Design
10 Unconventional Design Tips You Need to Know
In a world flooded with design advice and internet gurus, it's time to challenge the norm.
Here are 10 unconventional tips to ignite your creativity from my years of experience as a designer in the creative industry:
1. Users aren’t always 100% right
While user feedback is invaluable, it's essential to balance it with your expertise and vision. Don't be afraid to challenge assumptions and push boundaries in pursuit of innovation.
2. You can make a logo in 5 minutes
While it's possible to whip up a logo quickly, rushing the process often leads to uninspired results. Anyway, the logo is a 100x40 px image most of the time. Take the time to craft a brand and a feel that truly captures the essence of the project.
3. Hourly rates are dumb for most things design related
Design is about value, not time. Instead of focusing on hourly rates, focus on the value you bring to your clients and price your services accordingly.
4. Be careful with your assumptions giving feedback
When giving feedback, avoid making assumptions about the designer's intentions. Focus on the outcome and provide constructive criticism based on objective observations.
5. Don’t make more than 3 options
Quality trumps quantity. Instead of overwhelming clients with multiple choices, focus on presenting a few carefully crafted options that showcase your expertise and creativity.
6. If you’re a good designer doesn’t mean that freelance is great for you
Freelancing isn't the right fit for everyone. Consider your strengths, preferences, and lifestyle before deciding if freelancing is the right path for you.
7. Ideas won’t come from browsing websites for hours
True inspiration comes from lived experiences and genuine curiosity. Instead of relying solely on digital sources, seek out new things and engage with the world around you.
8. If you don’t have a reason for what you’ve done, don’t present it
Every design decision should be intentional and purposeful. If you can't justify your choices, take the time to revisit your concept and refine it until it aligns with your vision.
9. You’re going to have flows of inspiration throughout your life, learn how those appear and perfect that craft for endless inspiration
Inspiration is not a finite resource; it's a journey. Embrace the ebbs and flows of creativity, and cultivate practices that nourish your creative spirit for sustained inspiration throughout your life.
10. Last but not least, what you find online is never a definitive truth, treat it as a starting point for your curiosity
In the age of information overload, it's easy to get lost in the sea of online content. Remember that what you find online is just one perspective among many. Approach it with curiosity, skepticism, and a willingness to explore beyond the surface.
Wrapping up our journey through these 10 different design tips, it's clear that thinking outside the box can lead to some cool ideas. By not always following the crowd and trusting our own ideas, we can come up with fresh solutions to problems.
Let's remember that creativity doesn't have to follow the rules. Instead, it's about being brave, trying new things, and believing in ourselves. So let's keep being bold, keep trying new stuff, and keep making the world a more interesting place.
Don’t you ever forget about rule number 10!
