From school to the design field

I have recently completed a six-week placement with Initiate Marketing. I had the opportunity not only to grow my skills and creativity as a designer but also to learn a lot about myself and what it was like to work in an agency setting. While school provided me with the foundational knowledge necessary for graphic design, the opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world setting was invaluable. It allowed me to truly understand how and why we, as designers, do what we do. The team taught me to look at certain tasks and projects in a way I never would have considered before starting my placement.

The incredible team here was always ready to help with my numerous questions and never judged me, allowing me to grow and feel safe doing so. This support, above all else, was the reason I was able to grow so much during my time here. Thank you, Initiate! I am forever grateful.

So what’s in store for the future

That’s always a tricky one. Do I choose what is achievable, or do I highlight an accomplishment I want to make? I guess that is all in the power of manifestation and hard work. As for my present goals, I am happy to say I have achieved them. I have been hired on as a Junior Graphic Designer fresh out of school. I am so proud of myself and still in shock. Now, I want to further develop the skills I gained during my placement and continue learning as much as I can, even if it’s just one thing a day. That shouldn’t be too hard because, in an ever-changing industry, there is always something new to discover. As a new designer, I am learning every hour.

I am someone who gets easily distracted and has more hobbies than I have fingers on my hands. One of them is furthering my education in design. I am proficient in programs such as Illustrator and InDesign (the pen tool is my sword). However, there is always more to learn. I am currently taking two online courses to expand my knowledge on all things UX/UI and accessibility. One thing the design world needs more of is accessible and inclusive design.

As for the plan further down the road

I would like to become THE BEST DESIGNER EVER! As awesome as that would be, I think levelling up to a great designer or senior designer in an agency setting one day would be where I see myself thriving. My main goal in my career is to take all the knowledge I acquire and give it back to the next generation of designers. Maybe I’ll be a professor? See, I am still trying to decide what the future looks like for me. In all honesty, though, I will be happy in whatever role as long as I can wake up every day and do what I love.