We are almost coming to the end of January 2015. So, hopefully it is still not too late to come up with 10 student-centric resolutions that can help welcome the new year, new semester with inspiration to grow as designpreneurs.
1. Get to know your surroundings
The new Glenmarie campus is way bigger than the previous Damansara Jaya campus. Although the campus is not 100% ready, it is certainly safe to learn your way around. It is also a good idea to find out more about the areas surrounding the campus e.g. the nearest police station, clinic, workshop for your car/bike, places to have meals, post office, etc.
2. Know your purpose
If you’ve decided to study Entrepreneurial Design, you must have had a clear passion in design or/and business . Or perhaps, you just want to enrol in this programme to achieve academic success. Whatever your purpose is, you’re responsible for the decision.
3. Be self evident
Perhaps one of the biggest steps a designpreneur can take is to simply start making sense; both conceptually and visually. For existing students, do take a look at the work you’ve done in 2014 and ask if it makes sense. If not, 2015 could be the beginning of self evidence.
4. Master your skill
Everyone needs time to learn design software e.g. Photoshop or Illustrator. You can’t be a master after one semester of class. 2015 can be a year of learning all the shortcuts keys, exploring new tricks and freeing the creative mind.
5. Be a proud owner of your design
If you have received a negative comment about your work, don’t take it too personally. A designpreneur must be able to accept criticism and constantly improve by learning about design. However, you must also be able to stand up for your designs because differences of opinions often occur in this field.
6. Manage your stress
There is absolutely no doubt that it’s not easy being a student, freelancer and/or startup owner at the same time. In 2015, perhaps it’s time to allow yourself to have a more peaceful, playful and better time management to take hold.
7. Be a volunteer, work for free
The days of graduates having no working experience are over. Doing some pro bono work can be valuable to designpreneurs. Beyond doing something good, it provides an opportunity to network, build a portfolio of real world design work, and to develop a reputation.
8. Identify your strengths
This is a challenge for you this year. Find out what are the design/entrepreneurship contests that you enjoy participating in. Joining competitions and contests have always been an important part of a designer to gain recognition and improve skills. Hone your own style and constantly improve each time you submit the entries.
9. Assemble your portfolio
Do start assembling your portfolio from the first day you join KDU. It’s not too hard because portfolios can be compiled in a handful of forms – portfolio websites, personal websites, in social media websites, and in print. Do it in 2015 if you haven’t started yet.
10. Build your fan base
A big part of being successful in the design or startup profession is speaking to the right audience. Don’t hesitate to share your work, online or offline.
Conclusion
Hope this list will help you in paving way for a greater success this year. Don’t hesitate to speak to your subject lecturers and ADH if you have a great idea in mind.
This post is inspired and adapted from 99designs.
KDU Entrepreneurial Design 