{"id":38402,"date":"2016-09-05T06:45:41","date_gmt":"2016-09-05T13:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creativemarket.com\/blog\/?p=38402"},"modified":"2024-04-12T02:48:28","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T09:48:28","slug":"design-resolutions-vs-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creativemarket.com\/blog\/design-resolutions-vs-reality","title":{"rendered":"Design Resolutions vs. Reality"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve all been there. With every new project, or the turn of a new year, or with the arrival of a new client – we all resolve that this<\/em> time will be different. No more poor time management, eating fast food for lunch at one’s desk, or accepting a client’s vague feedback. But as much as we’d like things to be different, sometimes there are just inherent struggles that we all have to occasionally deal with as designers. In celebration (or commiseration), we’ve collected a bunch of our favorite design resolutions, and paired them side-by-side with what they end up looking like in reality.\n

<\/span>1. I will name all my layers and documents properly.<\/span><\/h2>

\nIn an ideal world, every filename, every layer, every group, in every document of ours would be precisely named and accurately labelled. The idea is that, if someone else ever takes over a project, they could simply pick up where you left off by looking at your immaculately organized digital assets. In reality, thanks to tight timelines and client expectations, it’s more likely that there’ll always be a few spelling mistakes and errant caps lock labelled layers.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>2. I will spend time on my side projects.<\/span><\/h2>

\nSuperstar designer Stefan Sagmeister likes to talk about the power of time off when it comes to creating valuable ideas. He and his firm once had a policy of spending two months of the year vacationing, and the rest of the time doing client work. The idea was that this recreation time infuses one’s work with freshness and unexpected viewpoints. In reality, whilst we’d all love to dedicate ample time to our side projects and passions, we often end up falling asleep on the couch at 9pm or staring at a blank page when it comes to pursuing additional creative work.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>3. I will sleep at normal times.<\/span><\/h2>

\nWe all know that sleep is good for us. And most of us have experienced the groggy, vague feeling associated with not having enough sleep. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to stay up late watching Netflix or looking at animated gifs (like we did for this article). Oh well, tomorrow will be the night we get a good night’s sleep for sure.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>4. I will keep my work area clean and organized.<\/span><\/h2>

\nWho was it said that your work area should be pristine and orderly so that you may be violent and unexpected in your creativity? Whoever it was, we bet that even they had a messy, coffee-stained desk filled with piles of paper at some point. What’s more likely, is that every so often, every designer’s desk will accrue a certain amount of mess, magic and random stuff. If putting off things is contributing to your project pile-up, these tips on beating procrastination<\/a> might help.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n[[cb-procrastination]]\n<\/p>

<\/span>5. I will get up at 6am everyday and do yoga.<\/span><\/h2>

\nIt sounds good in theory. But so does sleeping in. Forget you, downward dog.\n\"\"\nSource<\/em><\/a>\n<\/p>

<\/span>6. Or: I will go to the gym regularly.<\/span><\/h2>

\nThe times you do go to the gym, you probably feel fighting fit and more productive. But the big problem with working out is that the times you need it the most, are the times when you’re probably too busy to actually do it. If you do make it to the gym, it’s easy to get intimidated by all the supermodels and cover athletes already there. As an alternative, here’s a few ways you can work out while you’re still at work<\/a>.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>7. I will carefully juggle all my projects.<\/span><\/h2>

\nHandling multiple projects requires not only the design skills you already have, but a whole bunch of time management and organization talent, too. It comes naturally to some people, whilst others – especially creative types – find it tough. If it helps, we’ve picked out some design tools that may save you some time<\/a> in future.\n\"\"\nSource<\/em><\/a>\n<\/p>

<\/span>8. I will meditate to clear my mind.<\/span><\/h2>

\nIt’s easy to have the expectation that meditation will turn you into a zenned-out Buddhist monk overnight. In reality, meditating can be a tricky thing at first to get your head around. We do recommend it though.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>9. I will learn more code.<\/span><\/h2>

\nEven if you’re a pure print designer, there’s no harm in learning a bit of code and getting down and dirty with digital every now and again. But we know how tricky programming can be.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>10. I will be nice and patient with all my clients.<\/span><\/h2>

\nIdeally, every designer would have the creative persuasion skills of Don Draper combined with the suave charm of James Bond. In reality, it’s easy to lose your cool when coping with constant client criticism.\n\"\"\nSource<\/a><\/em>\n<\/p>

<\/span>What do you think?<\/span><\/h2>

\nSo, there you have it. Ten ways all designers struggle with resolutions vs. reality. What resolutions do you make as a designer? What struggles do you have? Let us know with your feedback (or gifs) in the comments below.\n<\/p>

Products Seen In This Post:<\/strong><\/p>

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<\/figure>\n \n<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We’ve all been there. With every new project, or the turn of a new year, or with the arrival of a new client – we all resolve that this time will be different. No more poor time management, eating fast food for lunch at one’s desk, or accepting a client’s vague feedback. 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