Often as developers we have to solve problems and often without the luxury of time to try out a solution before we dive headlong into implementing it into a project.
Here at GeekyCreative we have come to realise that we can rely on a core set of skills to produce the framework for a development which then gives us more time to look at the bespoke functionality of a project.
Our recent post covered our must have tools for web developers... little applications, libraries and plugins that make a big difference in terms of our development workflow.
Now we turn our attention to creative thinking, just how do our designers produce something unique when time is short and the pressure on. Here are there top tools and tips for increasing your creative design output.
Sketch pad and pencil
Probably the most obvious thing to say, but we still see designers go straight for the Mac when designing for a client. A pencil and paper helps us 'play' with our ideas, park them until later when we can review them before committing too much time and deciding they just don't work. Plus you never know when inspiration will strike - you might not have the trusty laptop handy and then you should be able to trust your drawing skills to capture what's in your head.
Adobe CS
Simply the most awesome image manipulation and design suite going. If you can afford this then it is a must. Every designer on Earth will know of and probably used one of the packages in this collection.
Desktop scanner
For scanning in your sketches and importing into Photoshop or Illustrator so that you can really bring your ideas to life. If your studio doesn't boast a scanner then you should seriously think about investing.
A good stock photo website
As creative people we often look for 'that' image first and then let the colour scheme, fonts and layout follow on from that one picture that says it all. You can't always find what you want on stock sites but you'll get a mood and style pretty close. You can then hang a design around this and if the client doesn't like the picture - show them a million more they can chose from.
Magazine subscriptions
We think it's important to stay current. Subscribe to industry magazines like Create Review or the brilliant Computer Arts. Online magazines such as Blanket are also a great source of inspiration and trend analysis. Your clients will see the stuff in these pages too, so should try and get their first in order to make a good impression.
Music
Anything and everything... turn it up. Turn it down. In the car, on headphones, the studio stereo - everywhere. Somehow music helps our designers tick. If it's the radio we flick between ClassicFM and 6music depending on our mood. From CD and iTunes it can be anything from the ABBA to Zeppelin.
Unfortunately you cannot be taught how to be a good designer, there is a little bit of natural talent needed that you cannot learn... but you can organise your time better and learn where and how you get your inspiration. Each designer is different so you should spend time learning what works for you. For us, the tips above are essential to keeping the ideas flowing.
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