Ways to Design at Lightning Speed

Some of the world’s best designers – and even the best designers where you work – all have something in common: Many of them know how to work at lightning speed. And the work is still good.

While part of this speed work comes with experience, some of it is comes back to solid work habits and great time management. Working quickly and efficiently can be great for helping you make good with the boss, and for freelancers, taking care of tasks quickly can result in the ability to take more jobs (and increase your earning potential).

So how do you get faster without sacrificing quality? Here are seven tips that you can start using today.

1. CREATE SHORTCUTS AND STYLES

No matter what software or tools you prefer, a set of basic libraries, styles and presets will make your life easy. That’s not to say you use the exact specification for every project, but it establishes a starting point so that you can switch fonts, colors or layouts with just a click.

One of the first things you can do is establish a set of universal quick, or shortcut, keys for all programs you commonly use. (I love the “Duplicate” function, but every piece of software uses a different keystroke combination; I always create my own cmd+d, so that the command is universal and not clunky.)

Take this a step further and create basic styles for common text bits – body text, headlines, subheads, captions, quotes – with quick keys. Then when you need to change a font, size or color, styling is universal. (This can make work in Adobe products a breeze and can dramatically speed up the prototyping process before the first line of code is even written.)

2. ORGANIZE CONSISTENTLY

There’s no right or wrong way to organize your design files. (We aren’t getting into that here.) What matters is that you have a consistent system for how you do it.

If you organize files in the same manner every time, using folders, layers or labelling, then you will always know where to find things as you move through iterations of the design. Other members of your team will appreciate this consistency as well, because it will make it easier for them to use your projects as well, while understanding the filing system.

This applies both to how you organize objects and information within files and how you create and use folders outside of the actual project file.

3. HAVE A GO-TO LIST OF TYPEFACES

For the projects that don’t come with a set of typography specifications, it can help to have a short list of go-to typefaces to jumpstart projects. Your arsenal should include a couple of serifs, and few sans serifs and one or two novelty or script options for special use.

You won’t always end up using typefaces from this “de facto palette,” but it will get you moving quickly on the overall design outline. It will help provide a starting point for font pairing combinations that you can actually show a client almost immediately (and get a feel for how they react to those type styles).

Bonus tip: This concept works great for color palettes, too.

4. HOW TO USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

Using the right tools for the job can make all the difference in the world (and prevent a lot of rework later). Think of how many times you’ve come across a logo in a raster format when the right tool is vector-based software, such as Adobe Illustrator.

This applies to every aspect of design work, both for online projects and printed materials. As a general rule, anything that’s part of a branding scheme or might be needed for multiple uses (logos, characters, iconography) should be designed in a vector format. You can also scale it down or save other files types, but you can’t go from a gif to a scalable image. One time use objects and elements can be designed using small, raster formats or with CSS tools.

Remember, no matter what file format you need for the final version, save everything in a native file for easy access later. Native files are a lot easier to edit and adjust. 

5. USE PREMADE PARTS

Repeat after me – you do not have to create everything from scratch to be a good designer. Particularly when it comes to website projects, use available kits and tools as appropriate to speed up workflows. Most buttons don’t look that dramatically different; it’s ok to start with a kit that includes buttons, icons or other user interface elements. And it will save you a lot of time.

If you plan to use some premade parts of kits, invest in a high-quality option that’s easy for you to edit and adjust. A set of buttons won’t do you any good if the colors or fonts can’t be altered. (While you are looking for user interface kits to help you get moving quickly, grab a couple of nice mockups as well. Clients love seeing their projects displayed in this manner.)

6. CUT OUT THE CLUTTER

A clean workspace makes for a happy designer. Cutting the clutter comes in two phases when it comes to your digital space:

1. Keep files and folder clean and free of old versions or materials that aren’t going to be used. Project files and folders should only contain usable materials. If you want to store older versions, set aside a specific location for those elements.
2. Clean your computer of distractions so that you can work without checking email or Facebook or getting lost in shopping online. (Admit it; this has happened to everyone.) When a project is pressing or even if you are just “feeling it,” turn everything else on your computer off (especially those pesky notifications) so you can focus on the work at hand. You’ll finish sooner and then have time for all that extracurricular activity.

