Have you ever found yourself interested in what a day in the life of a visual designer might entail? Are you curious about the ins and outs of this profession?
As a part of the industry, I’m willing to give you a unique insider’s perspective on my job. Do you get ready to discover this dynamic world with me? Let’s jump right in now!
Overview
Visual designers are communications professionals who design and maintain the visual elements of an organization’s brand across many platforms. While visual designers may have many tasks to encounter every day, they typically handle the following activities:
- Create and develop visual concepts and strategies to advance an organization’s brand identity
- Design visual content for a variety of digital platforms
- Collaborate with other design team members to ensure consistency of designs across various media outlets
- Use graphic design software and work with a wide range of media
- Stay up to date with industry trends to keep ahead of competitors
- Present design concepts and ideas to colleagues and clients
- Provide guidance and feedback to other design team members
Every day holds unique challenges and rewards as a visual designer. I myself find immense satisfaction in creating visually stunning and effective designs. Let’s dive into my typical day now!
Morning Routine
I am often asked about how the morning routine of a visual designer unfolds. If you have the same question, scroll down my post to get the answer. I’ll take you through my typical morning routine now!
Wake Up and Get Ready for The Day
The first thing I do in the morning is wake up and prepare for the day. I usually start by doing light stretching to shake off any stiffness from sleep.
Then, I shower and dress in something that makes me feel comfortable and confident. This first step helps me feel awake and ready for the day.
Check Emails and Respond to Any Urgent Messages
Once I’ve finished my breakfast, I check my emails and respond to any urgent messages. This step helps me stay connected with my clients and team. It allows me to keep track of any changes or updates in the projects I’m working on.
This routine of checking emails first thing in the morning helps me stay on top of my tasks and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Review Tasks for the Day and Prioritize Them
After going through my emails, I prioritize my tasks for the day. I find it helpful to make a to-do list based on the urgency and importance of each task.
This way, I can focus on the right things at the right time. It also gives me a clear roadmap of what my day will look like.
Start Working On Design Projects or Client Briefs
With my prioritized tasks, I start working on my design projects or client briefs. It’s where the real fun begins!
I dive into the world of colors, shapes, and textures, creating designs that tell a story and evoke emotions. It’s a process that requires focus, creativity, and a lot of love for what I do.
Afternoon Routine
What do I do in the afternoon as a visual designer? The answer is below!
Attend Team Meetings or Design Reviews
After lunch, I typically join team meetings or design review sessions. These meetings are essential for aligning with the team on ongoing projects, discussing design strategies, and sharing updates.
During design reviews, I present my work to other designers or stakeholders, and we critique each other’s work. This constructive feedback helps me refine my designs and improve my skills.
Collaborate With Other Designers or Stakeholders on Projects
I often collaborate with other designers or stakeholders on various projects in the afternoons. We brainstorm ideas, discuss design problems, and work together to come up with the best possible solutions.
Collaboration not only brings different perspectives to the table but also fosters a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Continue Working On Design Tasks, Creating Mockups or Prototypes
Once the meetings are over, I continue working on my design tasks. My role as a visual designer is to create mockups or prototypes using design tools like Adobe XD or Figma.
These visual representations help all team members understand the design better. They also provide a basis for discussion and feedback.
Conduct Research and Gather Inspiration for Upcoming Projects
When I need a break from designing, I switch gears and conduct research for upcoming projects. I engage in browsing design inspiration websites, keeping up with the latest design trends, and brainstorming creative ideas.
Research is an integral part of my job. It helps me stay updated, sparks my creativity, and prepares me for future projects.
Seek Feedback From Colleagues or Clients on Ongoing Designs
Finally, before wrapping up for the day, I seek feedback from colleagues or clients on ongoing designs. I believe that design is a continuous process of improvement and evolution.
The feedback I receive is crucial to this process, as it helps me to understand different perspectives and make necessary adjustments to my designs.
After Work
As a visual designer, my day does not necessarily end when the clock strikes five. Here are the after-work activities I typically engage in:
Wrap Up Any Pending Design Tasks
As soon as the usual work hours are over, I take an extra few moments to wrap up any pending design tasks.
Whether it’s finalizing a layout, making last-minute tweaks to a design, or preparing files for the next day, these small efforts ensure a smooth start the following day.
It’s like a gift to my future self, reducing the stress and workload for the next day.
Document Progress and Updates on Projects
Next, I dedicate time to documenting the day’s progress on various projects. This crucial step lets me track where I left off and what I must do next.
It also serves as a helpful record for my team and clients, allowing us to stay aligned on project goals and expectations. A simple update can save hours of backtracking and confusion down the line.
Organize Files and Assets
One less glamorous but equally important part of my routine is organizing my files and assets. A well-structured system lets me quickly locate files, making the design process more efficient.
It also ensures that other team members can find everything they need, even in my absence. I also take this opportunity to back up essential files because losing work to technical glitches is a designer’s worst nightmare!
Attend Design Events or Workshops for Professional Development
I regularly attend design events and workshops to stay ahead in the fast-paced design world. These provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest trends, techniques, and tools and network with other professionals.
Whether it’s a local meetup, an online webinar, or a full-blown design conference, there’s always something new to learn and people to meet.
Relax and Unwind, Pursuing Personal Creative Projects
Finally, I spend a little time on personal creative projects to unwind after a productive day. Whether sketching, photography, or DIY crafts, these activities help me relax and recharge my creative batteries.
In A Nutshell
A day in the life of a visual designer is a beautiful blend of creativity and challenges. I must say that each day is different. It’s full of new ideas, designs, and collaborations.
Are you interested in designing and solving problems creatively? You should consider becoming a visual designer. Hopefully, my experience and sharing help you make an informed decision!
