This may seem like common sense.  You’ve always heard it from teachers, parents, and those freakin’ over-achievers in high school and college (or in many cases, achievers).  The teachers tell you to do some research on a project, draw up some sketches, think about many possible options, figure out which one works the best, and so on.  

But we all know, that’s not how the first few (three or four) years of college actually go.  You dicker around, go play pool, play some Wii or WOW (may God help you), and you lose track of when that project for your hardest class is due.  That’s about the time when you realize you have fifty thumbnails due at eight o’clock the next morning.  And it’s two a.m.

I have been subject to this situation, more times than I’d like to admit, and every time I end up selling myself short.  But sometimes, even worse, it happens when the final project is due.  The final project is thrown together, and not only is the concept bad, but the craft is equally worse. It will carry over into your job.

My advice:  STOP IT.

Most people think they can be designers, if only they had the programs.  Judging by some students work (including my own), most people could.  We throw some junk together and hope that it’s good.  In class, this may work because you only need to convince the teacher. But in the real world, you have the real world to convince.  They will know.  And you will lose.  Possibly burned at the stake.

Ask your teachers questions, understand your audience, research on your own, fully develop a concept, and execute it well every time.  It will pay off and I can promise you, the earlier you start this approach the more it will positively affect your grades, portfolio, resume, and eventually your job.