Person before portfolio
It’s time for a radical shift in how we present ourselves as designers.
Macro/micro vision for coherent design systems
How alternating focus between the yin and yang of design leads to the perfect balance of consistency and flexibility.
Inspiration is for amateurs — the rest of us just show up and get to work
Chuck Close describes the designer’s creative process in two perfect sentences.
The Best Designers Are Both Creators and Curators
How to find the perfect balance of new and old, according to your strengths.
Data-Driven Design Is Killing Our Instincts
Valuing data over design instinct puts metrics over users
How to fend off bad client ideas
Trust, clear project goals, and objective feedback creates an environment that repels stupid suggestions.
No, not “everyone is a designer”
Everyone can participate in design, but professional designers show their value as expert facilitators who drive the design process.
One design concept, infinite revisions?
On building efficiency and flexibility into your creative process.
The truth about Art vs. Design
Are you frustrated as a designer because you’re trying to be an artist?
The value of style-agnostic design
Don’t “niche down” on visual style, unless that’s all you want to be.
Fast design vs. quick design
Do you struggle to match the speed of your more experienced design colleagues?
Is Responsive Design Dead?
It’s no longer a selling point when everyone is doing it. And it‘s not impressive if you’re doing a lazy job.
How to give and receive great design feedback
A comprehensive guide for designers and their clients to provide frustration-free feedback and create better design outcomes.
Why good designers can never do their best work
Do you find yourself constantly dissatisfied with your creative endeavours? You’re not alone.
Brand is king. Respect the king.
Tales of trouble when a “good” design deviates too far from its parent branding.
Designing for your clients, or for likes from your peers?
Fancy Dribbble shots, gratuitous animations, tarted-up Behance case studies, and unsolicited redesigns — what do these say about you as a designer?
Designers, kill your labels
Redefine your freelance service offering as a complementary process that delivers your ideal clients the most value.