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Working With Designers Should be Joyful, Not Painful

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By Paul Biedermann

working with designers should be joyful

Good designers are hard to find and sometimes even harder to work with. But it doesn’t need to be this way.

It is common for a client to ask for something and then wonder why the designer won’t just give them what they want. After all, “the customer is always right.”

Wrong.

That may work in a fast food restaurant or a shoe store, but when it comes to working in the area of professional design communications, it gets a bit more complex than that. And really, you — as the client — shouldn’t want it any other way. In fact, if a designer isn’t asking questions and challenging assumptions, they are probably not very good and you won’t be realizing the full power of what design can bring to your business.

The key is to not interpret pushback as being difficult, but rather as a welcomed and necessary part of the process for doing good work. In other words, the way to begin a project with a designer is not by telling them what to do, but rather by laying out the objectives to be achieved and then letting them recommend a solution. Designers are problem solvers, not decorators. Design usually satisfies a host of different needs and requirements, and that means a defined process is necessary to get there.

So, if a designer seems like they are giving resistance and aren’t listening to what you want, it is possible that they are simply trying to pursue the path to success, which isn’t always as clear cut as it may seem. It may also include redefining the problem in order to proceed most effectively and arrive at the best solution for your business. And if they keep coming back to the same questions, it is likely they haven’t yet received the information they need to do their jobs well — so rather than writing it off as being difficult, it’s worth keeping an open mind that perhaps they really have only your best interests at heart.

The best design experiences occur when the designer and client work in collaboration, each respecting the other’s contributions to a successful outcome.

The perfect client:

• Clearly articulates the goals, objectives and problem to be solved.

• Provides any supporting information and practical considerations pertinent to the project.

• Is timely in reviewing preliminary designs and responsive to any communications

• Understands that the designer is as interested in the successful outcome of the project as they are.

A good designer:

• Pays careful attention to the goals of the project and what needs to be accomplished.

• Requests any details, information or content necessary for proceeding with the project that hasn’t already been provided.

• Stays on top of the schedule and keeps the client engaged at key phases throughout the duration of the project.

• Understands that the client is the ultimate decision-maker and does what is necessary to ensure as smooth a process as possible for an effective design solution.

This is a quick summary, of course — but these are the key roles and responsibilities that any successful design collaboration requires. If friction develops at any point during the process, it is usually because one of these points is missed.

Don’t make the mistake of dismissing someone who is persistent for a “defensive designer” with a big ego. Those exist too, of course, but it is usually a matter of someone who has practiced their craft for a long time, knows how to get the job done, and is passionate about what they do. Respect their expertise and they will respect yours, and it will likely be a fruitful process for both of you — and the project wins.

The design process can be fun, challenging and invigorating. For that to happen, it is important that each side fulfills its basic responsibilities — working together, which also means letting the other side do what it does best.

Embracing ambiguity during the often “murky” process of design can have a big payoff down the road — but it also means trusting your designer, so make sure you hire a good one!

Author’s Bio: Paul Biedermann is the Creative Director/Owner of re:DESIGN, a small design agency specializing in Strategic Design, Brand Identity, and Visual Content Marketing — intersecting smart design with business strategies that reach, engage, and inspire people to action. Blending traditional and leading-edge media tactics. Paul consistently delivers integrated, award-winning results for his clients. Connect with him on Google+ or Twitter.

 

Image via Creative Commons, Amber De Bruin.

6 Design Principles Every Blogger Should Be Familiar With

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By Teddy Hunt

As a successful blogger, you’re probably acutely aware that the best bloggers are the best content creators. But even the most top-notch content needs a reliable platform to capture its readers’ attention and make it in the blogosphere. Alas, most people do in fact judge books by their cover.

Here are a few key design principles that’ll help persuade your readers to open the book and enjoy your content.

The Fundamentals

No matter what medium you’re working with, the fundamental elements of design are the same:

• Hierarchy

• Contrast

• Repetition

• Shape

• Texture

Surely there are differentiations between print and digital media, but generally speaking, these principles make up the backbone of successful design. Careful implementation of each of these principles will ensure a well-received finished product.

