Being a graphic designer usually means that you have a lot of different files to work with. Lack of organizing skills might not seem that much of a problem at first, but once you start to take on multiple projects and maybe start freelancing on the side, the sheer number of files can become pretty overwhelming.
Getting into the habit of keeping everything neat and tidy early is the best approach. You do not want to end up with your data all over the place. And if file organization skills are something that you are not that confident in, read on. This article should provide you with information that helps with becoming more organized.
It Becomes Easier to Design
The workflow is one thing that quite a few graphic designers tend to underestimate. Especially when they are still relatively new to the work. If you have to look for a file for 30 or so seconds, the natural workflow is interrupted. You may even experience stress and creativity blocks in some cases.
By itself, 30 seconds might not seem like that much, but when such instances are multiple throughout your day, you will notice how much of a difference it makes.
Control Over Work
Starting with small steps is the way to go. Progress is progress even if you accomplish the goals little by little. Having everything in order will mean that you have more control over your work, and this feeling will spread to more than just organizing the files. Any positivity is always welcome when it concerns one’s work.
Organizational Skills Help With Design
One can think of design as something that requires a lot of organization. The process of creating new logos, websites, and other projects consists of a step-by-step approach. Again, it comes down to building good habits and having a proper structure.
Work Folder
When it comes to digital files, you need to start with having separate folders for each pack of important files. The work folder is usually meant to keep information about project quotes, client info, schedules, proposals, and other general data that you need working as a graphic designer. It might be easier if you are not a freelancer, but it is still better to have everything in check.
Client Folders
Some clients have a lot of input, and you will communicate with them throughout the period of the project. Take notes of any feedback that you receive. It is more than likely that some revisions will be necessary as the first version is rarely the one that is accepted.
Having relevant information on the ready will also mean that you can respond to clients faster, and that will not go unnoticed. Any bit that helps with maintaining good relationships with clients is always of great use.
Project Folders
If you are working on a single project, worrying about a complicated folder system should not be an issue. You will need to create separate folders for relevant files, so you do not get lost. Though it is worth mentioning that getting in the habit of keeping everything in check and organized is still the best course of action.
Once you have more work on your plate, you will need to take better care of managing everything. Photos, vectors, icons, and other elements need to be in separate folders. Other things that you work on need to be in the proper location as well.
If you end up with a couple of ideas for the same project and want to try both versions before submitting them, separate that into two different projects.
Separate Folders for Changed Files
Each revision and different versions of a project means that you should have separate files. Changes that you want to separate from the main project should be stored on the computer using the “Save as…” option instead of just the “Save” option. The latter would overwrite the main file, so be more careful with these things.
Proper Naming Plan
Now even the best graphic designers out there are bound to experience problems if they are organizing files properly but do not have a good naming system for their files. With a multitude of folders, it is easy to get lost.
You need to have a solid strategy for naming files. Pick one that you find the best. Use relevant names that are recognizable and easy to remember. Underscores and numbers are also recommended. Avoid vague terms like “project 1” or “project 2” because you will get even more confused when searching for the files you need.
Fine-Tuning
Do not stick to the first file organization strategy that you create. Especially if you feel that there is still room for improvement. Fine-tuning is something that should happen naturally. The more you work, the more experience you will get. Understanding one’s needs better is easier when you have worked on something for a while.