Why Graphic Designers Should Use Twitter
Practical Reasons to Participate in the Micro-Blogging Platform
Oct 19, 2009
Twitter can seem daunting and also like a waste of time. For some, the micro-blogging platform seems like a distraction from real business, but it can help a designer make new contacts and promote their work. Twitter can be an asset to a graphic designer if used correctly.
Reasons to Jump on the Twitter Bandwagon:
Networking. Chances are, that coveted design firm or well-playing client is on Twitter. Top designers from all over the world are using the site and many of them will post their work in progress. While it would be difficult to get them on the phone, starting a conversation on Twitter is easy.
News. Design magazines and software companies are all on Twitter. They will let their followers know when a new program is going to come out or new themes, plugins, widgets, etc. are released. Designers on Twitter are often the first to know when another designer moves to a new firm or when an agency wins a new account.
Resources. Bloggers will post new tutorials on Twitter. Instead of crawling the web looking for help with inspiration or how to do something specific in a program, just check Twitter. Or post a tweet asking for help on something specific. Any follower can recommend a site with information or might volunteer their own help and expertise.
Feedback. Need help deciding between two different designs? Post the question on Twitter and there will be instant feedback and advice from many people around the work working in the same field.
Advice. Professionals on Twitter can help with advice on all things related to design. What should be included in a portfolio or what programs are best for a certain type of project are just a couple of questions that can be answered by the Twitter collective.
Promotion and Exposure. Just finished a project and want people to see it? Post a link on Twitter and followers will take a look and possibly forward it on to their friends and contacts. It is a great way to let people know what is being worked on at the moment and what has just been finished. It can be more beneficial than a portfolio and can also drive traffic to the portfolio Web site.
These are just a few reasons as to why Twitter can be a useful tool for a budding designer or a freelance designer looking to gain some exposure. Just make sure to always stay professional with tweets and only make comments that reflect good work ethic.
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