1. – Do Your Homework

This may be the most important decision you make career wise so be prepared and plan a strategy. It’s crucial that you do your homework before you reach out to any company now days. Take the time to research and find out everything you can about the company you may be potentially working with. Check out their work/portfolio online if it’s available, see who their clients are, the industries where they operate, strengths, weaknesses etc. Every company has a weakness or an area in which they can
improve upon, discover where those loopholes are and figure out how you can position yourself within the company and add value as a designer and problem solver. Finally, stay up on the latest happenings in design and technology through sites like smashingmagazine, technorati and mashable or hit up your local bookstore for a copy of computerARTS or Wired magazine.

2. – Creativity “A Shoe In”

Graphic design internships can be competitive but the good thing is that we are all different and communicate different from a visual perspective, so make it a point and habit to ‘stand out’ from the rest. I read an article a while back where an individual was trying to get a new client so he mailed in a package to the new prospect, and in that package contained a shoebox with a size 13 converse sneaker with a note inside that read something to the effect of “Now That I have My Foot In The Door Lets Talk”.  Spend a few bucks and send in a minature trophy (adtrophy.com – no affiliation) to the creative director or HR director and let them know how they just recieved an award for hiring the next up and coming intern/designer. With tactics like this you will definitely get results or an appointment at minimum, then it’s your job to sell yourself and close the deal.

3. – Take Initiative & Change The Game

Be efficient and effective, if you complete your project or task ahead of schedule offer to assist someone else, stay hungry, go above and beyond what is asked of you to add value. Become incomparable and extraordinary, communicate with everyone even if it’s to say hello, “be in it to win it!”, stay in the mix and try to get to know as many of your associates as possible.  Become an asset not a liability, if you have alot on your plate make a ‘to do list’ and find out what’s priority to stay on schedule. Expand your network and learn as much as possible. Make an impression so your design internship will become an opportunity even if it’s not there it may be somewhere else through a recommendation. If you aren’t on fire about what your doing and dread coming in each day you are definitely not in the right place.

4. – Look The Part: Stay Fresh

You don’t have to be a fashion plate but appearance plays a part. The first day you will be able to gauge the overall look and feel. Keep it professional, if you arrive with yesterday’s collar stain and last nights hangover you will be treated as such.  If you are unsure go for simple solid clean lines and colors…greys, blacks, white and blue. Go light on the fragrances, seems as if this has been an issue off and on. You may never have to wear a suit or tie but remember there is a level of respect that you will or will not receive that kind of goes unspoken, regarding your appearance and how you dress.

5. – No Apologies Don’t Be Late

No doubt this should probably be number one on the list, stop with the excuses and start planning. It’s better to arrive 45 min. to an hour early and be in the area than to arrive 10 min. late. Trains and buses get held up daily if you work in the city, sick passengers, fights, traffic etc. it’s a given. Plan to begin your day relaxed and not rushed you will always be more effective. You be the boss when it comes to managing your time nothing else should matter, getting enough rest, whatever it is. If you can master this and make it a habit you will be highly successful when and if you decide to start your own graphic design firm.

6. – It’s An Investment

If this is your first graphic design internship don’t expect much when it comes to compensation, of course their is always the exception. When I did my first internship I was fortunate to get like $300 a week, which I didn’t really have to spend because I was at a nice posh agency that came with all the perks like breakfast, lunch and dinner if you stayed late, along with free company car service home on occassion, I was in heaven! Now $300 is not a lot of money but I was totally hyped to get paid something. Your good if you receive travel and lunch expenses. And I know some companies only give you course credit and that’s it. But you have to look at as an investment and opportunity to network at the end of the day.

7. – Represent

Most graphic design internships don’t end with you getting the job, not sure what the stats are but it’s just a reality.  That being said just stay on the grind each day 24/7 and make it your time to shine! Looking back at my internship there were 25 of us chosen out of 600 applicants and only 1 person got a job after it was all said and done, and the 1 guy that was hired, his Father was basically friends with one of the partners. Thats why networking is important it’s all about who you know!  There are many talented individuals with the skills to pay the bills. But they fall short and by the way side sometimes because they are lacking when it comes to being connected especially in todays economy, this is where social media comes into play, buts thats for a different post. Rest assured above all if you keep your attitude and mindset in the spirit of giving no matter how much or how little you know, looking serve and assist whoever you come in contact with you will definitely rise above the masses, trust me on that it’s money in the bank!

Ok so maybe technically they are not graphic designers, but the Ndebele tribe definitely could be in their own way, even with no access to the accredited graphic design certificate programs that we have available statewide. Reason being is because they go through a creative process and the body of work they produce is a visual representation of ideas that communicate messages, and even brands them as a culture and people.

