In marketing, things move fast. Trends change, technology evolves, and as graphic designers, it’s on us to keep up. Staying sharp and keeping our skills fresh is how we ensure our work continues to stand out. One of the best ways to do this is by taking advantage of the continued learning opportunities available to us.
Recently, our graphic design team attended Adobe MAX online, and it was a good reminder of how important it is to keep learning. We got a glimpse of new design techniques, emerging trends, and the latest software updates—all things that help us stay ahead of the curve.
Adobe MAX gave us the chance to learn directly from industry leaders and experts, offering practical knowledge and new ways of thinking that we can immediately apply to our work. It’s kind of like how doctors need to keep up with new medical breakthroughs (because who wants a doctor still using leeches). While lives are not at stake in our field, graphic designers need to stay on top of design trends and tools. With updates to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and the other essentials, we’re now able to work smarter. In a field where every little detail matters, staying current on the latest tech isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
Other continued learning resources:
- Adobe Webinars: https://elearning.adobe.com/learning_hub/
- AIGA courses and certifications: https://www.aiga.org/learning-directory
- Follow your favorite designers on social media for inspiration; some share process and how-to videos
- Google “current design trends” every once in a while to see what inspires you
Continuing education keeps our creativity alive and kicking. Adobe MAX gave us new ideas and tools that we’re already putting into practice. In an industry that’s always changing, staying on top of our game is the only way to keep our work fresh and relevant.