College is a time when students are on their own, figuring out what they want to do with their lives and trying to make the most of their time while in school. However, it can be easy to get lost in all the excitement and hubbub that college offers and before you know it, four years have flown right past you.

Here are some of the best ways aspiring graphic designers can utilize the most of their time in college.

For every project you have to do, take the time to really do your best for each one, no matter how small. Each project gives you an opportunity to receive feedback and improve your skill set. You could even add it to your portfolio after you are done!

Don’t wait till the last minute to do an assignment on Sunday. Instead, take the time to come up with a good-quality idea, make it and perfect it. Your future self will thank you for it when you have a good portfolio to show off to future employers.

Going to class can be hard on days you don’t feel too well or are tired, but it is valuable to show up to class and absorb as much as you can. You are paying for this, so you might as well get your money’s worth.

Besides, you don’t want to miss an important lesson or a chance to learn something new. Showing up for each class will allow you to soak in as much as you can, as well as create a pattern of showing up and being reliable. This also establishes professionalism by attending class. You can’t skip work because you don’t feel like going so you might as well treat school in the same way.

College is the time where designers can take their creativity past limitations. There is more freedom to try different things and test their approaches. This not only allows you to become a better graphic designer but become familiar with different types of skills.

Use these four years to meet other creatives in the industry and create connections. Professors have lots of experience in the field and tips and tricks so don’t hesitate to ask them questions and inquire about the industry. You can also attend workshops and different types of creative conferences. This gets you out of the college box and into the world you will be entering after graduation. It’s never too early to make contacts and connect with people. Who knows, one of those contacts just may help you get your first job after college!

A website can be lots of work but is an amazing way to display your portfolio where clients can easily view it. You want it to reflect who you are and what you do. However, this can take a while, possibly a few years, to really perfect your website and explore your different options. College is the time to do it since you have more freedom and time than you would after school. You should claim your domain name in advanced and start to get an idea on what you want on your site. By the time you graduate, it will be perfected and ready for employers to see.

If you are interested in pursuing a degree in Digital Design and want to learn more about Grand Canyon University’s arts program within the College of Fine Arts and Production, check out our website or click the Request More Information button on this page.