Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Your journey includes time off the grid too.
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• When you go for walks in nature, keep a keen eye out for the balance, colors,
lines, shapes, and so forth that most people never notice. What visual lessons exist
in stopping to look both at the whole and then zooming in to look at the particular?
There is much to be learned by careful observation of nature.
• Take an art class at a local community college or university. Don't worry that it may
not have “obvious applications for work.” The art—whatever it is—will teach you
lessons about seeing and communicating through form. All you need to do is
practice and enjoy the journey. You'll find, perhaps unexpectedly, that there are
indeed lessons that you can apply to your own work or personal life.
• Take some time to examine packages in stores, regardless of whether you are
interested in the product. What catches your eye as you walk through a shop?
Nothing is by accident, so think about what the designers were trying to
communicate with the package.
• Teach others what you learn. One of the best ways to deepen and solidify your new
knowledge is to teach it to others. Give a presentation in your town such as at a
Pecha Kucha night, Ignite night, TEDx Conference, or your local Toastmasters
meeting. Run a seminar, teach a class, or volunteer to run a small internal workshop
to teach others in your organization what you are learning. Real learning occurs
when you share it. Share your new knowledge and passion about design in a short
presentation.
• Make it a point to watch TED videos online (
www.ted.com
), especially those
related to design and creativity. Many of the presenters use very effective, well-
designed visuals. Subscribe to the TED RSS feed or follow TED on Twitter.
• Read topics on graphic design, typography, color, photography, documentary
filmmaking, and even architecture and other areas of design—you never know
where the design lessons are to be found. I link to many of my favorite topics on the
Presentation Zen Web site (
www.presentationzen.com
).
It's All Up to You Now
