My Tips to Becoming a Successful Graphic Designer & Creative Professional

Hey all!

Some context: I made this video to answer some of the questions I've been getting on my channel from a lot of you lately regarding how to a become a graphic designer. Though that's sort of a vague question and there is no one size fits all answer, I thought I'd share some of the top level tips that I think you should equip yourself when moving into any creative career path. These are just a few things I could think of when I made this but I feel as though I have only barely scratched the surface.

I use my channel as a vehicle to help inspire, motivate, and share knowledge with all of you as well as learn and educate myself along the way. Hopefully this video can help to provide some insight to some of you new designers out there! Let me know your thoughts.

Love ya!

Cody

MUSIC

ZEEKY BEATS

LoFi Type Beat - " Long Talks "

Homage Beats

"Lonestar"
Instrumental by Homage

Eric Godlow Beats

Pandrezz

Pandrezz x j'san. - Exactly

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS CHANNEL:

Every week, I will publish meaningful & concise content that provides insight into the field of graphic design, web design, illustration, branding, app design, & other creative areas I find important in my field as a commercial artist. This media includes software tutorials, lifestyle vlogs, and other useful videos to help and inspire anyone looking to improve their skills as a creative badass and take their creativity to new heights.

ABOUT ME:

Hey there, I’m Cody. A craft-beer drinking Designer & Art Director living in San Diego, Ca.

I’ve been designing professionally for the last 6 years and have learned quite a bit along the way. Throughout my career as a creative I’ve had the pleasure of designing for a number of incredible brands & creative agencies.

From working with a variety of clients and organizations, my style can been seen as eclectic and constantly evolving, much like a chameleon. In the world of commercial arts I’ve had to get out of my comfort zone and adapt to the brands and tasks at hand. I like to think that my personal aesthetic is contemporary and minimal combing modern techniques with classic design elements.

SKILLS

Some of the skills I’ve acquired throughout my journey as a creative:

Art & Creative Direction
Styling
Graphic Design
Branding & Identity Design
Web Site Design (optimized for mobile & tablet)
App Design
Photography
Illustration
Image Manipulation
Typography & Lettering
Motion Graphics
Video Production & Editing
Animation

MY STUFF

[maryjoymelecia]

it makes me cry because deep inside i knew graphic designing is my talent but I'm not really paying attention to it because i thought i would never be successful in it. But now, i feel like there is something burning inside that i need to blow out. I'm gonna be an exceptional graphic designer!

[mattdahlberg]

As a new designer I relate to your videos & find them simple & informative. Keep it up. You're a relaxing deep breathe from the countless other designers stressing over trends & community clout. Thanks again.

[inkasari]

Hi Cody, I know there are so many designers out there. But I don't know why I really enjoy your channel, you can explain it so simply and clearly. I was feeling tired with what I did and this video totally motivated me. THANKS, MY GURU!!

[timeforrice]

I like your take on being a graphic designer. It's refreshing, thank you

[酱橘子-pt]

Agree! Communities are very important in team!

[aisgamepro]

Thanks for these amazing tips. As a new designer, it will help me a lot. ♥

[stephfu]

Thank you for the advice Cody! Love watching your tutorials! Your space mobile design walk through inspired me on my design project! I was wondering if you have any advice on icon design designing in pixel perfection? 😅

[LiamONeill]

Hey Cody, I'm a designer in a bit of a different field (graphics for fashion) but this was a great vid, looking forward to watching the rest as I work!

[justinecool]

Hey! Thanks for this video :) although you said you probably wouldn't show your old designs, I think it would have really benefited a lot of the artists watching this if you did show the progress of your old designs and how you you developed over time while speaking about it. I can probably guess a lot of people watching this are very visual learners ;) TBH this is the first video of yours I've seen and I already subscribed. Going to keep watching. Thanks!

[ohyofavis]

You just earned a subscriber! I like your content! 😄

[danielleevans]

Thanks Cody! This video is so helpful! Appreciate ya!

[unattended]

Thank you for this! You're great.

[questionsSpr]

I just discovered your channel- much respect

[aishwaryasingh]

how many things a graphic designer should be learn in software and Design??

[arnoc.]

Hey Cody! What font are you using in the thumbnail and also in the little intro animation with "Cody Brown - graphic designer"? Great video btw!

[questionsSpr]

Sketch vs XD what do you think? I really enjoy sketch but for some odd reason I am digging XD. However, its not as user friendly for the first 20-30min of playing with it today.

[Ouchthathurt]

I'm majoring in Art History my first semester of college, and right now I'm having pretty heavy doubts. I really want to try out GD and get a certificate, but My problem is I've never truly dabbled in GD. I could never afford my own computer and I don't know how to use very many programs. I have mostly used traditional art tools, but I love to design. I love interior design and graphics. I'm just not sure if that is something for me, because maybe it's just my own fantasy of what it's like to be a graphic designer.

[الف-نر]

This is the problem. People dont give feedback on your design. They think you as new so they won't give feedback.

[jadhavparth]

Please give me Your Channel Art .psd File...

[arman]

Thanks for the tips! (Also god damn it you are so gorgeous it's distracting 🤦‍♂️)