Hierarchy

The design principle of hierarchy refers to the order in which information is processed by viewers. When it’s implemented effectively online, viewers can quickly scan a webpage to get an idea of what content they find interesting and what content they can disregard. When the hierarchy of a website is off, it seems jumbled; users are forced to look deeper into the site to find relevant content. When viewers can’t immediately recognize what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to click away. Subsequently, this trend will hurt your SEO rankings and cut down on the overall traffic to your site.

People generally follow a top-to-bottom, left-to-right eye path when they view websites; keep this in mind as you design your webpage.

Color/Contrast

Of course, contrast is the visible difference between elements. It can refer to color, texture, shape, style, and several other factors. A healthy dose of contrast can give a website the perfect mix of variety and interest. It’s helpful for drawing attention to specific aspects of your work. It can make certain design elements pop or fade into the background, depending on how you use them. Be mindful of your use of contrast as you critique your website and avoid having too much or too little differentiation in your color scheme.

Repetition

Much like contrast, repetition can refer to a variety of elements, including shape, size, color, and texture. It adds a sense of regularity to a design, enhancing the overall flow of the page. As with any design element, too much texture can be jarring or –worse — predictable. You can utilize repetition with similarly shaped objects and fonts. The repeated designs don’t have to be identical either; sometimes illustrations with similar qualities will suffice.

Possibly one of the most versatile design principles, shape actually applies to every other principle evenly. That is, everything is a shape. When it’s applied to web design, it’s important to keep in mind the overall tone you’re striving for, creating shapes that go together with an equal balance of contrast and repetition as well.

Texture is the surface perception of shape. It can be rough, smooth, soft, hard, glossy, or matte. But it’s much more than that. When it’s used well, texture gives any design, on any platform, that “finished” look. It’s easier to describe texture in a three-dimensional design: the feel of a canvas through paint thickness or the surface of a sculpture through carving techniques.

In visual designs, such as websites, texture is suggested and not felt.

Web designers can achieve visual textures through simulating the visible attributes of real-life textures by implementing shading and shadows, as well as mimicking the coloring of real objects. Often it’s achieved through the repetition of lines, marks, and strategically placed spacing. Bring texture into your website’s design and you’ll up the “wow” factor instrumentally.

As you can see, there’s a very thin veil between web design and traditional design. While certain key changes have to be made to accommodate digital platforms, everything that’s important for traditional designers is also key for web designers. Every blogger should be aware of these principles and use them on their sites.

Do you have any tips or tricks for using these design principles on your blog? Please feel free to share with us in the comments.

Author’s Bio: Teddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors and resides in Tampa, Florida.

Three of the Best Website Builders for Time-Crunched Graphic Designers

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By Teddy Hunt

OK, so perhaps you’re a graphic designer who knows he or she can create one hell of a website that impresses visitors. But sometimes there’s just not enough time, and you have to leave the hard work to the Internet. Whether you want to create an online portfolio to showcase your work, or a website that people can visit when they need your services, there are plenty of options out there to meet your needs and get a functional website running.

With that said, here are three of the best website builders available if you’re too “busy” to do it yourself.

lazy designers

Wix

Wix currently has more than 43 million registered users, with about 45,000 new ones joining every day. This website builder works well for photographers, musicians, small businesses, and yes, designers. It’s especially great if you’re a beginner so to speak, since it’s relatively easy to use and features a “Help” function that’s well thought out and easy to use. Here are some other pros and cons of Wix to think about before taking a test drive.

  • Impressive templates. Wix includes more than 280 templates or you can create a customized one.
  • Drag and drop interface. Simply choose what you need (text, pictures, slideshows, etc) and put them where you want without restrictions. Although it’s not the easiest builder to use out of the three, it works well.
  • Support and help. As stated earlier, Wix provides unmatched support and help. There are buttons you can click on for answers when you’re stumbled all over the website. With a VIP plan, you get one-on-one support.
  • Advertisements on the free version. Unfortunately, if you’re using Wix for free, your published website will include ad logos on the side and bottom of it. All three of these web builders have ads in some form or fashion in the free versions, but Wix has a considerable amount more. You’ll have to upgrade to get rid of the ads.
  • Can’t change templates. Once you decide on a template, you’re stuck with it. So choose wisely.
  • Won’t manage complex e-commerce needs. Want to build an online store? Stay away from Wix.

