Communication is Key
It is important that a graphic designer be able to not only visually communicate their thoughts and ideas to clients or employers, but also be able to do so both verbally, and on paper. A part of this is learning to use creative briefs (also called design briefs).
The creative brief has a series of questions the designer (or art department) needs answered, and will become the guideline for the project. Utilizing this document will save designers and he individuals they work with a great deal of time and energy because the expectations of the project will be made clear and documented in a way everyone can understand.

Another important point that many designers overlook is to stay in touch and give follow-ups via phone or email whenever possible. Just touching base with a client from time to time creates a feeling of reassurance and shows that you are taking a project seriously. To you this may be just another project but to the client this very well could be “all important, or life changing,” you need to be sensitive to that.

Finally bare in mind that you will at some point have to work with others and they may have to use your files and projects, so try to leave clear instructions and organize your work properly. When working in programs like Photoshop and InDesign, clearly label pages, layers, folders, and individual files, and use consistent naming conventions. Also whenever possible use the “file info” option in these programs to leave specific instructions for printers. When working with web design, leave clear well formatted comments in your code.

When you communicate well as a designer, you make the task of those you work for and work with easier, as well as saving time and money. This is essential, and will allow your level of professionalism to stand out among your peers, as well as your competitors.