Art, design and craft are a way of life for the Ndebele tribe and historically this is one thing that sets them apart from other customs and traditions of other tribes. The Ndebele who hail from South Africa have a strong affinity for linear concepts and more specifically line direction and quality. The freehand skill level they possess is amazingly supreme, (no rulers, levels or measuring tapes allowed) and the execution process is done seamlessly with no blueprint, although some planning does actually take place. The linear techniques they produce, mainly consist of horizontal solid and bold lines. Within these lines rest the most vibrant of colors, patterns and motifs.

In the past the Ndebele women were in charge of painting these detailed colorful and sometimes complex murals over the entire exterior walls of their homes, using an array of bright primary colors. So your probably wondering how does all this relate to graphic design certificate programs? The answer is simple if you have been dreaming about making that career move in the graphic design space, take note from the Ndebele people and choose a specialization or area of design and master it!

The Ndebele are great craftsman when it comes painting and line technique, they even produce a level of sophisticated beadwork.  But they are known for their detailed line art when it comes to painting. So whatever your area of concentration is, computer graphics, interactive media or industrial design become an authority of it. Yes it’s great to know a little of everything but make it your business to master one. That being said here is my list of graphic design certificate programs that can jump start your career and move you in the right direction. This is only the beginning you may get inspired to obtain a bachelors or masters degree eventually to reinforce your credibility, though they are not really needed, but it’s always good to continue learning in some form.

http://www.sessions.edu/certificate-programs/graphic-design (graphic design certificate programs online)
http://www.sessions.edu/certificate-programs/web-design (online web design certificate programs)
http://www.the-art-institutes.info/ (check for a local campus in your city)
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/areas-of-study/design-programs/professional-certificates/digital-and-graphic-design-production-tech.html (NYU)
http://www.pratt.edu/academics/continuing_education_and_professional/professional_studies/
pro_certificate_programs/computer_graphics/ (Pratt Institute)
http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/graphic-digital-design-certificate-programs/ (NYC)
http://www.baruched.com/shop/certificate.aspx?id=3055 (NYC)
http://www.smfa.edu/graphic-design-certificate (Boston)
http://www.cdiabu.com/graphic-and-web-design/ (Boston U)
http://www.massart.edu/continuing_education/design_certificate_programs/graphic_design_certificate.html (Boston)
http://cll.emory.edu/it/certifications/graphicdesign/index.htm (graphic design certification – Atlanta)
http://cll.emory.edu/it/certifications/web/design/index.htm (web design certification – Atlanta)
http://www.bramsonort.edu/academics/programs/certificate/graphic_design.html (Brooklyn | Queens)
http://www.fitnyc.edu/2963.asp CAD for Fashion Design/Art
http://www.nyit.edu/extended_education

Finding the right graphic design program concentration that will be fulfilling and one that you will enjoy is the greatest challenge. A few areas you may want to research include but are not limited to; presentation design, package design, web design, fashion and apparel design, industrial design, advertising and communications, digital video, animation, print, typography, broadcast design, production design and interactive media, these are still only a few ideas among many, do your research. You can invest in and purchase your own software like CS5 with all of adobes tools  or Corel Suite and learn techniques via Youtube or through various books or just on your own. Graphic design certificate programs are also available online, but I suggest the classroom or campus route because it can be a good resource to network with other up and coming designers and seasoned professionals.

It’s hard enough getting new clients today, so you have to learn how to build with them and keep them. Web design services are extremely competitive but there are still literally millions of business who are not online as yet. There are tons of business who just want twitter or facebook pages or a simple business card. You pick the niche.

1. Overdeliver

Producing quality work is one thing, but going the extra mile is everything. This may not always happen in every scenario but each time you go above and beyond to deliver it reinforces and stimulates a solid client foundation and primes it for repeat business. You may not always reap the benefits right away but when it comes it will be worth the wait and arrive 10 fold when you least expect it. And the incredible thing is it may not even come from your client but through a client referral or some other new project you may be working on. When you deliver value and superior product word gets out fast.

2. If You Aren’t Sure…Ask

This may seem 100% obvious but if you are totally unclear about some aspects of the project you are working on then, it all boils down to asking questions. As a designer don’t assume anything, inquire about and request the specific design requirements needed to complete and deliver the assignment. The last thing you want to do is waste a clients time and your time as well which will prevent you from getting $$$$. Visual communication and graphic design is all about problem solving, so be informed, do the research, apply the tools needed to begin the design process and figure out the issues at hand. Your client depends on you as a primary resource to support their efforts and ideas making them a reality.

