Great Ideas, Great Execution

Many times, I see great behind the scenes posts, and before's and after's, and I see how that great (logo/design) sketches are poorly executed. It shows the idea is there, but the execution isn't. Here are some ways I believe one can improve on their design execution:

1. Do Your Research: I know it sounds pretty basic and is something you most likely do already, but doing in-depth research on a particular style you're aiming to achieve will help you execute it better. Look at a lot of similar work people have done in that style, create a mood board and continue to look at each detail. If you're not sure how a particular thing was achieved, find it.

2. Let the Details Bother You: There's a lot of balance involved in design and things can feel off very easily. Few more pixels of space on one side over the other and everything begins to feel weird. Be extra meticulous when designing (especially logos). Balance is key.

3. Train Your Eye/Taste: It's better to know that you don't know, than to think you know when in fact, you don't. A good eye knows when something is just not there yet, and high taste will ensure that you keep working on it till you match that taste. High taste sets you apart.

4. Spend Time on it: Sometimes, you actually just need to give yourself time to figure it out. Great work takes time, and more time means the work gets better (in most cases). Allow yourself spend time on your work, and don't be in too much haste.

5. Be Great at Replication: Pick up great designs done by other people and replicate it as you see it. Learning to do this means you're inadvertently learning the design decisions they took while designing that thing, and hence making you better. (Caveat: Give credit, always)

6. Keep Looking at Great Work, and Don't Stop Looking: Honestly, you don't know how much this helps your mind. As a designer, make sure Instagram is your best friend. X (Twitter) is great, but the sheer amount of talent on Instagram, my goodness. Don't sleep on it.

7. Read Design Reviews: Learn how other designers talk about designs. I really don't think Twitter encourages this particularly because it's easy to lose the plot here. But design reviews are really good, and reading them shapes your mind and decision making.

I hope these tips help you make your designs better. They're most likely things you've heard before, but I do hope they help.

Be seeing ya!