When you were in graphic design school, you were surrounded by creative thinkers and sources for great design ideas. Now that you are out on your own, finding those ideas can be more challenging. You must work hard to stay creative, find new ideas and hone your skills. Here are some ways you can ensure that you are the best designer you can be:

• Make the Most of Graphic Design Blogs

Good graphic designers read design blogs on a regular basis to get inspiration, learn new tools of the trade and keep the creative juices spinning. You can also keep yourself motivated by starting a design blog of your own. Not only will this increase your exposure to potential clientele, but it will also get your foot in the door of the online design community.

• Spend Money on Books

Sure, the library is free, but if you are going to be a great graphic designer, you need to be surrounded by a good book collection. Do not limit yourself to technical or educational books, either. Spend some money on inspirational literature to tap into your creative side.

• Start a Graphic Design Book Collection

Whether you are impressed by a brochure or a billboard, take note and add it to your collection. Snag a copy of the brochure or snap a picture of the billboard, and then file it away for future reference. When creativity is lacking, pull out your file for inspiration. Get a camera phone so you can take a photograph of anything that has a design that impresses you.

• Be a Community Member

You must join the online graphic design community. Participate in forums, comment on the blogs you visit and make online designer friends. These fellow designers will help you critique your work and improve.

• Start Redoing

You can improve your skills by redoing your own graphic designs or the designs of others. This will train your eye to evaluate design elements and improve on designs in your new work. Take the time to learn from the mistakes you made in the past and the mistakes others have made.

• Make Fake Designs

Hone your skills by working for fake clients. Create logos or brochures for fake companies, and then file them away to look at later. They may end up as part of your portfolio, or they may end up on your “try to redo” pile.

• Attend Classes and Lectures

Do not be afraid to enroll in a class or two at your local college. This can be an affordable way to learn the latest technology and get yourself back in the classroom and under the scrutiny of others. If you do not have the time or money for a full class, attend lectures put on by other designers at your local college. Learn something every time you are under the tutelage of another qualified graphic designer.

• Network, Network, Network

When you attend a lecture or class or participate in an online discussion, network! Focus on building a network of designers who are more skilled than you are and are willing to offer occasional advice.

• Ask Questions

Call a designer or graphic design studio and conduct a short interview. This will help you build your network list and will also teach you what the most successful designers are doing.

• Branch Out

You will hit ruts, and when you do, take a break from design. Pursue a non-design hobby or learn something new that does not relate to design. When you return to work, you will be a better designer.

• Learn to Draw

You do not have to use design software to begin working through a design idea. Learn to sketch your ideas on paper. Then you will be able to work whenever and wherever creativity strikes you.

• Travel Extensively

As soon as you can afford it, start traveling. Leaving the confines of your town, state, or even country can be quite inspiring. You will come in contact with a new culture, new artwork and a new way of designing that will fuel your creativity for quite a while.