3. Reach Out Stay In Touch

Be personable, a signed card or note that says ‘thank you’ can go a long way. Pick up the phone, send a email or text and reach out to your clients from time to time. If you have the time ask if they need anything or figure out what problems if any they may be encountering… it may be something simple that you can rectify immediately, and don’t charge them for it. This goes back to overdelivering. Keeping the lines of communication open is easy and pays off in the end. Then when you’re on a mini vacation chillin’ on the beach, thats when you’ll recieve the phone call BAM!.. “Hello I was referred to you through ‘company x’ and I need a new website” or better yet when you get back from vacation, there is some random bonus check in the mail… ”Thanks for helping us out several months back it was greatly appreciated!” This does happen because it’s happened to me! The secret is you have to genuinely want to help people without expecting anything in return.

4. Stick To Your Deadlines

Make it happen! Don’t procrastinate whatever task is at hand, make it a point to deliver on time. This is absolutely crucial, stick to your agreements/deadlines and fulfill them accordingly especially if you are charging a high rate, which again really doesn’t matter because you should deliver when you say you are going to deliver no matter what the rate. Scheduling and managing several projects can make or break a successful designer/client relationship. Plan ahead if you can. As a designer you know what your capabilities are so don’t take on more than you can handle. A pleased and content client is a longterm client.

5. Be The Authority

Know your craft, be confident yet open to learning new processes, systems and software. If you love working in illustrator then master it. Although its good to know a little about everything and utlize various tools and software on a basic level mastering 1 or 2 adds tremendous value. Be totally transparent about your strengths and weaknesses from day one and then slowly build upon the weaknesses. If you don’t know PHP Flash or Python don’t say that you do.. you could be setting yourself up for disaster. I know there are tons of outsourcing resources and youtube tutorial vids where you could literally figure out just about anything under the sun. But there are too may variables involed which I won’t go into right now, but stay true to yourself and you will win.

6. Secure Contracts

Your ultimate goal should be to provide value and somehow increase profits for your clients upfront. In doing this you should be prepared to extend and secure your contracts on the backend. If you have delivered quality product all along you should not have a problem executing the terms, whether it’s 2 months 3 months or 6 each scenario will be different. Always ask questions sometimes we don’t get things because we don’t ask. You just completed that award winning ad campaign that got stellar reviews and your job is complete, ask your client if they need any SEO services (Search Engine Optimization) or logo design services, it could be for just about anything design or marketing related. Just ask all they can say is no or not right now…

7. Design Your Own Product

Your a designer right? Design and develop your own products for your market. Ok so you have a decent amount of clients, now sell to them! You can be relentless in your approach while still providing value. You have gained your clients and customers trust, now you can customize your own products and services specifically for them, with ‘how to videos’, ecourses, t-shirts, tradeshow design or promotional ideas, visual management (customized promo videos), brand messaging, mobile apps for iphones and ipads and the list goes on… It’s all about creativity. There are an abundance of niche markets when you could provide design services. Go to your local Barnes & Noble or Borders and check out the magazine shelves, look at the magazine titles for ideas. Check out amazon, ideas are literally everywhere.

Every graphic designer, artist/writer/blogger hits that massive brick wall periodically where it seems as if  you draw a complete blank. Definitely been there…So here is what I do, it’s far from perfect but hope it helps you out.

1. Start Fresh – Eliminate The Clutter

This is almost a given if you are surrounded by junk, random papers, dust, etc. Your thought process is almost guaranteed to be blocked, therefore stifling your creative flow. When it comes to graphic design and generating new ideas the creative process is never the same, the pathway to a solution requires clear concise thinking. Keeping an organized workspace will keep you one step ahead of the game with fresh ideas. Get a compressed gas duster, spray down your monitor keyboard and mouse, clear out your entire workspace and make it happen!

2. Get Up And Get Out

Sometimes changing your environment or surroundings can blitz a hot idea or concept… This always works well for me as soon as I hit the streets, walk down my block or hop on the train, I see something or someone who inspires me to take action whether it’s taking a photo of a billboard or sketching out a few ideas from a situation I just encountered. Being outside getting fresh air especially on a nice day can free your mind… Being around like minded, positive creative individuals is always inspiring. Go to a local event meet new people and get new perspectives on life in general, the more people you meet the more ideas you can draw from. Hit the museum or the zoo; find out which days are free in your city.

