This couldn’t be more accurate. I wish I knew of ID at such a young age…
If I did here’s what I would do to capitalize on my opportunity.
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Use your summer break to delve into SKETCHING. Get a hold of one of these and develop a strong sketching style so when you begin projects in college you are focused on designing and not on sketching.
Sketching-Drawing Techniques for Product Designers
Sketching The Basics
Learning Curves -
Take products apart and LEARN. A lot of design firms are realizing that hybrid Industrial Designers/Mechanical Engineers are best. If you can understand what it takes to manufacture products with plastics, metals and woods AND have a keen eye for aesthetics, ergonomics and human interaction you will be vital.
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Go on youtube.com and learn psd, illustrator and indesign. If you can develop this skillset you again won’t be teaching yourself as you design your school projects. On top of that, I believe a graphic eye is the beginning to a keen eye for product aesthetics as well.
Best of luck!
Pb
Virginia Tech ID 2013