This post is a continuation of graphic design tip #48 in our article “101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success.“

Who’s Your Graphic Designer Reference

When you begin as a designer, it’s good to start with a strong point of reference. Study those who have broken ground in the field of design. Study other artists with an open mind and learn what has made them successful. Study your history. It helps to know different styles and from different eras. Be knowledgeable and versatile by testing techniques from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, etc.

You could start with Andy Warhol, famous for making art “commercial” or Primo Angeli, responsible for wonderful product packaging and Olympic poster design. You might not realize it, but you know these designers already. They have created iconic logos and art still utilized today.

Discovery will always be the most exciting part of your design process. If you notice a piece of collateral or a website that you like, find out who created it. Study your predecessors and current cutting edge designers. Become keenly aware of who is around you and what they are doing. Stay in tune with your local agencies and online design communities and what projects they are working on. Hone in on what techniques they use to make a project really appealing.

Study other designers’ work and learn from the best. Also, refer to great brands and award winning logos, understand how they related their design to the brand. Remember, do not copy… of course, you wouldn’t, but just in case…

Apply What You Learn And Insert Your Own Style

And if you are really inspired, contact them. Most designers will welcome the positive feedback and enjoy knowing that you appreciate their work.

Instead of turning green with envy the next time you see something you wished you had created – deconstruct it and explore what made it so great. Take what you learn from others and apply your own special spin to create new, fresh and effective design.