Weebly

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use website builder that doesn’t sacrifice reliability, look no further. Weebly is perfect for graphic designers who want to showcase their portfolio without much effort put into building the website. Here are some other pros and cons of Weebly to think about before taking a test drive.

  • The best drag and drop builder on the market. Yes, even better than Wix. There isn’t an overwhelming amount of tools, but still more than enough to build a functional and professional website.
  • Free. Not only is Weebly free for most users (or really cheap for those who want to upgrade), but the advertisements are minimal. No limits. No credit card information required. No pressure to upgrade.
  • Range of templates. Even with a free account, there’s a template for everyone (and you can change it).
  • Won’t manage complex e-commerce needs. See con about Wix.
  • Limited amount of designer-caliber templates. But Weebly is changing this rapidly, so it won’t be a con for long.
  • Basic blog functions. If you want to blog on your website, you’ll have to get used to the basics. Unfortunately, Weebly lags behind when it comes to blog post organization and management. Also, you can only promote your posts through Facebook and Twitter.

Squarespace

Squarespace launched in 2004 and has since used memorable marketing videos, good publicity, and stunning example websites to push itself to the top of the website builder food chain. It currently runs more than 1.8 million websites. Although most probably won’t appreciate what Squarespace has to offer, graphic designers most certainly will. Here are some other pros and cons to think about before taking a test drive.

  • Commands your attention. The templates on Squarespace are beautiful and rich with imagery, making it look like you poured your heart and soul into designing your blog or website.
  • Responsive templates. Meaning you can resize your browser and your content will automatically adjust to provide your visitors with an optimized viewing experience. This is so crucial for end user engagement. It’s critical to note in web design the advancement of photo quality coupled with the popularity and on-the-go convenience of tablets.
  • Extensive styling options. Squarespace offers them, other website builders don’t.
  • More difficult to use. Simply put, you need to invest some time and effort before taking advantage of all the tools that Squarespace offers. If easy is what you’re looking for, look elsewhere.
  • Drag and drop feature not as smooth. Wix and Weebly’s drag and drop interface seem to work smoother.
  • You can customize everything without going into codes. This is actually a con for the average Joe, but to an experienced graphic designer this might not mean much.

All three of these website builders work well. It all comes down to your wants, needs, and abilities.

Have you used one of these before? What was/is your experience like?

Author’s Bio: Teddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors and resides in Tampa, Florida.

Photo Credit: anoldent via Compfight cc

Leaving Your Mark: 7 Popular Logo Design Trends

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By Teddy Hunt

A logo is one of the most powerful weapons you have when it comes to annihilating your competition and standing alone as the most powerful company in your industry. Conversely, having a poorly designed logo is the equivalent to shooting yourself in the foot. When creating your company’s logo, make sure that it’s something that positively stands out and attracts potential customers and clients in the blink of an eye. 

With that said, here are seven popular logo design trends that you should consider using if you haven’t already. 

1. Purposeful Negative Space

FedEx logo design

Image via Flickr by adactio

Negative space, also known as white space, is essentially space that doesn’t include content (it doesn’t have to be white — it can be any color as long as it doesn’t have content). The purpose of negative spacing in logo design is to draw attention to a specific object without having their eyes wander all over the place. Combining design and negative space in a clever way is also effective. The FedEx logo is one of the best when it comes to using clever design and negative space (take a look between the “E” and “x”). 

2. Dynamic Letterpress Techniques

 
This is one of the newer techniques used by logo designers, adding depth to objects within the design. The technique essentially elaborates on original letterpress design, providing a new look that’s appealing to the eye. Letterpress was originally done in print, but graphic designers are now using computers to recreate their own unique styles of this technique. If you want to follow the newest trend out there, this is the one. 

3. Line Art

Line art is an image that has distinct straight and curved lines placed against a plain background, without changes in shade or hue to represent either two or three-dimensional objects. Graphics designers usually use a pen tool in Illustrator to create a clean and thin-shaped logo using this type of art. Here are some great examples of line art used in logos. 

