Let me take you back to the pre-2000s, when graphic design wasn’t just a career—it was an adventure. Imagine a world before smartphones, Canva, or even the idea of posting your latest flyer design on Instagram. Back then, graphic design was as much about mastering the tools of the trade as it was about surviving the occasional heart attack caused by a frozen desktop right before a deadline. (RIP to all those unsaved files.)

Fast forward to today, and everything has changed—but also, not really. Graphic design still demands creativity, problem-solving, and an eye for detail, but the tools, trends, and client expectations have shifted in ways that keep me both excited and on my toes. Let me share some lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

Lesson 1: Tools Will Change—Skills Are Forever

When I started, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator were the holy grail of design tools. (Raise your hand if you remember FreeHand or CorelDRAW!) Back then, you needed serious technical skills to pull off even basic tasks. We’re talking about painstakingly tweaking anchor points and praying the printer didn’t misalign your layers.

Today, tools like Canva and Figma make design more accessible than ever. But here’s the thing: software is just a means to an end. Trends come and go, tools get updated (and sometimes retired), but strong fundamentals—like typography, layout, and color theory—never go out of style.

Lesson? Master the basics. They’ll carry you through every shiny new tool that pops up.

Lesson 2: Print Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Different

When I started, print was everything. Business cards, posters, brochures—they were the bread and butter of a designer’s portfolio. Then the internet blew up, and everyone seemed to think print was going extinct. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

Instead, print has evolved. It’s now a luxury in many cases, a way to stand out in a digital world. Clients are asking for embossed logos, gold foil finishes, and tactile experiences that digital simply can’t deliver. And honestly? It’s a dream come true for someone who’s always loved the craft of print design.

Lesson? Don’t count print out. The demand for quality, thoughtful print work is still alive and kicking—and it pays well if you know what you’re doing.

Lesson 3: Adapt or Get Left Behind

One thing about graphic design? It never stays the same for long. I’ve watched trends rise and fall faster than you can say “drop shadow.” (Remember when skeuomorphism was the it thing?) The rise of minimalist design, flat icons, and now, brutalist web layouts keeps the industry fresh—but also competitive.

Then there’s the tech. I’ve had to learn how to code basic CSS, navigate WordPress, and even embrace AI tools for content creation. Some people panic when they see these changes, but I’ve learned to see them as opportunities. Staying curious and willing to learn has been my secret weapon.

Lesson? The only constant is change. Stay flexible, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Lesson 4: Clients Have Evolved (and So Should You)

Back in the day, clients were mostly looking for a logo, a flyer, or maybe a custom ad for the Yellow Pages (Google it, kids). Today, they want a full brand strategy—logo, website, social media templates, content calendars, video assets, and sometimes even influencer partnerships.

At first, I balked at how much clients expected. But then I realized something: offering more services not only made me more valuable but also allowed me to control the entire brand experience. Now, instead of just designing a piece of the puzzle, I get to help create the whole picture.

Lesson? Don’t just design—strategize. The more you can solve problems, the more indispensable you’ll become.

Lesson 5: Diversity in Design Is a Superpower

As a Black graphic designer, I’ve spent years navigating an industry where representation isn’t always where it should be. Early in my career, I didn’t see many designers who looked like me—or brands that reflected diverse cultures in their visuals.

But over time, I realized that my perspective was an asset. Today, I actively infuse my cultural experiences into my work, whether it’s through bold, vibrant color palettes or designs that speak directly to underrepresented communities. And guess what? Clients are starting to demand that kind of authenticity.

Lesson? Your unique perspective is your strength. Embrace it, showcase it, and let it set you apart.

Lesson 6: The Client-Designer Relationship Is Everything

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that clients don’t just hire you for your designs—they hire you because they trust you. I’ve worked with everyone from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits with shoestring budgets, and the most successful projects always had one thing in common: communication.

Taking the time to really understand your client’s vision (and sometimes translating their ahem less-than-clear ideas into actual concepts) is what builds long-term relationships. Some of my best clients have been with me for years because I made sure to not just deliver, but to listen.

Lesson? People hire people, not portfolios. Build relationships, not just designs.

The Future of Graphic Design

After more than 20 years in the game, I can confidently say that graphic design is more exciting—and more challenging—than ever. The tools are smarter, the clients are savvier, and the opportunities are limitless.

Whether you’re a designer just starting out or someone who’s been at it as long as I have, remember this: the best designs aren’t just about looking good. They’re about solving problems, creating connections, and leaving a lasting impact.

So here’s to the future—whatever trends, tools, or tech it throws our way. As long as we stay adaptable, creative, and a little bold, we’ll be just fine.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a flyer to design. Print and digital, of course. 😉