Why / The Search
“It appears that the search is still ongoing.”
I’m still trying to map out how to move forward in my professional creative career. The problem currently is that my current job is not design-related at all. So I have to find a path into the professional design space where I can still learn, practice, and grow alongside other designers. On the other hand, I did finish my branding project that started around a month ago. I handed over some branding elements, and it’s up to the rest of the team to use them and further build the identity.
How / The Work
Working on branding without formal branding experience is quite daunting, yet really exciting. Once the graphics are out in the real world, I’ll start writing the full portfolio entry. I got to make some cool pieces that represent the identity and actually hold some substance. Aside from the obvious insights gathering, font and color selection, and pitching ideas, I tried something more interactive and hands-on.
For programmers out there, I tried pair-programming, however, with Figma and Illustrator. To quickly explain the concept, you need a Driver and a Navigator. The Driver is the one with drawing tools, and the navigator gives direction, taste, references, and decisions. To be honest, this was only possible because the client of this project is quite confident in their aesthetic and ideas. That made it possible for them to tell me what to draw or which ideas to actualize, just like in pair-programming. This led to quicker ideation, testing, and prototyping.
Besides that, I also had some moments with the marketing side, to test the branding elements for the website, and to get feedback on the visuals and see how the branding strategy could support the website.
At the end of the month, I delivered a package of branding assets, which included: font and color selections, logographics, emblems, mockups, and a brand guideline. Once they release the website, I can expect some final feedback. For now, I will continue working, as I’m still not a professional visual designer.
What / The Conlusion
So what’s the conclusion for this month? I finished a branding project, but I still have a huge hunger for more visual design knowledge and experience. Jokes aside, I will continue exploring the diverse disciplines within the visual design field. Because apparently there is more to do than just be a graphic designer. One thing I definitely want to improve is my tool set. I use a lot of free and open source, which isn’t a bad thing, but their interface and workflows are slightly different from the industry standard. I want to move closer to this environment. I need to find my way out of this in-between position. Which means the search is still on…