The first step is trivial, but nonetheless extremely important. There is no way you could design some new content for a game if you're not a true expert of it. We already said this and now is a great time to reaffirm it: be an expert of the game you're working on. Understand the problems, the systems, the level design, the strengths and weaknesses of each character, enemies... everything!
Many junior game designers complain that they are asked to have working experience to get game design jobs. There is a way to get that experience without having a job! Deconstruct the games you play, rack up 50+ hours of gameplay and know those games from the inside out. And write it all down.
Can you remember any studying ...
