Learning by doing or learning the theory?

What do you prefer: learning by doing or learning the theory?

Seven years ago, when I wanted to learn graphic design, I decided to deep dive into it. I started a project called "A Poster a Day" and dedicated one hour every day to creating a graphic poster. Whatever the outcome, I posted it on my Instagram.

This daily practice allowed me to learn the important tools inside out and forced me to develop an eye for design. (It’s all about putting those reps in 💪).

Some of my design work for the Poster a Day project

Reading books, watching tutorials, and taking online courses helped me absorb the basics, but the real learning happened when I applied the knowledge immediately in the project. With each poster, I experimented with new tools and techniques, refined my skills, and built a deeper understanding of design principles (and how to break them).

The skills and portfolio I built through "A Poster a Day" led to my first job in graphic design. I learned that perseverance and passion can turn a side project into a professional opportunity.

I remember the excitement. Every poster was a step forward, a challenge, and a joy. It reaffirmed that learning by doing was the best path for me.

If you're passionate about something, start a side project. Put your learning into practice, and watch how it transforms your skills and opportunities.

Feel free to share your own learning experiences or side projects in the comments. Let’s inspire each other. 💬👇