Skills You Need to Build Before College

Top Skills Every Design Student Should Start Building Before College

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

If you're planning to enter the world of design, whether architecture, product design, fashion, UI/UX, or graphic design, you’re already on the path to something exciting, challenging, and deeply creative.

But here's the truth: design college isn’t where you start learning; it's where you build on the basics. The most successful students show up with some foundational skills that give them a serious head start.

We’ve curated a list of top skills every design aspirant should start developing before college because design isn’t just a career, it’s a mindset.

1. Observation & Visual Sensitivity

Design starts with noticing. Train your eye to observe everyday objects, spaces, and experiences — and ask:

• Why was it made this way?

• Could it be better?

• What emotion does it evoke?

Try sketching or photographing things that interest you — street furniture, signages, packaging, even buildings. The goal is to see beyond the obvious.

2. Sketching & Doodling

You don’t need to be Picasso, but basic sketching skills help you express ideas fast. Try:

• Line drawings

• Perspective practice

• Object and human figure sketching

• Storyboarding or comic-style narratives

Apps like Procreate or even basic pen-paper doodling are great starts. Sketching = thinking aloud for designers.

3. Communication (Verbal + Visual)

Your ideas are only as good as your ability to explain them.

• Start writing about what you see — blog, Instagram captions, or short notes

• Practice storytelling through visuals: photo essays, reels, or collages

• Explain your thought process to friends and family — clarity is power

Designers who can explain why they did something stand out.

4. Basic Digital Tools

Start from basics and eventually you will be able to master these tools.

You don’t need to master software, but having a comfort level with tools helps massively. Explore:

• Canva for layouts and posters

• Figma or Miro for digital collaboration

• Sketchbook or Procreate for digital art

• AutoCAD, SketchUp or TinkerCAD for basic 3D modeling (if you're leaning towards architecture)

Being digitally fluent puts you one step ahead of your peers on Day 1.

5. Creative Confidence

This means:

• Being okay with messy first drafts

• Not overthinking your ideas

• Taking feedback without taking it personally

Start small: post your creations online, submit work to competitions, or just share with peers. Confidence isn’t about being right, it’s about showing up.

6. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Knowledge is everywhere when you are a design student.

Designers are problem-solvers first. Begin training your brain with:

• Puzzles and brain teasers

• Observing user experiences in public spaces

• Questioning why certain products or systems work the way they do

Curiosity is your biggest tool.

7. Collaboration & Teamwork

Design requires consistent and constant collaboration.

Design school is rarely a solo ride. Group projects, crits, and discussions are the norm. Learn to:

• Listen actively

• Build on others' ideas

• Handle conflicts and differing opinions

Try working on a small group project — maybe design a room makeover with friends or create a pop-up stall idea.

8. Time & Project Management

Design students are constantly juggling. Deadlines, revisions, critiques — it’s a lot.Try:

• Working with self-set deadlines

• Creating moodboards and timelines for fun projects

• Managing a mini design blog or Instagram page

If you can manage your time, you'll thrive in design college.

Closing Thoughts

Design students graduating from IDEAS College, Nagpur

Design school is wild, creative, messy, and thrilling — but having these core skills gives you a solid edge. And the best part? You don’t need fancy degrees or expensive software to get started.

Just curiosity, discipline, and a drive to make things better.

So go ahead — sketch, think, build, and break. The future of design needs voices like yours.