50 Ways to Become a Better Designer
UK's Computer Arts magazine has a nice collection of thoughts on becoming a better designer. Here's my top 5 from their list of 50 and a few additional thoughts for designers...
#1 Rough Comps: "put a rough composition together using scans or low-res images"
I like this one because sometimes you can get so frustrated trying to have the 'perfect' image and idea right away that it prevents you from getting started. So throw down the rough ideas, explore, experiment, mash, rip, tear that rough comp to get it where you want it, then find the perfect high-res image or refine the great idea you have already started.
#6 Use a Sketchbook: "any ideas go in here...can then be referred to at a later date"
The point of 'any idea' is a great one. You never know when inspiration is going to strike, how often have you been at your desk 'working' and the perfect idea came? For me it's when I am out experiencing something new, at a friend's house, out for fun with family and friends, on a morning drive...having a tool to capture those ideas in the moment is essential so that great ideas don't fly away.
#14 Keep It Simple: "don't fight against each other"
The idea here is sound. If you have a lot of textures and elements a simple colorpalettee can allow the viewer to focus on these elements without the distraction of as many colors as elements. I think the plan to 'keep it simple' can run deeper into the creative and communication process. Can you convey a great idea in a simple way? Is a simple idea sometimes more powerful than a visually complex one? Mister Shape t-shirts have both complex and simple styles and the ones that communicate quickly, at first glance, the simple ones, seem to produce more 'aha!' moments in the mind of the passer by.
#30 Think on Paper: "think with a pen and paper first, then use computers. It will lead to a stronger, more original voice"
Well said. The computer is a tool, often best used toexecutee an idea you already have. I have seen an incredible increase in quality, originality and creativity by separating my ideation and illustration process from the computer at first, during the idea stage, then coming back to the machine to execute the final artwork. Starting on the machine, at least for me, cripples possibility. Starting on the machine means I am at the mercy of what I can do on the machine and often what I am comfortable doing. Starting on paper means an endless possibility and a blank canvas. When I work away from the computer and then come to it later with idea in hand, I find ways to bend the machine's power to my creative will. Ha!
#31 Enough is Enough: "there is always a danger of pushing a piece of work too far"
I love this point, when the piece works, it works and you should leave it alone. Let's take this a step further. Ask yourself "What can I remove?" I believe often there can be addition (of quality) by subtraction (of extra form, bloated copy, etc).
Take a look at the complete list of 50 Ways to Become a Better Designer at Computer Arts.
Tags: howto, design, illustration, process
#1 Rough Comps: "put a rough composition together using scans or low-res images"
I like this one because sometimes you can get so frustrated trying to have the 'perfect' image and idea right away that it prevents you from getting started. So throw down the rough ideas, explore, experiment, mash, rip, tear that rough comp to get it where you want it, then find the perfect high-res image or refine the great idea you have already started.
#6 Use a Sketchbook: "any ideas go in here...can then be referred to at a later date"
The point of 'any idea' is a great one. You never know when inspiration is going to strike, how often have you been at your desk 'working' and the perfect idea came? For me it's when I am out experiencing something new, at a friend's house, out for fun with family and friends, on a morning drive...having a tool to capture those ideas in the moment is essential so that great ideas don't fly away.
#14 Keep It Simple: "don't fight against each other"
The idea here is sound. If you have a lot of textures and elements a simple colorpalettee can allow the viewer to focus on these elements without the distraction of as many colors as elements. I think the plan to 'keep it simple' can run deeper into the creative and communication process. Can you convey a great idea in a simple way? Is a simple idea sometimes more powerful than a visually complex one? Mister Shape t-shirts have both complex and simple styles and the ones that communicate quickly, at first glance, the simple ones, seem to produce more 'aha!' moments in the mind of the passer by.
#30 Think on Paper: "think with a pen and paper first, then use computers. It will lead to a stronger, more original voice"
Well said. The computer is a tool, often best used toexecutee an idea you already have. I have seen an incredible increase in quality, originality and creativity by separating my ideation and illustration process from the computer at first, during the idea stage, then coming back to the machine to execute the final artwork. Starting on the machine, at least for me, cripples possibility. Starting on the machine means I am at the mercy of what I can do on the machine and often what I am comfortable doing. Starting on paper means an endless possibility and a blank canvas. When I work away from the computer and then come to it later with idea in hand, I find ways to bend the machine's power to my creative will. Ha!
#31 Enough is Enough: "there is always a danger of pushing a piece of work too far"
I love this point, when the piece works, it works and you should leave it alone. Let's take this a step further. Ask yourself "What can I remove?" I believe often there can be addition (of quality) by subtraction (of extra form, bloated copy, etc).
Take a look at the complete list of 50 Ways to Become a Better Designer at Computer Arts.
Tags: howto, design, illustration, process
posted by Ward at 12:10 AM
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