Graphic Design Project Management

As a graphic designer, almost all of my projects reside on my computer or some form of digital device. I create and organize all of my projects, and I have to make sure I stay on task with all I do. A lot of my projects deal with my job, my volunteer work, my creative practice work, and just work that is fun to do. So here is what I do to make sure I stay on top of it all.

1. Grab a planner

I personally love keeping up with all of my tasks and projects in a planner. Yes, we all have calendars on our phone, and I utilize that, but having a planner where I can lay everything out on paper is my personal preference. I typically keep color pens and matching highlighters and assign them per type of project.

2. Keep tabs on your progress with all of your projects

I either do this digitally or physically. If I do keep track digitally, I like to have pie charts or progress bars to designate what is the ultimate goal, how far you've gotten, and how far you have to go. Standard colors I use are green, yellow, and red. Physically, I like to have color coded sticky notes that I can easily move or throw away.

3. Swap projects frequently

Working on the same project for a long period of time can cause you to get burnt out on what you are doing. I tend to mix it up ever so often so I can get different creative juices flowing. I think of it like painting multiple paints. You should let one dry in order to add more details to it later, so you swap paintings. Digital art doesn't need to dry, but your brain needs a break.

4. Ask for feedback on how things look/interact as a piece

I always get to a point where I'm staring at something I made and it just doesn't look right. So I usually print it out, email it to a coworker, or ask someone to come and take a look. Whether that person has design experience or not, they haven't been staring at it for the past four days. This can usually offer helpful advice and changes.

5. If you are stuck, experiment with new styles and techniques

This is a good way for me to take a new look at something. Sometimes I get so zoned in on "What is current" but I'm focusing on one area of what is current. There are so many styles and techniques in the design world that you can always try something new. If you try it and hate it, thats fine. You at least broke out of your comfort zone to try it.

Everyone is different for project management, but this is particularly what I like to do. It helps my mind, as well as my focus knowing exactly what I need to do.

Sincerely,

Just Your Average Graphic Designer in totally Digital World

#GraphicDesign #Graphics #GraphicArtist #Designer #DigitalDesigner #Organization #ArtisticProcess #ProjectManagement