Graphic design students must develop skills, attitudes, and behavior traits that will allow them to excel in their chosen field or career. These behaviors and attitudes are not something that can be acquired by accident. These traits are essential for the amateur graphic artist and learner. He must practice patience and take care when completing his projects. Below are some examples of these skills, attitudes, and behavior.
1. The ability to observe- This is the ability to critically and seriously examine the environment and make a representation or description of an object or form. This includes critical observation of the patterns, textures, gradation, or tones of colour of natural and manufactured objects.
2. Ability to use imagination and memory to develop and derive ideas- This ability is what the learner has to do in order to be able to create things from scratch without having to copy existing products. He should be open to new ideas and creative ways of creating graphic products.
3. Ability to visualize/pre-image/make designs of items – The learner must be able use his senses, especially sight, to see how an idea can be used to create designs that can then be turned into products.
4. The ability to transform ideas and paper designs into three-dimensional objects to solve problems and satisfy identified needs using the design-technology process. Designs can be either flat or two-dimensional. Many times, these paper designs can be converted into three-dimensional forms. To produce functional items, the learner must be able follow all steps of the technology and design process. He must be able convert designs from paper into freestanding items.
5. It refers to the effective use of tools and materials. This refers to the proper handling of tools in order to complete the task. To achieve the best effect, the learner must be able to comprehend the properties and feel of tools and materials.
6. Continuous practice and proficiency in artistic production is the goal of every learner. He should be able use the knowledge he has acquired through continuous practice to produce items of high proficiency or skill.
7. Creative thinking, originality and creativity are the hallmarks of a young graphic artist. Items that are unique in form, colour, or design must be a signature. He should demonstrate his ability to think new things as well as the products he creates.
8. Ability to quickly respond to artworks by applying knowledge and skills in appreciation, judgment, judgement, evaluation, and aesthetics. He must be able to use his senses to intelligently discuss the artistic qualities of the work. He should be able to use the skills and knowledge he has acquired to assess, appreciate and critique artworks.
9. Healthy competition, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking are all important. Learners must be able think in concrete terms and are always open to new ideas to solve problems in society. Participation in exhibitions or competitions in Graphic arts should be possible in his school, country, and society. He should have clear and unambiguous goals to improve his skills and learn from other Graphic artists.
10. Demonstration and application of human and moral behaviour in thinking, feeling, and acting. honesty, commitment, self-discipline/respect, diligence, patience, tolerance, teamwork, etc. The learner should strive to develop certain moral or behavioral characteristics. These are honesty, respect, diligence and patience. They also include tolerance and teamwork. People want to do business with someone who is honest and respectful. To be able to handle the demands of clients, which can sometimes be annoying or frustrating, the learner must be patient and tolerant. He must be able to work in a team with others to accomplish the same goal. This ability would allow him to work in a wider working environment, such as an industry or factory. Teamwork is essential in today’s work environment for any business to succeed.
11. Portfolio of works- The learner should have a portfolio of all his creative works, in either hard or soft copies. He would be able to improve and enhance his creative work every time.
12. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The learner must be able complete his assignments with little supervision. He should be able to work alone, with or without a tutor. This will help him develop his skills at an even faster pace.
13. Self-learning/evaluation for improvement- The learner must be experimental, trying to learn new things on his own without being instructed to do so by a teacher or supervisor. He should be open to new ways and methods of producing existing techniques and methods. He or she should try to use the tools and materials available to create meaningful and useful artifacts. He should also periodically evaluate his own work and compare it with the current to identify any mistakes and improve upon them.
14. Perseverance is a virtue that the learner must exhibit in order to succeed with his creative work. He should not give up on his efforts to create a challenging product or exercise. He should not be afraid to tackle difficult Graphic Design products.
15. Time management- The learner should be able manage his time well. He must be able to manage his time and produce artefacts on time. He must be able meet the deadlines for production.
16. Work ethics- These are the expected work behaviors and attitudes of Graphic artists. These are the characteristics of a good Graphic Artist. They include accuracy, precision, neatness, cleanliness and accuracy. These work ethics must be displayed in the artistic outputs of the learner.
17. Self-confidence – A learner should be confident in his abilities and be able to perform his tasks. Fear must not be displayed. He must have faith in his abilities, ideas, and qualities. He will be able to master his artistic creations more easily.
18. Communication skills- Learners must be able to communicate with others. These communication skills will enable the learner to communicate with clients effectively. People will prefer to do business with polite people than with those who communicate with their clients with sharpened knives.