7. START IN BLACK AND WHITE

Every good website starts with a solid wireframe. That mantra can apply to the design of any element. Whether you start with a sketch on paper or screen, a black and white outline can be the first step to creating something with plenty of practical application.

Used as a tenet of logo design, a black and white concept is something most projects will need to include at some point anyway. (You might need to use the design in single color printing or all white over a hero header image.)

You’ll end up doing a lot of backtracking if your design won’t work in these ways. An efficient process starts with black and white and then color and details are added once the black and white concept is finalized. 

CONCLUSION

Ready to get faster? Start at the top of this list and work through the tips until you are starting to shave time off design projects. The key to working at lightning speed (and staying good) is focus. There are so many distractions that take us away from good processes and work practices, go back to the basics to get reacquainted with good workflows.

And good luck. Becoming a quicker designer takes time and patience. Give yourself room to grow.

Creative Commons photos in this article are from Unsplash.

10 Great Reasons to Become a Graphic Designer in 2017

It’s the time of year when one naturally reflects on the past 12 months and starts to consider new year resolutions — the things we hope to accomplish when we launch ourselves back into the routine after the festive break.

Many people who approach Shillington at the turn of the year are considering their next career move. They’re usually feeling a bit stuck and keen to try something more creative. If you’re the same and you’ve always dreamed of becoming a graphic designer, why not make 2017 the year you finally take the plunge? Doesn’t matter how old you are, or indeed what skills and experience you have — you can always change paths.

But before you do anything else, consider the following 10 reasons to become a graphic designer in 2017, and see whether you should take the leap.

1. Learning will be a daily thing

When you’re a graphic designer, your work will never stop evolving or improving. There will always be new challenges to overcome. New problems to solve. It’s a never-ending whirlwind of discovery and invention. You’ll make mistakes. We all do.

If you’re still not convinced, take inspiration from Paula Scher who eloquently once said: “It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.”

2. Design will always be in demand

In the age of automation, when we’re constantly being told that our jobs will one day be taken over by robots, you can be rest assured that graphic design will always require human thinking and creativity. It’s an essential cog in the world of work; one that is required for any brand or business.

From simple business cards and printed materials, to packaged goods, websites and advertisements — it’s unstoppable. Visual communication will live on, and it takes a designer to imagine all its possibilities.

3. Design opens up so many different career paths

You’ll be able to add value to any workplace, not just a design studio. Design is something that no business can live without. If an agency isn’t quite for you, perhaps you might want to venture into editorial design and work for a major publisher? Or join an internal team at one of the world’s biggest sports brands? Your career path is open to so many exciting routes.

4. Designing will boost your problem-solving skills

Creativity is crucial for any business. Steve Jobs of Apple once said: “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with the liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”

It’s for this reason that graphic design will enhance your problem-solving skills — not just because you’re overcoming common issues for clients; but because you’re encouraged to consider the bigger picture. What will your design solve? How will it add value? How will it achieve a brand’s goals? Design will boost more skills than you realise.

5. You’ll enjoy working as part of a team

Graphic designers are rarely alone; they’re often part of a creative team or working closely with the client, collaborating to come up with the best possible solution. You’re likely to get to know PR professionals, copywriters, marketers, advertisers… you’ll probably work with senior management and be expected to consult with company directors.

Your role will rely on many business relationships; the knock-on benefits of which will only boost your skills and experience — especially your ability to effectively deal with different personalities.

6. There’s (usually) no need for a suit and tie

Hate stiff white shirts and uncomfortable blazers? Relax. Graphic designers tend to have more relaxed work attire these days. T-shirts, jeans and trainers are practically the uniform. You can’t be creative when your arms struggle to move in a formal business suit. Clients won’t mind either. It’s widely accepted that designers dress a certain way, and that’s alright with us too.

7. Your career path is unpredictable

Think you’re just going to follow the herd? Design can take you to places you never thought possible. You could secure a job at a studio on the other side of the planet, or find that your employment means lots of travel to far flung places. You might even go solo and launch your own studio some day. The possibilities really are endless.

