Archive for the ‘Graphic Design’ Category
Do you produce better graphic design work under pressure? - Part 1
As you may or may not know, Eightyone Design is made up of two designers, myself (Lucinda - or Lu) and my partner Steve. A recent project (which had an extremely tight deadline) caused us to have a (heated) discussion as to whether we produce better design work under pressure or to a distant deadline. This brought up two very different opinions on the subject so we decided to post our very different points of view.
This is the first of a two part blog post in which I explore the idea of not only working more effectively under pressure but also producing better quality work when working to deadlines. The second part of this blog post will be published in a few weeks and will see Steve delve into the arguably blissful world of no deadlines or pressure (to make sure you do not miss out on the second part of ‘Do you produce better graphic design work under pressure?’ be sure to subscribe to receive free updates from the Eightyone Design Blog by email or via RSS).
Part 1
I have to admit I quite enjoy working to a deadline. There is a certain buzz about having a great long list of items to complete before the day is out. For me there isn’t a better feeling than leaving the office knowing I’ve done a good days work. I believe that the quality of my design work is considerably better when working under pressure and here are a few reasons why…
Clear Objectives
Before starting work on a design (whether I’m pushed for time or not) I ensure the objectives for the project are pinned up in my direct view ensuring I stay on the correct design path without trailing off. However, when I do have extra time to spend on a design I find myself saying, “I wonder what it would look like if…”. Most of the time this leads me off on a creative tangent that results in the creation of something that’s not quite in line with my objectives. When I don’t have time to creatively wander off I stick to my design brief and therefore create a piece which hits the creative nail on the head.
Deadlines
Deadlines are a great way of drawing a line under a project. We, as designers, are perfectionists. We have all experienced the ’stared at it for too long’ syndrome in which no matter how many amendments, tweaks and finishing touches are added, we are still not happy with the end result. Having a deadline can cut out this endless attempt at perfection ensuring that all the elements in the design are there for a reason and haven’t been altered in an attempt to reach that fruitless goal of perfection.
Communication Lock Down
There’s nothing worse than really getting into a project and being called away just as you feel like you are getting somewhere, thus loosing your mojo and having to try and get it back again. At the end of the day, we are running a business and as such have to answer phone calls, reply to emails and attend meetings. I find this constant interruption really does affect my design process. Hence why, when I am under pressure, the phone gets put to answer machine, email and Safari are closed down and even itunes is switched off ensuring my focus is entirely devoted to what I am creating. Again this allows me to stay on track and not get influenced by the frustrating phone call I’ve had from a supplier or whimsical music which has unearthed itself from my music shuffle.
Conclusion
Overall I believe I do produce better design work to a deadline because I am more focussed. I am not distracted by my desire to “try something a little different” or my need to discover the worlds most perfect design (or simply by the telephone ringing every half hour). Nothing is driving me apart from the objectives for the project and the messages that are to be communicated from the piece. This may sound harsh and it sounds like I am taking the fun out of design, but I feel that this level of concentration allows me to develop much better design work.
The final note I shall leave you on is nothing to do with the quality of work you produce but the fact that you are trying to run a business. It cannot be cost effective to spend a great deal of time on a project all in the name of art. You will find yourself working long hours for less than minimum wage. Pressure and deadlines forces you to create a design on time and on budget allowing you to make a profit.
Do you find yourself working better under pressure? Do you agree (or disagree) that working under pressure allows you to create a more focussed end product?
Tags: Freelancing, graphic designer
Posted in Freelancing, Graphic Design | No Comments »
What should a graphic designer wear?
As freelance graphic designers we enjoy a lot of freedom; the freedom to work from home - in a comfortable environment, the freedom to work the hours that are suitable for us and the freedom to decline projects that we think just aren’t right for us.
One freedom I particularly enjoy, which I’ve never really noticed until now, is the freedom to wear what we want. From working at home in your favourite jogging bottoms or your fluffy pj’s to meeting clients in jeans and Led Zeppelin t-shirts, we have the choice to present ourselves as we see fit.
