8 years of brutally honest Design advice in 15 minutes!

[@mariamangion21]

Who else agrees that Abi is one of the sweetest persons ever?

[@ClegMokoko]

I do agree too ❤

[@zthdesigns]

MEEE🙋🏾‍♂️❤❤ She inspires me to do what I do!

[@janaeva2307]

I love her

[@marielcameron9487]

ME!!

[@fermion4945]

I agree .When I go through hard times in my graphic designing journey or have to face any demotivating situation ,I watch her videos and it helps me normalizing my mood .She is one the biggest inspirations in my daily graphic design life ❤❤❤

[@danielgaviria1751]

It really got me in the "TRUST THE PROCESS" I felt soo identified and it helps me to feel better too ❤ Thanks Abi.

[@abiconnick]

That makes me so happy! You're welcome!

[@SimMess]

After 8 years of working as a graphic designer for small company, I am done. I havent seen a rise for four years. I find my work boring and frustraiting. I don't have energy to learn and stay up to date. My passion is completely gone. I'm so jealous of your passion and attitude.

[@abiconnick]

Sorry to hear you’re going through this! I think if you’ve hit that point at work where you’re finding it tough, it’s a sign to leave! A lot of time our creativity is so directly attached to our jobs and whether or not they bring us happiness (I’ve been there!) Have a look in the job market and see what’s out there. Sometimes change can be the best thing!

[@SimMess]

@@abiconnick thanks for reply. I am looking for another job, but no luck there yet. If any reply, it's for minimum wage, and even now I earn just a little above that, and I'm barely getting by. It's frustrating.

[@Sepurta]

@@SimMess Even that im not working as a graphic designer yet, i know that we are now in a very bad time right now because a lot of companies are strugling so it's hard to find a job. But this kind of situation has happened from time to time in the past, so the best advice is to be patient and try to elevate your skills. Good luck :)

[@narutosaske6535]

very useful advices, many thanks Abi

[@abiconnick]

You’re welcome!

[@tonylovestech]

Hey Abi, I KINDA disagree on working for free. I feel like going to a business (local or otherwise), they'd take your work and ask for another free piece of work the moment they could. Maybe stuff is different in the UK compared to the US, but over here, businesses are ruthless, evil, and greedy, and will demand the most for the least. Even some local ones! I'd like to propose an alternative: Work on Volunteer projects/events in your community and/or Open Source projects! I'm still a complete noob in my Graphic Design journey, I bought some books to teach myself (Creating a Brand Identity, Principles of Logo Design, The Designer's Dictionary of Color) along with looking at your videos (which I love) and I've tried to pay attention to product labeling/design alongside logo design from local businesses in my area. Your channel has been nothing but inspiring for me. I've NEVER felt comfortable working for free, at all, I did some stuff while I was in college (I mostly taught myself and I'll be honest I didn't come from a good baseline), and most of my assets + work was stolen, lost, or inaccessible (love it when companies lock me out of corporate accounts) :( But I did want to contribute to SOMETHING to level up my design skillset. I discovered open source projects need designers! Such as Ubuntu and Fedora (both are Linux-based Operating Systems), doing design work for an open-source project is probably way better than just doing typical "free" work for a local business. People on a global scale will notice your talent immediately, especially if your designs are approved for use within a given operating system. It's also a massive plus on LinkedIn as FOSS contributors will take immediate notice and might ask for help in other areas, most of those contributors work at companies and they might be able to get you something that'll start paying you money. (or you'll have a really sick portfolio that shows how dedicated you are to Open Source computing) ubuntu.com/community/contribute/art-design fedoraproject.org/wiki/Join_the_Design_Team You could also get involved with volunteer organizations in your city that might need a designer, maybe they need social media posts or a t-shirt or a re-designed website. I started to look around for events in my city that might need designers, most larger festivals and events already had someone that made a design a while ago, but events a few decent months or a year out might need a designer.

[@abiconnick]

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to comment. This was a really interesting read. Also, thank you so much for your kind words! So happy to hear my channel has been helping you :) I'm sorry that you've had bad experiences when working with some people. I know it can be so deflating! Providing free work is super subjective, similarly to running a business. If it's not something you would be comfortable doing, then that's absolutely valid! If I ever choose to do free work, I'd still have a contract in place that firmly explains limits in terms of revisions and that I at any time can withdraw from the project. I love that! It's definitely a great alternative still gives you the opportunity to grow your skillset whilst helping others. You've provided me with some incredible suggestions so thank you for that!

[@ilustramaat]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it was very helpful for designers like me, who is in the beginning

[@abiconnick]

I'm so glad to help!!

