I think that I’m learning that images are okay in web design. That probably sounds elementary, but it was a huge roadblock to me. Especially in blog theme design, things that can be created dynamically are important, but images can really go a long way. I’m definitely guilty of creating only the header image and carrying the rest of the design with color and typography. Hey, I’ve been doing web design since 2001 and I wasn’t that great at Photoshop (Elements, by the way) so I guess colors and text was all I had working for me.
Along with learning that images are okay, I’m learning to pay attention to details. I cranked out one client’s site and realized it was just blocks of color, no depth. This can be effective, sure, but I can do more than that. That should be a starting point, sure. But then I can build on top of that to take the design a little farther.
Even if I’m bursting with ideas about details, I note those in my sketchbook, and the first mockup I make is straight up color and typography, no textures, patterns etc. I try to think about how I want headlines and dates and copy to appear now instead of thinking about them as a detail I’ll iron out when I get to the CSS part. This way, I’m also more likely to play with little detail images (ie. a talk bubble to display comment counts rather than just a simple box), rather than just style everything with text or background colors. With the first clean mock up, I’ll have a file that’s easy to change when revisions from the client come along. (*Note, I could also probably do this part in a vector graphics editor like Inkscape, to make the change of colors and shapes easier.) And just when I think I’m done and I can rush on to the pretty part, I sit back and see if there’s any other little details I could add, like some rounded corners or something like that. The next mockup is the spruced up version, with any effects (shadows, textures, etc), much more like what the “real” site will look like.
Another thing that might help is spending more time in the sketchbook, before or during a mockup design. I’ve been one to rush this part, but it’s really important. Make yourself sit there and think about little details you could add, including styling of text. Carry a theme throughout the design, don’t just rely on the header image to carry a look. Of course, there will always be things that come along as you design, but starting out thinking about details will help you not rush that part.
Little things like this can take a design from “this will do” to really making it kick awesome.
You know, little things like this: Five Minute Upgrade: Making Your Design Pop from Build Internet.
Or, 3 Ways to Add Depth to Any Website with CSS from Zurb.
