For self-taught designers, “craft” isn’t typically on their list of things to learn. It’s likely because the majority of design creators online don’t emphasize the importance of it. The hard truth is that craft is often the missing link between being “good enough” to being marketable. In my guide for practicing craft in graphic design, I break down why foundational mastery isn’t optional, it’s the job.
If you watched the video, you already know that craft isn’t about perfection, but instead precision and care. There’s an additional aspect to practicing craft that I’d like to expand on here, and that is your mindset. It’s not enough to just practice precision and care, you also have to recognize it.
I often say “design school” because I’m talking to designers, but really, it’s art school. It doesn’t only focused on design, you’re exposed to a breadth of other creative disciplines. For me, that’s where I learned craft. When you study the master of painting, photography, product design, ceramics, art history, whatever have you, you learn that the one thing every master has is impeccable craft. And on top of that, you learn to respect it across other industries.
For example, an Hermes Birkin or a Kelly. I get it. They’re expensive and they’re not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into them. This matters because if true mastery is staring you in the face and you can’t recognize or acknowledge it, you will never see the lack of it in your own work.
When you shift to this mindset, you don’t just end up with a prettier portfolio. (I mean, you do!) BUT… you also stop comparing yourself to everyone else because what ends up mattering most to you are your own standards.
For me specifically, yes I learned how to be precise in design school. However, I’ve maintained a fairly lucrative freelance business because I implemented the craft I learned from other brands. The anticipatory service at the Four Seasons, my clients get the same from me because I do things for them without asking. Things can and will go wrong with projects, so how do you offer a proper recovery to retain the client? I learned that from Delta’s recovery when there’s a flight delay or cancellation.
People can say I’m “bougie”. The only thing I hear is that my standards are higher, which is fine because in the job market, higher standards are your competitive advantage. Take a look at the examples of the Hermes, the craft is what people pay for, which means that when you have craft in your design work, clients will pay for it as well.
If you want an even deeper dive, check out my latest newsletter issue on Craft, or better yet, subscribe below!
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