• Open your eyes.

Look around.  Graphic design is everywhere, whether you're aware of it or not.  Advertisements, logos, packages, websites...  The list is infinite.  And one of the best ways to grow is to look at how others have been successful in doing something and learn from it.  I've started becoming more aware of the design around me and taking note of small things such as 1) The emotion, feeling, or idea that the designer is attempting to convey 2) Any alternative designs that would have conveyed the same ideas just as effectively (or better) and 3) How would I use the tools I have and my knowledge of design software to create similar effects?  This simple step has helped me so much that I have started looking for design galleries online to widen the array of creative ideas that I can learn from.  

•  Learn from others.

In this day and age, there are tutorials and how-tos on the internet for just about everything.  I found some websites that teach how to use specific features of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and use them to achieve a specific design or effect.  Some of my favorites are listed below in the "Resource Links" section.

•  Experiment and Practice.

You can't get better if you don't practice.  I'll find myself coming up with a couple random designs a day, be it a logo, desktop background, or even a neat-looking doodle.  Putting my skills to the test on a regular basis is crucial to becoming better.  I've designed tee shirts for organizations I'm in and also just for fun.  I've volunteered to design a newsletter templates and logos for student.  In addition, I've also created webpage to showcase my design items, among other things.  And hey, making a website is both an enjoyable and practical way to use graphic design skills reallistically.