I usually dress quite smart, particularly if I am meeting a client (especially if it’s for the first time). It’s often the norm to find graphic designers, photographers and artists in a more casual dress code and I believe it is acceptable due to the creative industry we are in. I don’t think it compromises our professionalism or work ethic. I love the Mac vs PC adverts and think the difference in dress demonstrates the difference between a “creative” and “non creative” excellently.
However, do you ever feel under pressure to dress a little more quirky or colourful due to your job title? I was recently off to meet a client for the first time and looked at my outfit and thought I looked a little dull and I needed something to show I was a “creative”. Everyone has heard of wearing a bright tie in an interview to make them stand out from all the other candidates, so do you think that as a graphic designer you are under pressure to make a statement with what you wear? If so what happens when you get this wrong? Could it do more harm than good?
Overall I think it is a practical choice to work in something comfortable rather than having to sit in a stiff suit for eight hours a day. And when it comes to meeting clients I believe there is no right or wrong in our industry it all depends on how you prefer to be seen.
So what do you think? Do you think that as a graphic designer it is perfectly acceptable to dress down? Or do you think this damages the industry and makes us appear too relaxed and casual? Have you ever felt the need to dress a little quirky to define your role as a stereotypical designer?
Tags: dress code, freelance, Graphic Design
Posted in Freelancing, Graphic Design | 3 Comments »
Why does everyone think they are a graphic designer?
I am probably right in saying that not many people would tell a mechanic how to fix your car, or lecture an electrician how to re-wire your house, so why does everyone think they can tell a graphic designer how to design? Friends and family all constantly give me creative advice and critique my work, which I don’t mind at all, but sometimes I do have to grind my teeth and say the classic “That’s a great idea, but perhaps not quite right for this project” line.
Don’t get me wrong I have no problem taking criticism, especially from my clients as I will never understand their markets as well as they do, so creative collaboration and co-operation is fine in that respect. I also fully appreciate that as humans we are all creative beings in our own right and each have an individual sense of style. However I can’t help but think that graphic design as an industry is one that everyone thinks they could dip their toe into if they wished, therefore devaluing the whole industry. So, why do a lot of people think they could be a graphic designer and have the right to hand over golden nuggets of creative advice? Possibly for the following reasons….
Mummy’s little designer…
Everyone is told by their parents as a child (and sometimes as an adult) that their glitter / poster paint /chalk drawings / models / creations are fantastic and that they are ‘ever so clever’. So if you are constantly told this by the people who mean the most to you, you are going to think you have a heightened sense of design which may be hard to shrug off.
24/7 Advertising
Everyone is constantly bombarded by a range of advertising, promotion and branding which unless you head to the hills you cannot escape. We are all media trained from an early age and are subconsciously absorbing design left, right and centre.
“Design” Software
It is very easy for everyone now a days to open up Microsoft office and play around with clip art, word art and various templates to create some sort of design. This in my eyes doesn’t necessarily make that person a ‘designer’, but giving people instant access to this kind of software makes people believe that could hold a graphic design title if they want. Moey gives us a great insight in to his experience with this in his article ‘No, I’m Not A Graphic Designer’ in which he states he deserves a better title than ‘Graphic Designer’ to separate him from the wannabe’s.
So if it is true that everyone in the human race is creative what actually defines a graphic designer?
Training
Whether it’s self taught or through University or college, a true graphic designer should be able to navigate through their tools (whatever they maybe) with ease and grace and not rely on cheap and overused filters and effects to create their work.
Constant Creativity
A graphic designer has trouble turning their creativity off! Marnie B has a great list of comical anecdotes about hard core designers, a lot of which ring true. As truly creative beings graphic designers eat sleep and drink design and relish wallowing in this creative lifestyle.
