Learn as you go, read books and see what the best are doing and try to achieve the same results on your own. It is kind of like learning the guitar - try to play your favourite songs first and then continually improve yourself. It is so much fun and very rewarding. STIMULUS:1. Typography. Learning about the different types of fonts and the type foundries.Manage fonts - Activating and deactivating fonts, sorting them out according to clients. Use a font manager software like Suitcase Fusion.How to select fonts for pairing.Adjusting leading, kerning, paragraphing.2. LayoutWorking with type and imagesGrid systems.u00a0 (A Handbook for Graphic Artists, Typographers, and Exhibition Designers: Low Prices in Electronics, Books, Sports Equipment & more: Josef Muller-Brockmann: Books)3. Writing design rationaleSubstantiate every design decision you have made with reasons that address the clients' problem. Graphic design is essentially problem solving via creativity. An understanding marketing lingo would help in this instance. Learn how to present and sell your idea.4. Writing a briefEnsure the brief is written and signed before commencing the project to ensure billable hours can be added when the brief changes and additional hours and worku00a0 ensue.5. BrandingVisual identity systemsBranding touchpointsBrand architectureu00a0I recommend 'Branding Book' by Wally Olins (The Brand Handbook: Low Prices in Electronics, Books, Sports Equipment & more: Wally Olins: Books) and 'Designing Brand Identity' by Alina Wheeler (Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more: Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team (9781118099209): Alina Wheeler: Books).6. Methodology (Generally)Design research should be the first step. Understanding demographic, psychographic of the audience and analysis of competitors before beginning a project.Presenting of concept moodboards and sketches before vectorising would be next.Design work rounds.Prototype and mock-upsProduction7. Sustainable DesignLearning Sustainable Design will put you ahead of the pack. For your own edification on this subjects, read 'Sustainable Graphic Design' and 'Packaging Sustainability' both by Wendy Jedlicka who is a lecturer from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. (Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more: Sustainable Graphic Design: Tools, Systems and Strategies for Innovative Print Design (9780470246702): Wendy Jedlicka: Books)MCAD has an online course on Sustainable Design. Certificate and Masters program.8. SoftwaresDefinitely learn Subcontractor Agreement Template /4421127 Graphic Design Contract Pdf programs as they are ubiquitous.Subcontractor Agreement Template /4421127 Graphic Design Contract Pdf Illustrator - working with vectors, designing logos, editing type, paintingSubcontractor Agreement Template /4421127 Graphic Design Contract Pdf inDesign - publishing software, web design is also possible with thisSubcontractor Agreement Template /4421127 Graphic Design Contract Pdf Photoshop - painting, image manipulation, web design, animation, not recommended for logo design as this is pixel-based.Learn to use your computer VERY well. Shortcut keys will save you so much time.RESOURCES:Tutorials:Lynda - Online video tutorials & training Subcontractor Agreement Template /4421127 Graphic Design Contract Pdf Photoshop Tutorials from Beginner to AdvancedPackaging:Curating the very best packaging designThe Dieline - Visual IdentityLogoLounge - HomeLovely StationeryTop Creative Work On BehanceBrandingUnderConsideration LLCBrand Channel - always branding. always on.WebSmashing MagazinePage on SiteinspireBest Web Design TrendsGood branding agenciesFutureBrandPage on LandorDuffy & Partners :::Innovation agenciesIDEO - A Design and Innovation Consulting FirmFrog Design - frogStock photo banksGetty Images - Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images, Video Footage and MusicCorbis - Premium Quality Stock Photography and IllustrationsVeer - Stock Photos, Stock Illustration, FontsShutterstock - Royalty-Free Images by SubscriptioniStockphoto - iStock Photo: Royalty Free Stock Photography, Vector Art Images, Music & Video Stock FootageMagazinesComputer ArtMonocleFast Co.OrganisationsAIGA - the professional association for designCreative Commons - Creative CommonsCreative mornings - CreativeMorningsDocumentariesWatch Helvetica the documentary. Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. Good introduction to the gurus - Sagmeister, Hoefler Frere-Jones, Michael Beirut, Paula Scher etc.