8. You could see your work in lights

How would you feel if you spotted your work on a billboard? Or in a magazine? The sense of job satisfaction can be overwhelming. It’s your creativity up in lights, for everyone to see. Nothing beats the feeling of contributing to something that you know will inspire many people.

9. You’ll change the way you see the world

When you walk down the street as a graphic designer, you’ll see things in a completely new light. It’s because your job will become your life. You’ll find inspiration in everything you see and do, saving ideas for your next project. Design brings a new perspective, and encourages you to get out there and discover new things. From art galleries and architecture to clothing and accessories — your life will be full of creative wonder.

10. You’ll never stop being inspired

Prone to boredom? Easily distracted? Design will always leave you feeling inspired. Trends will develop and change, keeping you well and truly on your toes from one day to the next. You’ll never know what’s around the corner. And for a career choice, that has to be the most inspirational.

Essential Design Trends, May 2016

Website design sure does look happy these days. Maybe because Spring is in the air or maybe there’s just a good vibe going around. Either way, the trends in website design this month are reflective of that upward feeling, with cool icon-style illustrations, big photography and bright color choices.

Here’s what’s trending in design this month:

1) Icon-style illustrations

It’s hard not to love a great illustration. Some of the best illustrations we are seeing right now have more of an icon-style feel to them. The comes with a few key characteristics:

• Flat and simple illustrated elements (note how all of the tiny illustrations are combined in the Confederation Studio site)
• Bright color or simple coloring featuring primary hues
• Geometric shapes with an interactive purpose
• Elements with the look and feel of the icon, minus the container, so visually you see it as a drawing and not a button
• Hand-drawn illustrative effects
• Elements that looks like icons, but take up considerably more space on the canvas than an icon
• Simple line-style drawings (such as the style from Draw a Better 2016)

What’s cool about this trend is that it works to incorporate an element of whimsy into a design project without feeling overwhelmingly whimsical. It creates a nice balance of handmade and professional. It also takes on a somewhat more masculine feel than many of the other trends that focus on whimsy, such as watercolor or hand-drawn script lettering.

Even if you aren’t an illustrator, this is a trend you can take advantage of. There are plenty of vendors—paid and free—that create vector-based icon kits. Look for a kit that includes all of the actual shape files so you can pull apart pieces, change colors and mix-and-match parts to create oversized illustrated iconography for your projects.

2. Larger than life photography

A big, bold photograph or image makes a stunning first impression. That’s why so many designers are selecting larger-then life images to draw users into their website designs. This design element can be surprising, interesting and be a great alternative if you have one or two great images, but not a large library to work with.

But you have to willing to get a little uncomfortable to get there.

To make the most of the larger-than-life photography trend you need to be willing to do one of three things with the design:

1. Crop a photo so tightly that it takes up a significant portion of the screen, so that the image is scaled to a proportion that’s larger than reality
2. Zoom in to an almost uncomfortable level with images of people and faces to show every detail
3. Stage a standard photo but add an element that’s different or interesting in a way that’s a little unexpected

All three of these techniques might be quite uncomfortable at first. Intense crops, super-close faces and oddities can all make you a little uneasy at first. Approach the visual for this type of design a little differently. Start with the biggest or oddest option possible. Then back off in small increments and evaluate how you feel about the image. Chances are you might end up going back to one of the earlier options.

By taking this approach you allow yourself to see the design and imagery in a different way. That’s what makes this trend so striking—the images are different. They draw users in because the shapes, crops and overall styles are so unlike most of the websites a user lands on every day.

3. Bright color choices

Bright, bold color is in. The trend has influences rooted in Material Design. Even though Material is an interaction-based design style, some of the visual components are gaining traction on their own. This applies to color in particular.

Why use a Material-style color palette if the rest of the design is not Material? It’s a simple way to add a trendy element to a project without a full-scale redesign. You can almost add a bright color and leave the rest of the design alone with just a few tweaks to the CSS or imagery.

