Introduction
Tet holiday is the most important time of the year in Vietnam. As designers, we often get so caught up with client work that we forget to take a step back. But Tet is the perfect opportunity to relax and reboot!
In this blog post, I will share 7 unique ways designers like you and me can make the most of Tet holiday. From trying new creative pursuits to spending quality time with loved ones, these ideas will help you make the holiday truly special.
SoDesigner buddies, let's dive in and get inspired for an amazing Tet!
1. Experiment with a New Creative Skill
As designers, we tend to get comfortable with our standard toolkit. But Tet is the best time to try something new!
You could:
- Learn 3D modeling and animation.
- Take up pottery or ceramics.
- Try your hand at calligraphy.
- Learn to play a new musical instrument.
Stepping outside your comfort zone sparks innovation. Who knows, you may discover a fun creative outlet to pursue alongside your design career!
2. Organize Your Portfolio
Between client work and side projects, our portfolios quickly become disorganized.
Use the Tet downtime to:
- Review and update your portfolio - eliminate old or irrelevant projects, and highlight your best work.
- Create project summaries - write brief descriptions to provide context for each project.
- Enhance project presentations - refine layouts, update image edits and captions.
An organized portfolio allows you to better showcase your skills to potential clients after Tet.
3. Learn a New Design Skill
With some spare time, Tet is the perfect chance to expand your skills.
Consider learning:
- UI/UX design to make your portfolio more well-rounded.
- AR/VR design to position yourself for the future.
- Adobe programs like After Effects for animation or Dreamweaver for web design.
Leveling up your skills makes you more valuable as a designer. Who knows, you may even discover a new passion!
4. Do a Personal Design Project
Use the Tet holiday to scratch your creative itch with a personal design project.
You could make:
- A visually stunning 2023 calendar or planner.
- Custom Tet greeting cards for family and friends.
- Art prints or posters to decorate your home.
- Short animated clips or GIFs just for fun!
It’s satisfying to have complete creative freedom. A passion project recharges your inspiration as a designer.
5. Pay It Forward
The spirit of Tet is giving back. As designers, we can use our skills to help good causes.
You could:
- Volunteer to design materials for a charity or non-profit.
- Create designs to raise awareness for an issue you care about.
- Offer pro bono services to help a small business or community group.
Leveraging your talent to do good is incredibly rewarding. You’ll come back feeling rejuvenated and purposeful.
6. Travel Somewhere New
A change of scenery is the perfect way to hit reset mentally.
Some quick Tet getaway options for designers:
- Head up to Sapa - get inspired by the picturesque mountain landscapes!
- Check out Phu Quoc’s beautiful beaches and resorts.
- Explore the imperial palaces and pagodas in Hue.
- Wander around Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant districts like an urban nomad.
Immersing yourself in a new place sparks creative ideas you can apply to future client projects.
7. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Ultimately, Tet is about quality time with family and friends.
- Cook traditional Tet dishes together.
- Play board games and reminisce over memories.
- Exchange funny stories from the past year.
- Video call relatives who live far away.
Strengthening bonds with loved ones re-energizes you emotionally and mentally.
In Closing
The Tet holiday is the perfect time for designers like us to recharge. Follow these 7 tips to make the most of your break and start the new year feeling refreshed.
Here’s to an amazing, creative Tet! If you need help bringing your brand vision to life afterwards, Ladybug studio would be honored to collaborate. Our passionate team of designers wish you a Happy Lunar New Year!