Hello World!

 

I’ve really gone all in with the orange, haven’t I?

 

TLDR

• What is Ivan Learns Design?

• Why the social media aspect?

• The tangible benefits

• What to expect

 

 

What is Ivan Learns Design ?

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Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory. I love graphic design (and t-shirts) so I’ve decided to dedicate a year to teaching myself all I can about it. I don’t expect to become an expert. I might not even like it by the end. Either way, it’s almost more about the process itself than it is the results; I’ll get back to that later.

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After jumping from job to job, envious of those with a clear direction in their lives, I spent time wondering what brings out a genuine interest in me. As Pharrell said, what would you do for free? For me, that thing is graphic design. Am I a graphic designer? Absolutely not. Do I know much about design? Barely. The only thing I know for certain is that I’m drawn to images, figures, drawings, graphic t-shirts - all things that happen to full under this title. I also like Photoshop.

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I’ve always know this, but my output in the drawing department always put me off. “If I can’t draw, I can’t be a designer.” I still partly believe that, but I’m making an attempt to take my hobby out the talking stage and see what happens. This is the thing I’ve been doing, thinking about, dreaming about - for free. Losing money in fact. Adobe Creative Cloud isn’t cheap.

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People often say teaching is the best form of learning. I very much hope this is true. I’ve never thought I could become a designer - I’m far from it, very far - but in sharing my attempts to muscle my way into the industry I hope to leave a trail behind me. It’ll break down some mental barriers I have, and others might have too. Win win. Or I have a mental breakdown. Minor loss.

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Why the social media?

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Sharing on social media makes me uncomfortable. Always has. I tend to put so much weight on everything I say and do that I find it easier to simply spectate on the sidelines. But I’ve come to realise it’s all in my head, none of this actually matters. Whether we like it or not, this virtual mode of interaction isn’t going away. Yet, as gloomy as that sounds, I believe we can make it what we want it to be; craft communities and forge interactions that serve for good, not bad. Sounds like wishy-washy bs, I know, but live your life however you want to, delusions and all. Delulu is the solulu, as so I’m told.

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Not only is this a push out of the comfort zone, but it’s an opening of fun and creative expression. I love making videos and so this is a return to that early-teen me* who didn’t have the same inhibitions and insecurities I have now. I can’t help think there’s a growing trend of genuine self-expression on socials, and it’s my favourite thing to watch.

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Countless people are making the same videos, writing the same things as me, all the time. I see it on a daily basis. You, and I, are 1 in 8,000,000,000. However, there’s no 1 exactly like yours, and that is something you can offer. I’ve stopped seeing things as a competition and instead as a open-invite party. It’s a razzle-dazzle. Anyone can join. It’s a massive global-soup. I’m a unique herb to throw into the pot, as are you. And who knows, maybe that unique herb will become noticeable. Like coriander, when it fucks up any dish I add it to.

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The tangible benefits

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Self-expression is important - particularly if you’re one who has something to share. Even the desire to share, to be seen, is enough. I’ve never forgotten a series of tweets talking about how, on their death bed, people spoke about their biggest regret being not expressing themselves to the fullest. Holding back for whatever reason. I don’t want to have that regret, so regardless of what happens with this venture, as long as I can tick off that box, I’ll die a bit happier. Cheerful stuff, ey? I have a hunch you feel the same way, too. Take this as another sign to do that thing you’ve always wanted because, genuinely, nothing matters. Yet, it means everything to you.

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All of this will have practical implications too. For anyone wanting to set up a business or brand, social media know-how is a must. Whether you’re marketing yourself or a product (in which case you’ll probably be in the videos anyway), you’ve got to ‘get down with the kids’ and understand how it all works. You need to be on or behind a camera, and you need to know the metrics.

 

Building a social media following through authenticity is the most effective method of brand building today, at least in my eyes. Overall, it’s a win-win. I’ll either learn what not to do and the harsh realities of this landscape, or I’ll build a community that opens doors down the line. There’s nothing stopping you doing this either, it’ll just take time and effort.

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So what should you expect?

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I’ll be posting at least two videos and a ‘blog’ a week. Expect things all things graphic design, branding, and whatever else inspires me. These ‘things’ will be far from perfect. The fact you’re seeing it, however, is the most important thing. No point waiting for the perfect moment anymore, we’re not getting any younger. Same goes for you, bucko.

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Creating and sharing, constantly, is the advice of every creative who gives it, so here’s my outlet for doing so. Free admission. Likes and comments welcome, not expected. No coriander.

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Peace n love homies,

Ivan