The graphic design trainee needs to develop certain skills, attitudes and behavioral traits that will enable him to be highly competent in his chosen career or field of study. These attitudes and behavior patterns do not come by chance. The amateur graphic designer or student must cultivate these traits as he undertakes his projects with patience and the utmost care. Some of these abilities, attitudes and behaviors are discussed below.
1. Ability to observe- The student must develop the ability to make critical and serious observation and examination of things in the environment with a view to accurate or precise representation of the object or form. It involves the critical observation of linear patterns, variations in shapes, textures, gradations or color tones of natural and man-made objects found in the environment.
2. Ability to use memory and imagination to derive and develop ideas- This is the student's ability to use his own imagination to create things without resorting to copying from already existing objects. Should cultivate the attitude of brainstorming new and relevant ideas that can be used to create useful graphic products.
3. Ability to envision/visualize and make plans of objects- The student should be able to use his senses, especially the sense of sight, to predict or visualize how the idea he imagines can be used in making plans which in turn they can be turned into objects.
4. Ability to translate ideas and paper drawings into three-dimensional objects to solve problems or meet an identified need using the design process and technology- Drawings are two-dimensional in form or planes. These paper designs are often created in three-dimensional forms. The student must be able to meticulously follow the steps of the design and technology process to produce functional objects. He should have the mastery to be able to translate drawings on paper into free objects.
5. Skillful and creative use of tools, equipment and a variety of materials- This refers to the effective use of tools and materials. This includes handling the tools properly to get the job done. The student must understand the nature and feel of the tools and materials so that he can use them appropriately to give the right effect to the work of art.
6. Apply knowledge and understanding to continuous practice for proficiency and perfection- The student should ultimately aim to achieve perfection in the various techniques of artistic production. He should be able to consistently apply the knowledge he has acquired through constant practice to produce items of great proficiency or skill.
7. Creativity, originality in thought and finished products- The young graphic designer should make a mark of producing items that are original in design, form, color, etc. His ability to create new things should be evident both in his thinking and in the final products he creates.
8. Ability to respond to a work of art using knowledge and skills of perception, appreciation, criticism, judgment, evaluation and aesthetics- The student must have the ability to respond quickly to works of art with which he comes in contact. He should be able to apply his senses well to speak intelligently about the aesthetic qualities of the work. He must be able to evaluate, appreciate and critique a work of art using the knowledge and skills he has gathered.
9. Critical thinking and problem solving skills, healthy competition, good human relations etc. – The student must also be able to think in concrete terms and always be ready to come up with ideas that can solve relevant problems faced by individuals in society. He should be able to participate in graphic arts competitions and exhibitions held in the school, society or country. He must participate with clear and distinct motivations to improve his skills by learning and drawing inspiration from the works of other graphic artists.
10. Demonstrating humane and ethical behavior in thought, feeling and action, e.g. honesty, commitment, self-discipline/respect, diligence, patience, tolerance, teamwork, etc. – There are certain moral or behavioral traits that the student should try hard to cultivate. These include honesty, respect, diligence, patience, tolerance and teamwork. People would like to do business with an honest and respectful person. The trainee must be patient and tolerant to be able to absorb the pressures of the customers, which can sometimes be irritating or annoying. As a student, he must also be ready to work with other people to achieve the same goal. This quality will allow him to work in a wider working environment such as in an industry or a factory. In today's work environment, teamwork is truly essential to the success of any business.
11. Portfolio of works – The student should cultivate the attitude of maintaining a portfolio of his creative works either in printed or electronic form. This would allow him to enhance and improve his creative works each time.
12. Ability to perform tasks with little or no supervision- The student should be able to perform assigned tasks with little or no supervision. He must try very hard to work independently with or without a teacher around him. This will help him develop his skills at a relatively faster pace.
13. Self-learning/evaluation for improvement- The student should be experimental, trying to learn new things on his own without being given relevant instructions by a teacher or supervisor. It must explore new methods and techniques to achieve the already existing methods and techniques of production. It should be his attitude to try to use the tools and materials readily available in the environment to produce meaningful and useful objects. Also, he should periodically self-evaluate by comparing his previous and current projects in order to know the mistakes in them and improve them.
14. Perseverance – The student must demonstrate a competitive spirit in pursuing his creative projects. He must not give up trying to produce a difficult product or a difficult exercise. He should not hesitate to handle difficult Graphic Design artistic products.
15. Time Management- The student must be able to manage his time very effectively. He should be time-bound or time-aware when producing his items. Must be able to meet deadlines set for project production.
16. Work Ethic- Refers to the acceptable work behavior and attitude expected of a graphic designer. These acceptable work behaviors include orderliness, cleanliness, punctuality, and accuracy, which are the hallmarks of a good graphic designer. The student must be determined to demonstrate these work ethics in their artistic productions.
17. Self-Confidence- The student must have great self-confidence when dealing with his tasks. He should show no signs of fear. He must trust his abilities, qualities or ideas. This would make it easier for him to gain mastery over his artistic creations.
18. Communication skills- The student should know how to communicate well with people. Cultivating these communication skills will enable him to communicate effectively with customers. Surely people would like to do business with people who speak politely rather than those whose communication style cuts through them like a sword.
