5 answers
Kayden
Student
Bemidji, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
333 views
What habits separate the students who thrive from the students who just get by? #Fall25
I'm in art school, majoring in Technology, Art, & Design with an emphasis in graphic design. I'm wondering what habits and behaviors will set a student like me up for success VS. the ones that will simply just get me a passing grade.
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5 answers
Maria Rehmet
Architect
26
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hi Kayden!
Show up to class and don’t multi-task (studies show our brain can’t really multi task, they just switch very quickly between 2 activities, which disrupts deep focus and prevents a flow state , reference here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7075496/ ) - really listen and ask questions. You don't need to sit in the front row to do this, just be engaged. Take handwritten notes (studies have proved that you process them better that way, reference here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945/full) and actually review them every once in a while. Ask your teacher or google the terms or concepts you didn’t understand during class (you will probably get quizzed on the topics you don’t understand) Do the homework, and don’t use AI to do it! Challenge yourself to really use your critical thinking skills to summarize and synthesize the topics you learned. None of this is complicated, it’s simple - but not easy! This will really set you apart from your classmates and help you thrive in school. I know you’re capable, you got this!
Show up to class and don’t multi-task (studies show our brain can’t really multi task, they just switch very quickly between 2 activities, which disrupts deep focus and prevents a flow state , reference here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7075496/ ) - really listen and ask questions. You don't need to sit in the front row to do this, just be engaged. Take handwritten notes (studies have proved that you process them better that way, reference here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945/full) and actually review them every once in a while. Ask your teacher or google the terms or concepts you didn’t understand during class (you will probably get quizzed on the topics you don’t understand) Do the homework, and don’t use AI to do it! Challenge yourself to really use your critical thinking skills to summarize and synthesize the topics you learned. None of this is complicated, it’s simple - but not easy! This will really set you apart from your classmates and help you thrive in school. I know you’re capable, you got this!
Renee Robinson
Surface and Pattern Designer, Interior Design
6
Answers
Illinois City, IL
Updated
Renee’s Answer
Absolute consistency and persevering through all sorts of challenges. The grades will come but it's your dedication to what you are learning that will make the difference. Here's what I mean: Mix up the learning. Take on extra projects, learn on your own through reading, attending workshops, online classes...direct your attention to the reason why you chose this profession and find things such as drawing, painting, font design, etc. that will help you become more creative and better at graphic design. Get inspired by other's work even in other professions such as fashion design, furniture design, etc. You can learn a lot from other people's ideas no matter if it's the same profession or not. Look at new trends. If you show passion, it will return to you in success at least success in learning your field. Keep graphic designing. You won't regret learning.
Read books on graphic design through the library or Kindle
Follow new trends; learn what other's are doing in all forms of design
Take an online class from a nontraditional program or offer to teach what you know at a community program
Visit an art museum and see how graphics might be applied in one's work
Go to seminars and workshops on your profession
Renee recommends the following next steps:
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
109
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Kayden--great question!
To the advice others have offered, I'd add ensuring that you consistently follow assignment directions carefully and completely, and always turn your work in on time. I know that sounds obvious, but a critical part of success in graphic design is listening to your clients, getting a firm understanding of their needs and wants, and delivering something that satisfies them. If you really get to know them, you can exceed their expectations and make quality work that satisfies you creatively too. The good work habits you develop now, when your brain is its most elastic, will serve you well throughout your life, no matter what you do.
I'd also suggest studying the history of graphic design, art, and other design disciplines. Some designers follow trends and others set them. If you want to be in the latter group, you need to know the history of your profession and foster the habits of a lifelong learner. Stay curious and learn to take pleasure in even the most tedious aspects of your craft.
Hope this is useful.
To the advice others have offered, I'd add ensuring that you consistently follow assignment directions carefully and completely, and always turn your work in on time. I know that sounds obvious, but a critical part of success in graphic design is listening to your clients, getting a firm understanding of their needs and wants, and delivering something that satisfies them. If you really get to know them, you can exceed their expectations and make quality work that satisfies you creatively too. The good work habits you develop now, when your brain is its most elastic, will serve you well throughout your life, no matter what you do.
