The internet has made design global. We can now stay updated to the design scene in Austin, Texas or even London, England. It just takes a bit of searching and maneuvering but its all out there.
Its amazing! I never knew that Salt Lake City had such a robust design scene. Same goes with all the other flat midewesterny cities. Now I’m finding them to be a great source of inspiration.
This global design community has made it so we can all vibe of each others work and get better as designers. With that being said, I still see crappy work. I see it from competition and my coleagues. I know I have a lot of work to do and my portfolio is not even the best example of my talent. My best work is still waiting to be made but there should be no reason I dont have a kick ass portfolio. My portfolio was good 6 months ago. Good enough for the state atleast but now. I need to make it even better.
To see how ones level of design has improved one has to stay active with freelance work and pro bono projects.
Sacramento has a small design community. Not even a AIGA chapter. Its not my job to start one but come on Reno and Tahoe are already ahead of us. What I need to find is a restaurant or coffee shop that is interested in a redesign. Note* New website needs to offer freelance availability.
I can not stress this enough!! Set deadlines!!! DEADLINES!!!