We completely understand: You get into the flow of creating designs, and inevitably, the bad habits start to pile up like dirty laundry. We understand your pain, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to be lenient about it. If you’re a graphic designer who’s starting to notice a few things you’re doing poorly (or maybe you’re failing to notice these things and seriously need to read the rest of this article) then you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find a rundown of some of the most common mistakes that designers makes, as well as some rock-solid reasons why you should cut them out, now!

  1. Procrastination: We seriously struggle with this one on a regular basis. The idea is pretty simple: You get up in the morning, you brush your teeth and shower, and then hit the computer to get designing. First, though, you decide to check your Facebook feed. This inevitably leads to other sites, then to YouTube, and then to several hours of the morning lost and wasted on the Internet. We get where you’re coming from, but at some point, you’re really going to have to work at willing yourself to sit down and produce. It’s a constant battle, and though we always harp on the benefits of taking some time off for yourself, you do need to work and work hard during the week. Just keep this in mind the next time you’re cruising Twitter for the fiftieth time.
  2. Not Using a Contract: Unless you really know the client, and we do mean really know them, this one will bite you in the butt every time. The logic behind this is simple: If you haven’t laid out some kind of written, legally binding agreement between you and a client, there’s no reason in the world why they can’t screw you over. None at all. If you haven’t specified exact materials needed, compensation required, and methods of completion, they have every right to claim fault and scam you out of some money. Avoid this wherever possible: Just use a contract.
  3. Not Sleeping: This is another one we’re quite prone to. Not getting regular, deep sleep can seriously hamper your creativity, as well as your ability to produce. Stop staying up so late working, and instead, get an early night’s sleep and an early morning’s rise.