[@czar1669]

I love how I’ve come across your channel. I am currently exploring the world of brand designing and as I’ve watched your videos, I know that I can be an excellent brand designer someday. As much as I would love to enroll in your class, I can’t afford it. I am from the Philippines and it would cost me around 66,000. 😭 I am beyond grateful to see your works and tuts. 🩷

[@abiconnick]

You absolutely will become an amazing designer!! Keep up the positivity and good work. Totally understand that it's not always feasible to invest in a course. I share a lot of free educational content over on my insta @itsabiconnick :)

[@courtcrea.]

Abi, I absolutely love how transparent you are and all the consistent value you provide. Thanks again as always with another brilliant video! ♥

[@abiconnick]

You're so welcome!

[@PhilippAmana]

Thanks alot, it was a hidden secret for me who is a branding specialist who is still learning and adjusting to become simpler and scalable during my growth process. 🎉

[@abiconnick]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad this video helped! 😊

[@aisourav]

Thanks Abi, for not gatekeeping and for your honest advice.

[@abiconnick]

You're welcome!

[@HonestlyTylar]

this was so helpful! thanks so much for sharing Abi!🤗

[@abiconnick]

You're so so welcome!

[@AdityaSrivastava_here]

Another Helpful Video Abi, I agree with all of the Points.

[@abiconnick]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christoffersrensen2068]

Your vidoes helped me through university! You go girl!

[@abiconnick]

Oh this is so lovely to hear 🫶🏻

[@zthdesigns]

The Abi Connick Show!!! 📺

[@auroramurgia6335]

I would love to meet you in person and chat!❤ You're professional and have a way to articulate your thoughts and expertise that is sooo inspiring ✨️ truly thank you Aby🥰

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much 🫶🏻 I appreciate you!!

[@DesignByKhalil]

that is a lot to share. thank you

[@abiconnick]

You’re welcome 😊

[@brittney.tn_realestate]

Not aladin boo 😂 love it

[@rajproshad5273]

Wow that's great logo design essentials

[@abiconnick]

Thank you!

[@LatvianLandlord]

very helpful thanks

[@abiconnick]

Welcome!

[@phant00m1]

+1 for mentioning GaryVee 😉🙂

[@andrenomagno8036]

Thanks a lot for this vidéo

[@abiconnick]

You’re welcome!

[@UsmanUsman908-r3d]

I want to start my logo design journey please can you make a video on how to become one.what should we learn first then second and so on What are the basic fundamental principles should we learn and so other things please

[@abiconnick]

I'll add it to my list! Quickly though, my biggest tip is to dive straight in. Have a think of the type of logo styles that align with you and your preferences, consider who you want to work with and create passion projects that reflect that! I have a video on logo guidance here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGbGaXyQhrBlkKc Best of luck on your creative journey!

[@UsmanUsman908-r3d]

@@abiconnick Thanks 😊 It will be helpful for me

[@TobiAdereti]

Hey Abi, another amazing video. You have inspired me to start using photography in my branding but I can’t seem to present it right. When I put logos onto photography I notice the images look pixelated but in your videos they look amazing. Are there any tips you could give me?

[@abiconnick]

Hey! Thanks so much for your kind words - I appreciate it! Ooh that's strange. It's hard for me to problem solve without the issue in front of me. Are you using high res photos and placing the logo on them in illustrator?

[@TobiAdereti]

@ hey Abi, how are you getting on. I’m not too sure. I source my images from pexels and unsplash, I just copy and paste it to illustrator. The images look alright if I don’t zoom in but if I keep my workspace in presentation mode in illustrator or zoom in to the image it looks pixelated and I can’t seem to figure out why

[@NoorTareen-d7t]

Heyyyyyy abi!

[@mattwest8642]

Hi Abi, your video's are amazingly helpful! Quick question (I'm a newbie) when pairing fonts for a client, do you normally go to Adobe Fonts? I use Envato Elements but a bit confused with regards to licensing. As far as i understand, with Envato you can vectorize it for the client or 'create outlines'.

[@abiconnick]

I use Adobe and Envato! If there's a font on Envato that I absolutely love, I'll pop it in Google and see if there's a site that my client could purchase an individual license for it. If there is, I'll proceed with the concept!

[@Ravenousyouth]

the sound effects are slightly too loud

[@Ameerakhan2810]

Hey abi , do you have any idea about SEO ?

[@abiconnick]

I know what it stands for but I'm not trained in it sadly!

