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  • Writer's pictureJazmin Jernigan

Top 5 Attributes of a Successful Designer



For all current and aspiring designers, ensuring that the quality of their work will garner the right attention is an absolute must. This is determined by five important attributes; each of which lead to an increase in demand of design services while establishing loyalty to one’s brand as a designer or firm.

  • Artistic Creativity- Graphic artists must have a well-developed use of their creativity while having a multi-faceted use of technology, skills, and ability. Embracing a unique artistic perspective is one of the most important aspects of building any thriving brand. Using technical skills and a superior command of the software to showcase creative flair can only set a designer apart from their competition.

  • Client Collaboration-A designer must be able to collaborate efficiently with the client, while being as flexible as possible to the client’s specifications and overall expectations. It takes skill to balance client needs with artistic vision. Often times, a client may not know what they need, so it is the designer’s job to tactfully provide the necessary guidance while fostering an environment where the client feels that their ideas are heard. Compromise is key on both parts in order to create brilliant and vibrant products that satisfy the standards of all involved.

  • Effective Communication - A great graphic designer is able to effectively communicate with their clients and other staff members. Deadlines and goals are set and must be on track with both the client and staff to ensure that the work in question is both exact and on schedule. Setting expectations for your clients is essential! Know what your clients expect of you, and be very clear in what you expect from your clients.

  • Listening & Observation- Successful designers are able to receive criticism and opinions of their work from the firm or client with an open mind. After actively listening to the critiques from the firm or client, it is up to the designer to objectively observe the specific work and willingly change the design according the wants and needs of the firm or client. A designer shouldn’t get so attached to the work that they loose sight of what the client actually wants or needs. At the end of the day, the designer is getting paid to bring someone else’s vision to life—so their artistic vision may have to take a backseat to the overall artistic direction of the project.

  • Visual Strategies for the Client’s Target Audience-An insightful designer is concerned with innovative campaigns and strategies for the firm or client’s brand. The designer develops strategic visual messages for the firm and client’s target audience. The most sought after designers don’t stop at making beautiful artwork. A phenomenal designer is able to provide insights that will grow the client’s brand and create visual shockwaves that pay in more ways than one. Instead of just creating one layout of a beautiful logo, a designer dedicated to client satisfaction goes the extra mile and may provide the logo in various file formats and layouts so that the client can truly visualize all the ways they can now market in multiple channels.

The application of these five attributes will ensure a fulfilling and exciting livelihood in design. Many designers, whether professional or aspiring, are avidly searching for a successful career in this field. Yet many artists become frustrated and forget the fundamentals. These necessary skills are what elevate a good designer to an exceptional designer.

- Michael E. Austin is a copy writer, content contributor and social media specialist working with Aesthetic Innovations, LLC

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