4. Gradient Mesh Adds Depth

It’s said that gradient mesh is one of the most powerful tools in a graphic designer’s Illustrator toolbox, but it isn’t easy to master the skill of using it. One of the biggest benefits of being able to use this tool effectively is that it helps you provide depth to a logo in ways that other tools can’t, enabling your to recreate shadows and highlights that give your logo a unique perspective. Here’s a beginner’s tutorial on how to use the gradient mesh tool.

5. Contrast With Dual Impact

Simply put, graphic designers use the dual impact technique to create a double impression in a logo. If you look at this dual impact logo example, you’ll notice an outline of a buck within an elephant. This dual impact design provides a clean and clever logo that’s perfect for a wildlife zoo. 

6. Geometric Abstract Polygon Styles

One of the most popular and common technique in logo design in 2014 involve geometric abstract polygon styles. Although the name of the technique sounds complicated, it simply refers to making different abstract shapes stand out within one or multiple areas of the logo. If you’ll still not picturing clearly in your head, take a look at this logo example that highlights the concept and technique. 

7. The Overlap Technique 

The overlap technique in logo design has been around for ages, but it’s especially becoming popular this year. Graphic designers using this technique allow different elements of a logo to overlap one another, making it possible to add depth to it in a way that makes it interesting but not distracting. eBay’s logo is a great example of overlapping typography to create a unique look, making it a logo design that’s effective. 

It’s more important than ever to have a logo that stands out and says that your company matters in the world. Applying the right technique and design can make all the difference. 

What new logo designs have you noticed that are stellar? Leave a comment below and let us know. 

Author’s Bio: Teddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors and resides in Tampa, Florida.

6 Mobile Web Design Blunders to Avoid

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By Charles Mburugu

In recent years, people have increasingly shifted from using computers to accessing the internet from their mobile devices. Therefore it’s essential for every blogger, webmaster and business owner to have a mobile-friendly website.

Here are some of the major blunders you need to avoid when designing your mobile site.

1. Failing to optimize images

Images are a very important element for any mobile website design. However, using images or elements that have large file sizes will significantly slow down the loading speed of your pages. When your pages take too long to load, visitors will simply click away and go elsewhere. This is why it is very important to optimize the images on your site. Preferably, only use images and elements which are small in size.

2. Not considering screen sizes

Compared to desktop and laptop monitors, the screens of mobile devices are relatively small. Therefore, when designing your mobile site, you need to take into account screen width and size. Your design should be able to fit well in different screen sizes with all page elements displaying correctly. Make sure your buttons and icons are large enough for users to tap with their finger. Don’t forget to have enough space between your links and buttons.

3. Excess content

Content is what drives visitors to your site and keeps them coming back. Make sure your content is arranged in a way which is pleasant to the eye and easy to read. Avoid having excessively lengthy posts on your mobile site. If you would like to share a lot of information, you could break it down into short sections with a ‘read more’ link at the end of each section. Make sure the text is spaced out and large enough for mobile users to read without straining their eyes. In addition, use a background color which contrasts sufficiently with your text.

4. Not having collapsible navigation

Most mobile users are very impatient people who access the internet while on the go. Therefore, your mobile site should be designed in a way that allows visitors to find what they are looking for as fast as possible. One of the best ways of presenting content on your site is through using collapsible categories. This allows you to keep the pages of your site clean and neat, thus ensuring that visitors can find information on your site easily.

5. Having long input forms

Typing on the keyboard of a smartphone is not as easy as typing on a computer keyboard. With this consideration, it would be advisable to keep the forms on your mobile site as short as possible. Users should only be required to complete the few fields that are critical. Alternatively, you could consider providing a multiple choice option with check boxes, radio buttons or combo boxes. This will save your visitors the trouble of having to type their entries.

6. Not testing your design

Once your design is complete, you need to test it using different kinds of mobile devices. This will enable you to identify any concerns with regard to your site’s feel, content and usability. You can also get useful feedback by sharing the design with your friends and business associates. Take time to tweak your site until it works well on as many mobile devices as possible.

Author’s Bio: Charles Mburugu is a HubSpot-certified content writer/marketer for B2B, B2C and SaaS companies. He has worked with brands such as GetResponse, Neil Patel, Shopify, 99 Designs, Oberlo, Salesforce and Condor. Check out his portfolio and connect on LinkedIn.