What is Material color? There’s no perfect definition, but here’s how Google describes it: “Color in material design is inspired by bold hues juxtaposed with muted environments, deep shadows, and bright highlights. Material takes cues from contemporary architecture, road signs, pavement marking tape, and athletic courts. Color should be unexpected and vibrant.” –https://www.google.com/design/spec/style/color.html

If you are interested in creating a Material-based color palette and need a starting place, try Material Palette. http://www.materialpalette.com/

The bold color options are beautiful and stand out against many of the more subdued minimal-style projects that have been popular. Bright blues, greens and yellows are especially popular as accents in the color palette. The trend seems to be focused on touches of Material color, not full-scale color palettes.

For a project that really wows, it takes a more than just a bright color. The mood of the project should be equally bright.

• Note how Lefty pairs bright green with images of happy, smiling people to create an overwhelming positive mood.
• BNP Paribas uses a bright green to bring users into a game-style interface that is set against a darker backdrop.
• Big Drop uses a bold yellow (and blue, red and green on the scroll) with light images and a fun typeface to draw users in, making the business site seem less formal.

The trick to adding in hints of Material Design-inspired colors is not to lose your branding. Don’t redo your entire color palette based on a trend; rather find a way to incorporate bright color without overwhelming the design. The example uses are great ways to think about it—use a simple colored shape as a visual element, try a boldly colored headline or use bright color panels to create a more immersive interactive experience for users as they scroll down the page.

Conclusion

It’s great when a few trends can just make you happy. That’s what this group does with color and with type choices and with imagery. Maybe it’s not just the influence of spring and we’ll continue to see these elements in even more designs in the months to come.

What trends are you loving (or hating) right now? I’d love to see some of the websites that you are fascinated with. Drop me a link on Facebook; I’d love to hear from you.

10 Things You won't ever Believed Regarding the History of Graphic Designs

The world of graphic design is like a vast ocean that’s replete with numerous secrets! During past many decades, graphic design has evolved with a dramatic pace! It seems as if there has been a spate amongst graphic designers to find new and innovative ideas in order to make it easy for businesses to stand out in the market and make a deep impact on their consumers, prospects, affiliates and the entire market.

Graphic designs such as professional logo designs, creative web designs, social media page designs and a host of other such designs are essential for effective branding of businesses. In fact, experts and industry insiders believe that a business goes nowhere without great graphic designs. Here you can find out more about the best graphic designs for your business in your budget.

For graphic designers, it’s important to get acquainted with the history of graphic designs to understand how it has evolved over the years and how its past has helped shape the present and future of the designing arena worldwide.

So if you are curious to explore the history of graphic designs and see how it has evolved over the years, here’s a little smattering on 10 cool facts that is sure to blow your mind away.

1. Logo designs are believed to have started in the 13th century when ancient Egyptians branded domestic animals with hieroglyphs to mark their ownership.
2. Graphic design began with the Sumerian pictographs and Egyptian Hieroglyphics during 2500 BC to 1400 BC.
3. Typography emerged in the mid-1400s using re-usable Meta. Johann Gutenberg was the one who developed the first ever movable type. Claude Garamond opens first type foundry, developing and selling fonts to printers in 1530.
4. In the 18th century, letters were designed basis the mathematical drafting principles. Ornamental typography also started in the 1800s. First sans-serif font was introduced as one line of a book.
5. In the late 1800s, Art Nouveau emerged as an international art style and soon took the world of graphic design by storm.
6. Helvetica font was introduced to the world in the 20th century and soon it became one of the most used fonts.
7. Pop Art and Psychedelia became popular graphic design styles between 1960's and 1970's.
8. In the mid-1970s, designers paid more attention to word spacing, distorting type, typewriter type and collage.
9. From the 1990s forward, street style design became popular. Typefaces were mass produced and marketed for computers.
10. The world’s first ever website was launched in the year 1992.

These are just some of the many interesting facts about the history of graphic designs. The aim here is make you understand how graphic design and its elements have evolved over the years. If you are a designer, you’ll definitely find a new lease of inspiration with the colourful history of graphic designs.