Marketing
Anyone can create a logo or design but will that concept be right for the intended market? Graphic designers are able to choose the right concept and convey those messages in a clear and concise way.
There are probably 100 more points to define graphic designers that I’ve missed! But what are your thoughts on this, what makes a real graphic designer? Do you feel that the creative industry is devalued by the volume of wannabe’s? What do you say to people when they give you creative solutions or suggestions?
Tags: graphic designer, wordart
Posted in Freelancing, Graphic Design | 24 Comments »
20 Stunning Music CD Cover Designs
My iPod is pretty much permanently attached to my hip. It is definitely my best friend and I never go anywhere without it. Music enhances my day, improves my mood and certainly helps get those creative juices flowing.
I was flicking through my album art and was surprised to find what an awesome selection I had so thought I’d post a few of my favorite covers and see what you thought?
3 Not So Stunning Music CD Cover Designs
Unlike other purchases (a bottle of wine for example) you don’t choose the music you purchase based on the cover, however I still get let down when the cover doesn’t reflect the music, like this album art from The Killers for ‘Mr Brightside’. To me, this design portrays a bit of a ‘Bond’ type feel which couldn’t be further from the type of song ‘Mr Brightside’ is.
This recent release from Iglu and Hartley has entered the top 20 (and I really like it) but the CD Cover design again does not reflect the song at all. In my opinion the song is heavily inspired by 80’s music but this cover has a more of a grungy feel.
And finally, maybe I am missing something but I can not see what the image used for the Dario G album ‘Sunmachine’ is trying to portray. It’s a great shot but I am not sure what it is saying and how it reflects the type of music it contains?
Is there any particular album covers that you adore? Or are there some that got you screaming “that doesn’t do the song any justice!”? We’d love to know.
Tags: album art, Design Inspiration, music
Posted in Design Inspiration, Graphic Design | No Comments »
8 Items a Graphic Designer Would Take Back to School
Well it’s that time of year here again in the UK, where you feel that chill in the air, the summer is practically over and children are getting ready to go back to school (if they haven’t already!).
I can’t say that I remember being particularly thrilled about putting on my uniform and heading off to school. However, I do have fond memories of choosing my new stationary and art supplies. I remember visiting our local Woolworths and WH Smiths trying to find the coolest pencil tin and matching pens (not that it mattered as after the first week I would have scratched my latest crush’s name on to the pencil tin and loaned out all my pens!). So I thought I’d take a look around and see what was on the market for students nowadays in the stationary department. I have to say I was very impressed with my findings and may have to put some of these items on my Christmas List (yep… you heard me… Christmas List, the count down has begun people!)!
In primary school your social status was determined by your lunch box and to be honest everyone would want to be in my gang with this retro Dr Pepper lunch box. In fact it’s times like this I wish I worked in an office just so I could stroll in with it!
This has to be my favorite find - the tape tape dispenser?! Genius! I don’t think I would have any use for a tape dispenser at school, but I would have found one.
Now I was always fussy about erasers and they always had to be those massive ones that have the power to rub out anything (or carved up and thrown at people). However in the name of good taste (get it!) these cake rubbers would have been a great second choice.
And to go with cake erasers what better than a chocolate slab calculator?
These cool Crayola pens are right up my street!
I’m not sure if kids today need a usb flash drive for school, but you can’t get funkier than a C - 3P0 Star Wars drive!
I love this tokidoki “Kaiten Sushi” journal, it’s bright and the illustrations are bold and fun.
And where would I put all my precious finds, well I’ll tell you… in my awesome Jam Factory backpack!
Do you have fond memories of choosing your supplies and heading off to school? Are there any items that you’ve spotted that’s made you wish you were still a student? Let us know as we’d love to add them to the list so please feel free to post links!
(Disclaimer: Please note we haven’t shopped at any of the above online stores and as such can not verify the quality of service they provide)
Tags: Design Inspiration, design products
Posted in Design Inspiration, Graphic Design | 5 Comments »