To be ‘open-minded’. This is such a cliché but the truth is that we, as problem-solvers, need to be open-minded.

As a student I’m constantly learning, and so far I’ve learnt that Graphic Design as a ‘not-necessarily’ 2D subject, I have learnt that Graphic Design can be the basic platform to support many projects and hopefully some good solutions. It can support and promote non-tactile things such as experiences, systems, concepts and emotions as well as products (2D, 3D, 4D) such as patterns, cards, leaflets, posters, web pages, projections, patterns, illustrations, books, models, sculptures, birdhouses, chairs … and the list goes on forever.

This lies in the middle of graphic design, possible product and thinking ‘innovatively’.

There is no ‘label’ for this branch of design at the moment. Some people struggle with this to get the right jobs. Our task as fans of this ‘way of thinking’ is to promote ourselves individually or as a new ‘label’ within design.

This can be one of the hardest design problems, in which we are actually our own clients – when we find ourselves explaining how we want to be seen. Design Yourself.

This also means that we are to know a bit of things here and there (e.g. a bit of product design, illustration and web design) to be able to choose our solutions carefully and innovatively. It’s a tough world when you realise that so much is expected of you, a lot of companies expect Graphic Designers to know about Web Design and all new programs that are out there, so a possible solution for this would be to surround yourself with other people that might know other subjects best. Design yourself.

It’s never easy to find a job like you’d like to be doing. It depends on the problem to be solved, on several discussions with the client and in some occasions you’ll find opportunities when you can suggest, without questioning the client, new medias and formats for a solution for a given problem which can make it more exiting for you too. Design Yourself

And then, brainstorm! If you are to design a chair, don’t think of a chair, think of ways of sitting and than should give you that ‘open-mindness’, it can be a starting point.

Try to enjoy the process of your project, its okay if you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel for a while, you’ll bore yourself to death it you go for the first idea. (I find this difficult.)

by: @franciscaveloso _ http://www.franciscaveloso.com/