What makes a good Junior Designer?

What makes a good Junior Designer?

A good junior designer is focused on making themselves better. Because they realise this in-turn makes the studio better.

Written by Dave Greasley on 23.07.2020

A good junior designer is focused on making themselves better. Because they realise this in-turn makes the studio better.

Written by Dave Greasley on 23.07.2020

sidebyside_what_makes_a_good_junior_designer

The key to self-improvement

Curiosity & the desire to improve are what will stand you head and shoulders above the rest. The pursuit of knowledge keeps driving us forward and keeps us engaged, even after 13 years in industry. If your mind is constantly set to sponge mode, you’ll go far.

In the past we’ve worked with some juniors who thought they knew it all, and some who wanted to know it all. Leave the ego at the door, ask the stupid questions, don’t be afraid of being a junior.

Ask good questions

A good junior designer asks good questions

Design is mainly and largely a matter of problem solving. Whether the client’s problem is how to gain more customers, or how to improve their sales process, they’re all just problems waiting to be solved.

The best designers question everything, so start early, and make a tonne of notes. Note taking gives you points to reflect on, as well as helping with the cognitive process of remembering.

Here’s some example questions, to get you started:

When starting work:

‘I’m starting that project... Can you suggest any good resources that will help?
‘I’m starting that project... How long do you think I should be spending on it?
‘I’m starting that project... Could you further clarify _____ part of the brief?
‘I’m starting that project... Is there a process I should work to?

When stuck or unsure:

‘I’ve created something... But it doesn’t feel right, what should I try next?
‘I’ve created something... Do you think this is a good route?
‘I’ve created something... How could I improve it?
‘I’ve created something... But I’m not sure how to take it further?

When completing work:

‘I’ve just finished this piece of work... Can you give me some feedback?
‘I’ve just finished this piece of work... What would you have done differently?
‘I’ve just finished this piece of work... Do you think it’s fit for purpose?
‘I’ve just finished this piece of work… Could I have done it in an easier/quicker?

When shadowing someone:

‘I’ve just seen what you’ve created… Why did you do it like that?
‘I’ve just seen what you’ve created… How did you make that decision?
‘I’ve just seen what you’ve created… Can you explain to me your process?
‘I’ve just seen what you’ve created… Can you show me how you did it?

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When asking questions you need to have an open mind and a thick skin. Designers are a soft bunch. We tend to take criticism of our work personally, rather than constructively, as it was probably intended. Being able to ask good questions is only half of the battle. Listening and accepting the response is a skill in its own!

Written by Dave Greasley on 23.07.2020
Follow the studio on Instagram and Twitter

Written by Dave Greasley on 23.07.2020
Follow the studio on Instagram and Twitter

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Want a question answered?
Email us advice@sidebyside.co.uk

Want a question answered?
Email us advice@sidebyside.co.uk

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