3. Exercise – Stay Healthy

Working as a freelance graphic designer and sitting at a desk hours at a time, it’s pretty easy to get fatigued. Take some time out to stretch, if you aren’t the ‘gym type’ take a walk in a park or yourneighborhood for 15-20 minutes. Invest in a jump rope… a good friend and fitness coach once told me that jumping rope for 10 minutes (which is a long time btw.. try it) is just as good as running for 30 minutes! Just start moving to get your blood and energy level flowing and the graphics will flow as well.

4. Figure Out Where And When You Work Best

If you have a job you may not always have a choice in the matter, but ultimately you need to know when you are most productive. For some it may be between 4a.m. – 8a.m. or you may discover that design ideas and creative juices are solid when you’re working at a coffee shop or library. Sometimes there may be too many distractions if you work from home or have a home office. Learn to turn off your phone, stop texting and shut down your email for 3 or 4 hours at a time if possible. Learning how to control and maximize your time and productivity while being consistent is a formula for success. Find out what suits you best.

5. Planning Is Crucial

Not having a plan of action or “to do list” is a blueprint for failure. Everyone has their own opinion about how long your list should be or the priorities set in your plan of action. Personally I try not have more than 2 – 4 items on my list daily which may seem small but realistically over time you will get more accomplished and clear items off your list fast. I like to focus on putting out quality product and projects that will deliver quality results as oppose to producing a massive amount of projects which are less than. Diversify your plan of action so you will not get bored. For instance you may spend an hour or two writing a quality post for your blog, for the next few hours you may want to hit the streets and do some research taking photos or videos for your post, another hour you may use to design some killer logos or ads to promote your business.

6. Build An Arsenal of Graphics

There are an abundance of vector graphics or stock photo related sites online that are excellent and can save you a lot of time but nothing beats having your own original arsenal you can pull from or refer back to. You could add this to your ‘to do list’ and build it over time. Hit up your local flea market, mine is Brooklyn Flea and you are bound find some hidden gems. A designer friend told me she got a crate of vintage vogue mags from the 1950′s for little or nothing. A few of my fave spots are Strand Books, Rizzoli Bookstore and Housing Works. I’m not into stamps but I picked up this insane out of print stamp book that has some wicked graphics I use for inspiration or integrate into new media or other forms of design.

7. Typography and Fonts

When it comes to communication and design I’m a huge fan of typography. Check out some graphic design magazines or just magazine covers in general, pages and posters for ideas and variations in type, layout and font usage. There are countless graphic design logos, type, images and symbols placed throughout your house tagged on everything from stereo speakers to canned goods in the kitchen. Type is an excellent tool for laying the groundwork of any graphics project, design or composition. Maybe I’ll do a post one day on the “Anatomy of Lettering”… I took an old vintage style monogram from a dated out of print alphabetic devices lettering book a few years back and transformed it into a t-shirt design. Look for it in the t-shirt category in the coming months.

8. Get a Second Opinion

If you are working on a tight deadline, before you complete your project it may be a good idea to solicit a fresh pair of eyes to review your work. When generating new concepts it’s always makes sense to test your findings with a trusted source or associate to make sure the design or graphic is 100%, meaning does it read well? And are you communicating a real solution visually? Working numerous hours at a time, it’s likely your vision will become impaired/cloudy (figuratively speaking) at some point, and what may appear accurate to you may not always be clear. Getting a second opinion and someone to review and test your ideas if you can’t, can save you time and money at the end of the day. It will also give you a new perspective and possibly a new take on your idea.

9. Current Events and Trends

Plug into the media and the news; find out whats trending with google.com/trends/hottrends also compare search volumes and patterns with google.com/insights/search. Find out what is getting a lot of traction and press in the media nationally or locally and see if you can somehow connect it with new website design ideas or graphic design ideas. Check out a new movie or watch TV for awhile…Research other design blogs for the best graphic design ideas, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, find something someone has done or created that got stellar reviews or recognition and use it to your advantage, don’t steal or jack their idea of course but learn from it or figure out how you could add a new component or angle to it for an absolute new design.  Some people call it ‘knowledge arbitrage’.

10. Interview a Unique or Successful Individual

Reach out to someone in or outside of your network who is doing extremely well or is just someone you view as a unique individual and request an interview. This can be executed a number of ways; through phone, email, video, skype and even on a more subtle level as a lunch date. The key here if you get the appointment, is to be a great listener and to get someone who is working in design or an area of your interest directly or indirectly. Have a list of well thought out questions to ask and just focus and tune in.. this could create a whole series of new ideas and concepts and possibly even a new joint venture! You never know, people enjoy talking about themselves which leaves a huge opportunity for you to benefit from and receive true design knowledge and ideas that are priceless.