Expert: Andre Hickman - 4/11/2007

Question
I've read your past profile at allexperts.com. So I am sure that you can answer my all question.
I have play the famous fore-movie  World Of Warcraft
Oh,it's great! I want to be a designer also.
Can I have your idea about a designer'basic ability?
And which ability is important to you?
Which software do you think is useful and efficient?
Thank you!

Answer
I would say that a designers best asset is not the particular software he uses.  It is not his knowledge base of programs, although that helps tremendously.  Software is, simply put, a tool...like a hammer. (see the post that I answered right before this one)

A designers greatest asset is his CREATIVITY.  You can know how to use dozens of software, but if you have no creativity, you'll never reach the full potential of what those tools can do for you.

In my learning to be a graphic designer, I didn't go out and try to learn certain software because someone told me that is what I should do. Instead, I had these creative ideas eating at me from the inside.  I went in search of the tool to get the stuff that was in my head, out.  It was not always some expensive program that was the solution.

Start with an idea, then work towards making that creative idea a reality.  Learning software and other tools will be a by-product of your quest.  I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Andre