Goodbye 2016 and welcome 2017! Many of you are probably happy to see that 2016 is now a thing of the past and we now have a new year in front of us. The New Year is an excellent time to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, as well as set new goals for the year ahead.
If you are looking to start fresh and raise your game in 2017, but need some inspiration, add some designer New Year’s resolutions to your list.
1. Stay Open and Flexible
Remaining open to new ideas, thoughts, and trying something brand new is a great way to keep your creativity fresh. Branching out, trying new things, meeting new people, and expanding your horizons might just be the thing you need to gain new insight and ideas. It doesn’t matter if it’s something as simple as rock climbing or yoga. You never know when inspiration can strike!
2. Continue Your Education
It is important for everyone to keep up with their education. Knowledge is power and can only help you, not hurt you, so this year expand your horizons and take a class (or classes). Taking a class is an excellent way to keep your skills sharp and increase your skill set. Remember, you are never too old to learn something new. Learning is for everyone, so go expand your mind!
3. Update Your Portfolio
Updating your portfolio every year is an excellent way to showcase all your awesome creations from 2016. It doesn’t matter if you have a print portfolio, a digital portfolio or both. Make sure you give your portfolio an update yearly so you can show off everything that you’ve recently done. In addition, going through your portfolio is an excellent way to visually see the progress you have made with your skills and work.
4. Get Sketching
Getting your thoughts out onto paper is a valuable tool for any designer. Whether it’s in the form of a sketch or writing down your thoughts and ideas down on paper, getting your ideas out of your head and onto paper is an excellent way to keep your thoughts and ideas organized. Having a sketchbook is also an excellent way to build upon current ideas, and can help you decompress when you are stressed.
5. Cut Out Toxicity
Cutting out anything and everything toxic in your life is an excellent way to start the New Year off on the right foot. Negative people and situations can really drag you down and have a negative impact on your overall performance. If you can handle it financially and are at a good stopping point, cut out any clients or customers that are weighing you down. You will be surprised to see what doors open for you when you go ahead and close some.
