5 Ways to Improve Your Graphic Design Skills through Writing

As an editor, I have worked with many graphic designers, and over and over again, I heard the same phrase, “I don’t read!” Even though it always sent a chill through my veins, I understand. For the typical graphic designer, words are just part of the page design that you can gloss over. Why read? You aren’t responsible for the content. That’s the copy editor’s job.

But in a great team, everyone has each other’s back. I personally think that in a great team, everyone has something to teach and something to learn, and if you can learn a tiny bit about someone else’s job, you can help them. That makes you a huge asset to your team, and in this market everyone needs a little job security.

So what can graphic designers learn that will make their copy editor LOVE them?

• Read titles, captions and cut lines. These are the three most visible kinds of text in any print piece. You can never have too many eyeballs on them, so if you see something, ask. There should be no ego in proofreading; if a mistake goes through everyone looks bad. Got some extra time? Read a whole story!
• Know some simple rules. Know the different trip ups when it comes to grammar. It’s and its; too, two and to; they’re, their and there. Keep one of those grammar cheat sheets handy if you don’t know them all. No one is asking you to memorize the AP book, but it sure helps to have a sharp guy at the helm.
• Be able to spell. I can’t tell you how many times a graphic designer has thrown in some copy and it’s spelled so wrong it’s unreal. Don’t EVER create copy in a design program! Always do it in word and c/p over to your document.  It’s hard enough for editors to catch all the mistakes we make, much less other people adding things.
• Correct typos when you see them. Really. You don’t have to wait for us to say something, Just change it.
• ASK! Does something not look right? It might not BE right. Double check online or ask the editor.

Sure, nothing listed here is in your job description. But this is going out above and beyond to be great at your job and an asset to your team. Plus, if you have a crush on your editor and she sees you with an AP book…well, watch out is all I’m sayin’.

Tags: BurtCreative, graphic art, graphic design, graphic designers, improving your writing, print production, writing tips