Why why why!?

The number 1 question we ask as graphic designers is "why." If you are in the design field and you don't use this word often you may want to revamp your tactics. The building blocks to great design is built around information. Successful design solves problems constantly and consistently conveys that outcome in a visual presentation.

The reason we ask why.

Literally almost every statement a client makes when explaining what they want their design to look like can end with the designer asking, "why?" Don't get me wrong. Don't be rude about it but in a professional way cater the question to the project to gain the big picture. Even more so, we ask it to ourselves. The reason behind this is that when we ask questions, we build a solid base of why a design exists, what it's for, and all the small building blocks thereafter that make it feasible and affective. It's almost equivalent to slapping various shapes on a canvas versus sentences. Shapes are more visual and interpretive whereas words are informative and direct.

When asking why in the overall context of a project, we will create more captivating and solid distinguishable work. Don't just slap some baloney against a wall and walk away.

Everything has a reason.

As an effective designer we should know that everything we do has a reason or purpose. Being creative and making things look good is all fine and dandy but, we should always have reasoning behind WHY it is the way it is visually and logically. This sets the amateurs apart from the pros and everybody wants to be a pro bro!

Think about...

Why am I using this typeface? 

Is it more legible with the current design? Does the style match the client, audience, or project?

Why is the project this size? 

Is it affordable or within budget? Is it logical for the situation at hand? Does it need to be that size? Is it too small or too large?

Why were these colors chosen? 

Are they representative of the client? Are they feasible in the specification of the project? Do they work with the design direction?

Why are these elements placed there? 

Are they aligned to something? Are they breaking the grid for a unique design aesthetic? Are they placed in order to lead the viewer to see something a certain way?

The examples can go on and on. The more we know, the better reasoning for the design and the more effective it will be. One of our favorite quotes at Picsul is,

Have reason for your design implementation and know why it's done that why. Be not only a creative, but a smart creative!

Cheers,

-Picsul

Share the Love and Get Inspired

There are 2 major road blocks that cause creative stallings among designers. They tend to revolve around the lack of inspiration and a feeling of monotony. Design is like a funnel and everyone knows that if you don't keep feeding it, it eventually will run out. We must stay fresh and green otherwise it’s easy to burn or fizzle out creatively. There are many ways to gain inspiration and it may be different from person to person. Some people like books, blogs, websites, and with social media as prominent as it is today there is plenty to reach from. These are all great tools but with that being said, sometimes the best direction to take in order to gain inspiration is to leave your desk, get out, and explore! Not too long though… withdrawal. 

There is so much out there to see, learn from, and you never know who you’ll meet. On a recent excursion to get out and do just that, I picked up my trusty DSLR camera and headed to the park to brush up on some street photography. As I headed down the sidewalk surrounding the large lake of Eola Park, I came to a bench that dawned a lone weathered man surrounded by artwork. Only in Florida for a short period but interestingly enough it wasn't the first time I saw this mobile artist while there. It seemed daily that he moves from point to point around the downtown area, finds a tranquil location and starts sketching away. At each point he scatters his work around him as he draws. Sketching flowers, birds, and anything that catches his eye, the man’s name is Roosevelt Hall. 

As I went to take a shot, he briefly said “No thank you” with a smile and I gladly pulled my camera back. We exchanged words over his work and I decided to buy a piece to show my appreciation of his craft. He directed me towards a featured newspaper clipping which he carries with him proudly and allowed me to snap a shot before we parted ways. His passion to be creative without any thought of reward or recognition is what I found most commendable. Just by staying flexible and breaking routine he stays creative and happy to do what he does. If you're ever in the Orlando area and come across this gentle soul, be sure to check him out! Share the love people! Get out and explore because inspiration is everywhere.

Picsul's tips to break monotony and get inspired:

Get Out and Explore

As creatives we are visual. Be spontaneous. Getting out and seeing things helps us gain experiences and causes the creative juices to start flowing.

Take Pictures

Photography in itself is creative and also when you take a picture that you think can be used for something in design it gets your wheels turning.

Take a Different Route Than Usual

Seeing the same things and people everyday gets redundant. Break the cycle and it’s possible to see and experience new things that you wouldn't normally.

Curious? Check it Out

See a park you’ve never been to? Go. See a trinket store you've always passed but never been? Go in. You never know until you know. Experiences produce ideas.

Share

Sharing helps the world go round especially in the design and professional world. It helps gain ideas, inspiration all while networking.

Any other ideas? Feel free to comment and share. Until next time, be sure to share the love!

Cheers,

-PICSUL C