Class in Session: Lessons We Learned Outside of Design School
How much of what you learned in school do you use on a daily basis? It's challenging for school curriculums to anticipate the diverse careers students will pursue. If you’re like many of us, freelancing or owning your own business wasn’t covered extensively. In this post, we step outside the sign industry to share insights from our team, lessons we wish we’d learned in school, and, yes, some awkward school photos for good measure.
kristina | project manager
Life is a series of projects and there are no final grades
In school
You take a class, work on a project for a few weeks, submit it by the deadline, receive feedback, and get your grade. You probably passed! Next project.
Life after school
You juggle multiple projects, each with its own milestones and deadlines. Tasks seem on track, but feedback delays or unforeseen issues (like a sick baby or internet problems) can push deadlines. School didn’t teach how to balance work, personal life, and unexpected obstacles.
As a Project Manager, I’ve learned to be assertive in managing people and time. Drawing from math, I show my work and maintain transparency with everyone involved. This keeps both myself and the team accountable. I transitioned from using handwritten notebooks to mastering new tech, developing systems for remote teams, and improving delegation to foster autonomy among coworkers.
The course I would Teach
PM 102 - Getting Organized in the 3rd Millennium
Utilizing and learning new tech to develop organizational systems.
jordan | art director
Budget affects design
Budgets and expenses were never covered in college, yet they’re crucial in the design workforce. Ambitious ideas often come with high costs, which can be a reality check.
To balance creativity with budget constraints, start with bold ideas and then refine them into attainable solutions. Explore cost-effective materials and processes. Understanding real-life, budget-friendly solutions can inspire creativity. Use budget constraints as another way to express your design skills.
The Course I would teach
Design 301 - Brains and Budget
Creative Thinking for Cost-Effective Design Solutions.
Kate | production designer
Learning doesn’t end when you graduate
Learning is a continual process. My education laid the foundation, but a lot of learning happens on the job—especially in sign design. Transitioning from digital to three-dimensional thinking, and understanding sign codes, city ordinances, and fabrication, has been a significant learning experience.
It’s impossible to know everything when starting a job or entering a niche area of design. That’s okay! Set aside time for individual learning, professional development, and leveraging industry resources and connections. If you want to learn something on the job, ask to shadow a teammate or seek learning resources online.
The Course I would teach
CE 202 - Lifelong Learning in Design
Embracing continual education and professional growth in the creative industry.
Tanya | brand manager
Managing my thoughts
I follow many psychology accounts because I wasn’t taught how to manage my feelings and thoughts in school. I often felt inadequate and isolated, leading to negative self-talk that held me back.
Practicing inner speech with empathy and kindness has helped me discover who I am and opened new opportunities. I manage my emotions by acknowledging them but not always trusting them. Recognizing physical indicators of high emotions, such as a flushed face, helps me step away and gather my thoughts. Apologies can be gifts, and staying accountable fosters approachability and strong team relationships.
The class I would teach
PSY 201 - Be Kind to Your Mind
Learning to be kind to yourself and practicing grace for a more supportive work environment.
Paul | art director
Anticipate Creative Blocks
Creative blocks are inevitable and can be stressful. The good news is that you always overcome them, though they occur more frequently than expected. Each person tackles creative blocks differently.
Acceptance is the first step. Acknowledge that creative blocks happen to everyone and can lead to exceptional work. Move on by taking breaks, sketching on paper, switching projects, or seeking inspiration from various sources. Always keep a notebook on the ready for the unexpected wave of ideas that will surely come your way.
The class I would teach
DESIGN 206 - Dawdle and Doodle to Design
Overcoming creative obstacles and making time and space for inspiration.
Liz | Co-Owner + Controller
How to be a business owner
High school doesn’t prepare us for owning a business. Even with a BBA in Accounting, I wasn’t taught how to set up books.
You learn to be a business owner by doing it. Seeking advice from mentors, like my entrepreneurial father and CPA friend, has been invaluable. Owning a business requires practical experience, managing people, and handling taxes. More education about business ownership in school might change how many people choose this path or how they approach it.
The class I would teach
PPL 101: Before you Boss Up
Intro to what it really means to own and operate a successful creative business.
russell | Owner & creative director
Playing Well with Others
School rarely emphasizes collaborative work; most design courses focus on individual skills. Designers are often seen as competitors rather than collaborators. In the professional world, competition continues, but collaboration is crucial.
I learned the value of teamwork early in my career. At Studio Dzo, we embrace a “whole-team” approach where everyone contributes and shares ideas. This leads to better solutions and more efficient work.
If you’re freelancing or working solo, consider these tips:
Find or Build a Creative Community: Engage with formal (AIGA) or informal groups (Discord Groups) to refuel your creative tank. Expanding your network leads to organic growth.
Share Your Work and Ask for Feedback: Instead of vague feedback, ask specific questions. This shows confidence and invites valuable input. Credit those who contribute.
Creative Kick-offs: Involve clients in the creative process through briefs, exercises, or discussions. This can uncover valuable insights and foster stronger relationships. Client decisions and approvals happen quicker when they have been part of the creative process.
The class I would teach
WIN 113 - Designing with a Team
Foundations of building collaborative creative partnerships.
What we’re listening to
STUDENTS OF DESIGN PODCAST
A graphic design podcast for students, young professionals, or anyone navigating the design industry. Hosted by our good friend Joseph Israel Raul Bullard, a Logo & Visual Identity Designer based in Colorado.
Episode 3 features Russell. He discusses his role as an educator and dishes out advice for new designers in search of career opportunities.
