Being a designer involves more than just creativity, concentration and cups of coffee every day. Usually, designing involves working within a limited time window, that is, according to a client’s demand, and provides an output that doesn’t disappoint. But like any other creative head, designers are bound to make common mistakes at least once. Of course, mistakes are often avoidable.
However, there are some designer mistakes that are so common in their community that they’re somehow integrated in the final output.
Here are some of the biggest and most common mistakes designers make:
Improper Comprehension of the Brief
Designing takes effort and time, and so creating an output that doesn’t make the cut for the client is not just a waste for the designer, but for the client as well. Carefully read and comprehend your client’s brief, and evaluate what it is they want before you start with a project. Ask for clarifications, if need be, for a more efficient workflow.
Wrong Typography
Your text’s typeface matters as much as the visuals so carefully assess, whether free fonts on the internet would be sufficient for your work or if investing on paid options is needed. Moreover, remember to be critical in the selection of the font family as well as kerning, as it will play important roles in the overall appearance of your text.
Saving Format
When saving a draft of your work, remember to be mindful of the format you’re saving your work in. Don’t waste your time working on it, only to remember that you’ve saved your work using the wrong format.
Not having your work proofread
Yes, proofreading doesn’t just apply to writing. Upon completion of your design, resist hitting the attach button immediately. Have somebody check your work for errors such as spelling or other minor details that you would otherwise leave unnoticed.
Overdoing the Symmetry
Symmetry is easy on the eyes. However, remember that overdoing it could make the design appear boring. Don’t be afraid of brining variety to your design to keep it interesting!
Designing at the Speed of Light
You’re working within a time limit. You’re under a budget, and you can’t risk being dormant or slow. Although fast editing is ideal, it puts the quality of your output at risk as well.
Designing is a creative process, and creativity is something that you just can’t push within a certain time limit. It usually takes time.
Missing the Deadline
Deadlines are not solely for clients. Sometimes it helps to have a different deadline for yourself to know when you should start on your project and determine the pace of your work.
Create a schedule for yourself that will coincide with your deadline with the client. There are a lot of factors why we miss deadlines, but it doesn’t mean it’s completely inevitable.
In any profession, mistakes come with the territory, especially if you’re new to the field. Even the most experienced designers have committed some of these mistakes. You’ll just have to keep an eye on these mistakes and learn from it.