I'd also suggest studying the history of graphic design, art, and other design disciplines. Some designers follow trends and others set them. If you want to be in the latter group, you need to know the history of your profession and foster the habits of a lifelong learner. Stay curious and learn to take pleasure in even the most tedious aspects of your craft.
Hope this is useful.
✨ Danuta Chapin, MFA
Designer and Art Director
17
Answers
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Updated
✨ Danuta’s Answer
Hello Kayden, Great question for an artist/designer who wants to make a real impact.
Successful designers consistently practice, seek feedback, and build real-world experience — while those who just get by often rely on talent alone without refining their process, gamble, and guess on success.
Here’s a breakdown of the habits that truly set thriving students apart:
- Participate and learn actively.
- Design Daily — not just for class.
- Treat design like a muscle: use it or lose it.
- Personal projects, challenges, and redesigning existing brands are common practices.
- Actively ask peers, mentors, and even online communities for critique.
- Don’t just collect feedback — apply it to improve your work.
- Build a Portfolio Early. Curate your best work from projects and build an online portfolio: not perfect, step by step, and know you'll be refining and changing it every time you visit, I do. Tailor portfolios or pages to specific industries (e.g., branding, UI/UX, packaging).
-Master the Fundamentals: typography, color theory, layout, and composition — study and apply.
- Understand that flashy effects don’t compensate for weak design foundations.
-Stay curious about tools and trends.
- Explore new software and keep up with design trends. Experiment with plugins, shortcuts, and workflows to speed up the process.
-Collaborate and network, join design clubs, attend workshops, and connect with professionals — communication and collaboration matter.
-Reflect and refine- after each project, ask: What worked? What didn’t? What could be better?
- Keep sketchbooks or digital journals to track your growth and ideas.
My personal approach was to make the most of anything and everything offered to me and reach for more, so I wouldn't regret wasting time and opportunities, and it stuck with me for life.
I was taking extracurricular classes and a secondary major to have options. Get involved, join clubs and internships. Work experience is essential; it will give you a feel for the future avenues and will empower you for success. Good luck to you!
Successful designers consistently practice, seek feedback, and build real-world experience — while those who just get by often rely on talent alone without refining their process, gamble, and guess on success.
Here’s a breakdown of the habits that truly set thriving students apart:
- Participate and learn actively.
- Design Daily — not just for class.
- Treat design like a muscle: use it or lose it.
- Personal projects, challenges, and redesigning existing brands are common practices.
- Actively ask peers, mentors, and even online communities for critique.
- Don’t just collect feedback — apply it to improve your work.
- Build a Portfolio Early. Curate your best work from projects and build an online portfolio: not perfect, step by step, and know you'll be refining and changing it every time you visit, I do. Tailor portfolios or pages to specific industries (e.g., branding, UI/UX, packaging).
-Master the Fundamentals: typography, color theory, layout, and composition — study and apply.
- Understand that flashy effects don’t compensate for weak design foundations.
-Stay curious about tools and trends.
- Explore new software and keep up with design trends. Experiment with plugins, shortcuts, and workflows to speed up the process.
-Collaborate and network, join design clubs, attend workshops, and connect with professionals — communication and collaboration matter.
-Reflect and refine- after each project, ask: What worked? What didn’t? What could be better?
- Keep sketchbooks or digital journals to track your growth and ideas.
My personal approach was to make the most of anything and everything offered to me and reach for more, so I wouldn't regret wasting time and opportunities, and it stuck with me for life.
I was taking extracurricular classes and a secondary major to have options. Get involved, join clubs and internships. Work experience is essential; it will give you a feel for the future avenues and will empower you for success. Good luck to you!
Christine Wong
Experience Designer
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Christine’s Answer
I love your question too! I'm going to give you a more generic answer, be engaged and always stay curious about your studies. (Believe me, there are many people in the workforce that are just sitting around, getting by) As a life long design professional, I still love learning about all design disciplines, and constantly learning new skills and software. Teachers and your future managers love when people ask good questions, just like you did, so you're already doing a great job! Bring a positive energy to every room you're in. Have a strong and unique point-of view, that is something AI can't replace.