From Novice to Expert

The Novice to Expert scale is based on the Dreyfus model, which provides a way to assess and support progress in the development of skills. Advancement through the various stages requires motivation, hard work and an eye for design. Reaching the expert end of the scale may take years and a variety of experiences is also key. The Expert level means your work is at an excellent standard however does not suggest that progression ends, learning new skills is still as important as ever.

As I developed an interest in graphic design at school and advanced on to a BTEC in Art and Design, I would say I was a novice in the field. A Novice is said to need close supervision and instruction to produce satisfactory work. I had little confidence in my work and had minimal knowledge of the area.

Progressing through my course I felt I was still at the Beginner stage, although I had a better knowledge of the practice, having worked on graphics based projects and having researched into designers, the standard of my work still needed improvement. I was however able to make more decisions about my own work without advice and create more resolved pieces. 

Gaining a place on the Visual Communication course at BCU has allowed me to develop my skills further, and I feel I’m now edging on to the competent level of the scale. The standard of my work has improved through working on the ‘Introduction to BIAD’ briefs and by looking into aspects of design that influence and inspire me. By the time I come to the end of the course I hope to have a greater depth of understanding of the practice, be able to confidently make decisions and take full responsibility for my work and therefore be at the Proficient stage.

I think the Expert stage on the scale will come after leaving university, and experiencing what it is like in the graphic design industry, conversing with clients and completely briefs successfully. Having a vast understanding of the practice and what is required, and going beyond the existing boundaries of design are also what I hope to achieve.

A graphic designer who I see as an Expert is Kate Moross, she works across various disciplines within graphic design including typography, logo design, advertising and t-shirts. I have recently discovered her work after looking into how designers get their work into the industry and coming across her website. She has developed her own style over time, which is very illustrative often using abstract shapes, bold colours and free form type. As well as commercial briefs she works on personal projects, allowing her to continue being inspired, experiment freely and generate new thoughts and ideas.

Launching into a creative industry and becoming an ‘expert’ can be challenging.

There is a lot of competition within the commercial environment and therefore it is important to develop a style that is distinctive. Gaining feedback and reactions about your work is very important in developing and improving your own visual style.

In a nutshell as a graphic designer you need to develop your skills to advance from novice to expert. Throughout this process it is important to learn and experience as much as possible.