Graphic Design Student Asks for Advice on Getting Started in the Industry

I just got started posting my work in Behance.

Always be open to learning.

I've been a designer for a couple of decades now. I teach and consult on design and publishing. I write books on those subjects. Still, I constantly find new things to learn, new ideas about doing what I've done for so long, and new perspectives from my fellow creatives.

Here's another link which explains the Golden Ratio.

How to Use the Golden Ratio in Design (with Examples)

Nancy O.

#1 Learn color theory. 

Basic Color Theory

#2 Learn design theory.  The importance of white space, the Rule of Thirds, the Golden Ratio, Grids, Proportions, etc...

http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/50-totally-free-lessons-in-graphic-design-theory--psd-2916

#3 Learn to work with typography.  Serif, sans-serif fonts, kerning, sizing, spacing...

#4 Understand the medium you're working with (web, print, canvas, video, etc...)

Designing for print is not the same as designing for the web.  Different rules apply.  The main difference is print is static.  The size of the page doesn't change.  But on the web, people use all sorts of devices, display sizes and browser settings.  All this can wreak havoc to your web designs if you don't keep them flexible.   Also, some print concepts don't translate well to the web & vice versa.  IMO, designing for print is much easier than web design.

Nancy O.