I just had to make something on my own tonight, something whimsical and fun. I didn’t focus too much on perfection, just on a fun concept! It’s good as designers to get away from everyday design and make something of our own. Something where we are able to create whatever we want, and just go with it. Not worrying or being too critical of the design at hand. Just having a great time in making what we love and what inspires us.
The more in-depth I become with the internet I realize how vital it is to keep tweeting, blogging and making connections. If you’re looking for a job, trying to get better in your field, or just wanting to become more popular in your niche’; then I have a few secrets for you!
Being a Slave to the Tweet-Ahcholic Bottle
If you’re tweeting about yourself, your niche, or your own work thats one thing. But consistently tweeting links about other people during the day will bring your follower count down dramatically. People are not following you for links, they are following you, for YOU! Think about it this way, over time you tweet a link, you’re promoting that site and that person, not you. Only do this in moderation, say, 2-3 times a week if you are an avid tweeter. Also, it’s better to tweet links your friends have given you, because that way you are supporting them and in turn, they will support you.
I am not saying that I was never guilty of this. I totally was. When I first started using Twitter all I did was post links to articles and re-tweet like crazy, just so someone would re-tweet me back or until I got a mention. It really profited me nothing but spam followers and an occasional design follower.
Sure, it’s being a little selfish on Twitter, but if you want your following to increase, you have to make sacrifices. I find Facebook to be a better place to post links to articles and websites.
Recruiters Are Smarter Than You Think
Your follower count on Twitter, your connections on Linkedin, your Facebook friends, guess what, it matters. Recruiters are constantly looking for talent, especially in the valley and if you have an online presence you’re more than likely to get in contact with some sort of Startup.
Designers,
Keep your Dribbble shots clean and somewhat professional. Recruiters are looking on there more than ever to find talented designers. Dribbble speaks a thousand words to future employers and it’s very likely that it may be the key to your next gig.
Create a brand within yourself, promote, but dont overly promote. Best of all be yourself. Natural charisma is an important key to filling up the social bottle. ;)
I love it when the design community comes together and does fun things. No competition, just having some fun together. Because really, that’s what it should be about. I sound like a pre-school teacher, although sharing and helping each other out is not only a principle to use when you’re a child. But it should also carry through your entire life. We get so caught up about being innovative which is great. Though sometimes it makes us forget our surroundings and the awesome people that make up the design community. Plus, how else would you have found out what your friends last name meant? ;)