[@Freemanacid-1]

hey there, I'm a teacher. and I want to be a graphic designer. I don't have so much work at home ( I'm almost free after school ). so can I learn to be a graphic designer ( I'm familiar with photoshop and illustrator) ? If the answer is yes, can you give me some advise please? ( btw this video was great and very useful for me ❤ )

[@janaeva2307]

Of course you can

[@Freemanacid-1]

@janaeva2307 Thanks ❤️

[@izaanspace]

Select your niche in Graphic Design, as Abi does with Branding Design. At the start, you have to dive into everything and then figure out what works best for you and is actually a good niche. Now, you have to work on your skills. Learn slowly but consistently. Work for free at the start to build a network and deliver the best you can. Don’t work with people who don’t add value. Networking is the most powerful thing

[@Freemanacid-1]

@@izaanspace I think I can do that. But because of my work, I can't do it full time. But I'll try❤️

[@abiconnick]

Hey! It's incredible you're thinking about moving into design. In terms of learning, there are a tonne of tutorials on youtube but my biggest advice would be to dive straight in! Source a software of your choice (I use illustrator) and play around with the tools inside. Think of industries that you'd like to cater to and create passion projects reflective of that (if you need some ideas, I have a free resource here: www.abiconnick.co.uk/free-templates/made-for-you-design-briefs). As you become more confident, post your work on social media! My biggest tip of all is try not to compare yourself to anyone else. Being that you'll be practising in the evenings, your journey may be a little slower than others... and that is perfectly fine! Take a look at where you are in a year and reflect back. Wishing you the best of luck with your creative journey!

[@CalvPrs]

Hello! I want to see a lot of design identity,product packaging. I wanna make designes, but i can't understand how to make it from 0 to 100. I can't find videos about size,typography for packaging,brand identity and etc .I wanna see all about settings for design pls☺️

[@abiconnick]

Ooh it's hard because sizing and different specifications vary depending on the output. For example, say your client wanted you to design a mailer box for them, they might work with a supplier with a box that is a specific size and therefore, your design will be tailored to the product specification but there's no guarantee that it'll be the same for another client and their supplier! My best advice would be to experiment - throw yourself in the deep end and see what you can come up with! There's not really a right or wrong with stuff like this. As long as things are clear and legible, you're good to go :)

[@CalvPrs]

@abiconnick Thank you! That is, when discussing any work, I should ask about the dimensions for packaging designs, for logo design? I can’t understand why in brand identity they set the canvas size to 1080x1080 and make about 30 guidelines in it, doesn’t the size of each layer get spoiled?

[@abiconnick]

For packaging design, absolutely! For Logo Design, I export them as assets rather than on artboards. You'll see 1080px x 1080px come up a lot for designers because they'll be making an instagram post - this size design wont be made into a document or sent to clients!

[@arabusername]

how to use notion as a graphic design and how to send it and get answer by client

[@piyush_design01]

DONE✅

[@MonaLisa625]

Hey, the white background from the safari was very bad for my eyes. I will appreciate if the next time you will use dark mode 🙏 Anw, ty for the video, advices are always appreciated.

[@annamachalska762]

But maybe it was fine for 99% of ppl watching? Have a good day Karen 😂

[@MonaLisa625]

@annamachalska762 what's your problem? Jesus:)) calm down it was just a thought. Who is Karen here?

[@vanessaach7189]

I have been working for small entrepreneur businesses in my city. It's been amazing working with them, but I wanna now how to get those bigger clientes like KFC, Adobe, etc. Do you have any tips?

[@abiconnick]

I would create and post work specifically about the brands you want to work with. Take KFC for example, is there a way you could develop their visual identity further to make it even better? Get creative and tag them on insta. You never know who will see your work! Best of luck with it :)

[@MR.X-j8u]

waah u maam 😮😮 first up all i lub ur video.. & u doing gud work.. Maam i ques u ... Maam u r graphic desginer???

[@abiconnick]

Thank you! I’m a Brand Designer 😊

[@MR.X-j8u]

@@abiconnick oky maam 🤗😊👍

[@Ameerakhan2810]

That's alright , but do you have a friend who has an idea about it , cause I really want to start a career in it.

[@abiconnick]

I'm afraid I don't! I'm sure there are lots of courses on Domestika or Skill Share about it!

[@Ameerakhan2810]

@@abiconnick Thankyou abi!!!❤️

[@nawshadsamshad9544]

Sigma eyebrows

[@rohitjain7006]

Hello ma'am I am graphic designer as a freelancer but I found work for me, can you pls help me 😊

[@harshvardhanrupani]

why thumbnails feels weird

[@cutienerdgirl]

Why did your channel get shadow banned seven months ago? 202k views to 21k views?

[@abiconnick]

I don't think it did! I've been really busy with client work and moving countries so naturally, I wasn't creating content for KZbin as frequently as I would have liked. Hopefully with time, I can build those numbers back up :)

[@Armanatwork-b9z]

hyy big bobs girl where are you nowadays ??