Top 5 Traits of a Great Graphic Designer

Kevan — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:14:55 +0000

I was thinking recently about what makes a great (or even just “good”) graphic designer. Some people seem born with what it takes to produce eye-popping design pieces, some thrive in a career of variety and opportunity, and still others languish in the world of the uninspired. On my way home from work one day last week, I scribbled out this list on the train:

Top 5 Designer Traits
1. Solid knowledge of the printing industry
2. A good sense of layout, balance and how to display information
3. Business savvy (strategy, branding, budgets and corporate-speak)
4. Broad knowledge of current design trends and art history
5. An inquisitive, curious, creative mind

I left out “can draw really well,” because ironically, I think you can still be a great designer without having that skill. Also amicably absent is “knowledge of the software” — I figure you wouldn’t be in the biz if you couldn’t click around the programs properly.

What do you think, dear reader? What would you add or remove from the list? Leave a comment below to state your case about what your Top 5 Designer Traits list would look like.

Elbowruminations » career

Top 5 Traits of a Great Graphic Designer