::: Just stumbled across an interesting blog post by Brian Yerkes, a designer from our own backyard here in Southwest Florida. Yerkes shares his thoughts on breaking into the biz in an article entitled “Most Important Thing I Would Tell A Design Student”, offering seven helpful tips to fresh-faced designers looking to lose their floaties and dive into the deep end of the business. It’s a great read, and I’ll share my thoughts on his most important tip after the jump.

Yerkes’ fourth tip focuses on the importance of young designers building their portfolios. While this might seem like an obvious point, I’m often amazed at how often this factor is overlooked by fledgling design pros. The bottom line is that the best thing a budding designer can do is work. Don’t sit back and wait for the “perfect” design opportunity to come along, the “perfect” job offer, etc. Build your book, your skill set and your attractiveness to potential employers by showing your willingness to tackle any job. In other words, design the flyer for your little brother’s band. Design the header for your neighbor’s crochet website. Embrace the creative opportunities around you, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. And don’t get so focused on the destination that you forget to enjoy the ride.