Even if you think the design will only be used digitally, it doesn’t hurt to start with the highest resolution in mind. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready!
Design Edge
If you're spending more time second-guessing your work than creating, there are some fundamentals you can learn to master your craft and become a more confident professional.
Designer Diplomacy
The design industry thrives on pettiness, but you don’t have to. Hand off files professionally, archive everything like the digital pack rat you are, and remember: what goes around comes around. Former clients remember how you treat them—and they come back for it.
Some Clients Will Never Be Happy
Some clients will never be happy—and that’s not your failure. This is a truth designers learn with experience: not every client can be satisfied. Not every project is a win, but the ones that aren’t don’t get to define you.
Are You Designing for… You or Your Client?
Ask yourself this question on every project: Am I designing for me—or for the client? When you remove your ego from the equation, you can design objectively and handle feedback like a champ.
Making Your Designs Work
You’ve got the spark. You’ve got an eye for design. Now you just need some fundamentals to make your work work. Design confidence comes from knowing why something works—and how to fix it when it doesn’t.
Use a Consistent File Naming System
Keep your creative files organized by developing and using a consistent file naming system. It will make your life easier.
Content Cleanup for Designers
Designers don’t just lay out content — half the job is cleaning, translating, and politely fixing whatever lands in the inbox. This covers the everyday cleanup tasks that keep projects moving and save your sanity.