The idea of the perfectionist designer who goes over every pixel with a fine comb and always strives to produce near perfect results is little more than a myth and it is a damaging one.
In reality, the truly creative mind has flaws like any other human, and needs constant feedback. Design is a learning process; true designers cannot work without a clear set of rules.
A designer creates aesthetically pleasing objects that serve a purpose for their clients. But, what are the real facts about designers? How do they really operate?
Problem solver
Part of being a true designer is problem solving and productivity. Merely designing something and tossing some prettifying glitter over it is not enough if it doesn’t work as intended. Your main goal is to approach and solve someone else’s problem in an efficient matter.
A good designer can focus on the objective and successfully incorporate utility and beauty into one package. If it is not helpful to a client’s business then you should scrap the idea. Ask yourself “How will this help my client?” not “Does this look good to me?”
Identify and understand your problem. Break everything down into simpler steps. Devise a plan to get a solution. Then implement your plan. Avoid useless eye candy at all costs and review whether your plan was successful after you are finished.
A designer should make an everyday effort to positively influence the environment by integrating sustainable alternatives in your projects. Identify the things you can do in your studio to save energy and resources.
Setting and understanding goals
One of the first rules of design is setting and understanding goals. Having established goals allows you to focus on what you need to do and why you need to do it. For a designer, setting goals keeps them grounded and prevents them from doing needless design tasks.
Know what’s important, keep a small notepad in your bag or pocket. Write down your goals for a project and how you plan on achieving them. Also, determine your desired result and center your plans around it.
A designer thinks before starts working
True creativity requires careful planning and thought; you have to have an idea behind your work. You will never know as much about your client’s business as they do, but part of your job as a designer is to at least try.
Before embarking on a project, learn as much as you possibly can about your client; their business space, their goals, their competition, and their history. Dedicate some time to research. Ask a lot of questions and base your work on any information you receive.
Know your clients and handle them well
In order to understand your client’s needs and wants, you must build a personal relationship with your client. Don’t be afraid to ask your client questions and establish a selling point. If there is something in your design that a client doesn’t like, remove it immediately.
Remember, your goal is to sell your design and impress your client, not impress yourself. Try to do what’s expected of you to the letter, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to make a sell.
Promote your work to your client and introduce them to the best concept. Take note of the differences between your design idea and theirs and explain why your concept will better solve the problem. Help them achieve their business goals and make sure you have a good working relationship with your client. You may have to work for that person again, and having a good working history together will make rehiring you easy.
Any information about how much money the client will make from your design is a strong selling point, so be sure to present data or numbers.
We are designers, primarily tasked with solving the communication problems of others. Using one singular style or direction for multiple clients or projects will rarely be successful and, in retrospect, will look one-dimensional.
Talk to your clients and don’t be afraid of them
Good communication skills with your client are key when selling or making a design. While listening to your ideas, being questioned and your hard work picked away at bit by bit isn’t very pleasant, constructive criticism is by far the most effective way to grow as a designer.
When speaking with your clients, be respectful, confident and professional. Focus the dialog on the business aspect of the design. Clients do not care how stylish the design is, they care how the design will improve their business.
Enlighten your client on how you arrive to your design. Your client will more than likely lack design knowledge, so you must educate them on the design process and how it works. Keep it simple, but don’t talk down to a client.
Be assertive and show your passion for the project, it will encourage your client to present you with challenges and it will sell your idea. Exude an air of confidence; even the slightest bit of fear or uncertainty on a designer’s part could spell trouble for a client.
Conclusion
You start on the right or wrong path as a designer long before you reach your first project. Accept failure and welcome praise, and trust in yourself as an artist. Stay knowledgeable and keep track of everything.
While you shouldn’t make your projects about you, you can certainly reveal your hand as a designer through your work. Be confident in yourself and develop a personal approach to your creative work.
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