guidance or permission. Remember, all ideas are built upon previous ones, and remixing is a common practice in the creative field.
6. Make Discovery Easy and Fast
Efficient graphic designers stay updated with the latest trends and ideas. Utilize platforms like Behance, Pinterest, Dribbble, and Instagram to curate a collection of inspiring designs, tutorials, fonts, and stock photos. Having a quick reference at your fingertips will aid in brainstorming and concept development, leading to faster project execution.
7. Embrace Minimal Typography
Typography is a fundamental aspect of graphic design, but crafting intricate editorial headlines can be time-consuming. Consider simplifying by choosing one letter or one word to emphasize within your designs. This minimalist approach can save you hours while still making a strong visual impact.
8. Take Comprehensive Notes
When juggling multiple projects, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Make it a habit to take detailed notes during kickoff meetings to keep project details organized and avoid confusion. Clear and comprehensive notes will help you stay on track and manage your workload effectively.
9. Communicate Effectively
Don't hesitate to communicate with your colleagues and clients. When working on tight deadlines, open and transparent communication is key. Let your team know your progress, potential roadblocks, and estimated delivery times. Remember that you're not a superhuman, and it's perfectly acceptable to seek support and understanding when you're swamped with work.
Conclusion: Stay Efficient and Keep Perspective
In the dynamic world of graphic design, efficiency is your ally. Implementing these nine strategies will help you become a more efficient graphic designer and improve your overall productivity. Always remember that the overwhelming workload you face today will eventually pass. Take a deep breath, stay organized, communicate effectively, and tackle your projects with grace and efficiency. Your journey toward becoming a top-tier graphic designer starts with mastering these techniques.
