Web Design Isn't Hard To Find, If You Know Where To Look
July 27, 2023 | 7:23 pmWeb Design Isn't Hard To Find, If You Know Where To Look
July 27, 2023 | 7:23 pmWeb Design Isn't Hard To Find, If You Know Where To Look
July 27, 2023 | 7:23 pmWeb Design Isn't Hard To Find, If You Know Where To Look
July 27, 2023 | 7:23 pmBeing a seasoned developer is sexy these days and all, but trust us: it isn't as glamorous as many make it out to be. In fact, website design can challenging and often, downright aggravating. Not only does it require several moving parts and strong attention to every detail, but it can be really hard to continually find unique, fresh ideas for new projects. (This is especially true when on operating on a last-minute or really tight timeline.)
If you're someone who feels seen by what I said above, rest assured that you are not alone. It happens to me sometimes, and I know how frustrating it is. To help you find inspiration and get out of your creative rut, here are some tested tactics that have helped me jumpstart my design more than once.
Prior To Doing Anything, Get To Know Your Client
I say it all the time, but it is true: if you don't really know you're working for, how can you possibly create something for them? It may sound small, but simply asking can make a huge impact. Getting a grasp on the client's stylistic preferences before you begin designing will not only make finding inspiration easier, but will eliminate a lot headaches in the future too.
Start By Only Designing A Few Pages
Don't waste valuable time by coding an entire site that either the client hates or doesn't align with their brand. Instead, it is far more efficient the only mockup a small number of pages to start off with. Not only will this likely overwhelm the client, this will focus their attention on defining a global template that can later be used on future pages.
Begin By Mocking Up The "Easier" Templates
If you know a thing or two about SEO best practices, then you're well aware of that a website's homepage is REALLY valuable digital real estate. With that in mind, it's understandable how sketching the wireframe for this particular landing page can cause a developer a bit of anxiety. Instead of stressing out, start with an "easier" template first. (For example, I usually begin with the Contact Page.) Doing so ultimately eases the pressure, since it provides the chance to mess around with various formats while defining global settings for various elements at the same time.
Trust Us: Pinterest Is Your Friend
Don't get it twisted, fam. Pinterest isn't just for decor, wedding or fashion inspiration. This site is truly very powerful, particularly when it comes to finding ideas for your latest web development project. Enter various, random keywords that you associate with the brand's overall vibe and see what you discover. In my experience, I always find something worthy of bookmarking – if not for this specific design, definitely another one!
Look For Ideas On Other Third-Party Sites
Pinterest isn't the only place on the web where one can find web design inspiration. For this one, I'll keep it short and sweet and simply list a few of the top sites that get a developer into the creative mindset.
Behance
Dribbble
DesignInspiration
siteInspire
CSSnectar
Step Away From The Computer & Take A Beat
There are times where the only solution for web design mental-block is to simply stop, step away from the computer and pick it back up later. Sometimes when one looks at the same design for hours on end, it becomes increasingly difficult to see what is actually right or wrong about it. Returning to the project after taking a break ensures you look at your design with fresh eyes and see it with a new perspective. In my experience, both of these things can be the spark needed to ignite your creativity.
Powerful Inspiration Can Be Found Offline, Too
In the same spirit of my last point, vibes felt offline can result in massive shockwaves as far as web design inspo is concerned. I've found that the best formatting and layout muses are often be found in the most unexpected of places when it is least expected. So whether you're on the clock or not, make sure to truly absorb all of your surroundings – you never know what you may discover!
Being a seasoned developer is sexy these days and all, but trust us: it isn't as glamorous as many make it out to be. In fact, website design can challenging and often, downright aggravating. Not only does it require several moving parts and strong attention to every detail, but it can be really hard to continually find unique, fresh ideas for new projects. (This is especially true when on operating on a last-minute or really tight timeline.)
If you're someone who feels seen by what I said above, rest assured that you are not alone. It happens to me sometimes, and I know how frustrating it is. To help you find inspiration and get out of your creative rut, here are some tested tactics that have helped me jumpstart my design more than once.
Prior To Doing Anything, Get To Know Your Client
I say it all the time, but it is true: if you don't really know you're working for, how can you possibly create something for them? It may sound small, but simply asking can make a huge impact. Getting a grasp on the client's stylistic preferences before you begin designing will not only make finding inspiration easier, but will eliminate a lot headaches in the future too.
Start By Only Designing A Few Pages
Don't waste valuable time by coding an entire site that either the client hates or doesn't align with their brand. Instead, it is far more efficient the only mockup a small number of pages to start off with. Not only will this likely overwhelm the client, this will focus their attention on defining a global template that can later be used on future pages.
Begin By Mocking Up The "Easier" Templates
If you know a thing or two about SEO best practices, then you're well aware of that a website's homepage is REALLY valuable digital real estate. With that in mind, it's understandable how sketching the wireframe for this particular landing page can cause a developer a bit of anxiety. Instead of stressing out, start with an "easier" template first. (For example, I usually begin with the Contact Page.) Doing so ultimately eases the pressure, since it provides the chance to mess around with various formats while defining global settings for various elements at the same time.
Trust Us: Pinterest Is Your Friend
Don't get it twisted, fam. Pinterest isn't just for decor, wedding or fashion inspiration. This site is truly very powerful, particularly when it comes to finding ideas for your latest web development project. Enter various, random keywords that you associate with the brand's overall vibe and see what you discover. In my experience, I always find something worthy of bookmarking – if not for this specific design, definitely another one!
Look For Ideas On Other Third-Party Sites`
Pinterest isn't the only place on the web where one can find web design inspiration. For this one, I'll keep it short and sweet and simply list a few of the top sites that get a developer into the creative mindset.
Behance
Dribbble
DesignInspiration
siteInspire
CSSnectar
Step Away From The Computer & Take A Beat
There are times where the only solution for web design mental-block is to simply stop, step away from the computer and pick it back up later. Sometimes when one looks at the same design for hours on end, it becomes increasingly difficult to see what is actually right or wrong about it. Returning to the project after taking a break ensures you look at your design with fresh eyes and see it with a new perspective. In my experience, both of these things can be the spark needed to ignite your creativity.
Powerful Inspiration Can Be Found Offline, Too
In the same spirit of my last point, vibes felt offline can result in massive shockwaves as far as web design inspo is concerned. I've found that the best formatting and layout muses are often be found in the most unexpected of places when it is least expected. So whether you're on the clock or not, make sure to truly absorb all of your surroundings – you never know what you may discover!
Being a seasoned developer is sexy these days and all, but trust us: it isn't as glamorous as many make it out to be. In fact, website design can challenging and often, downright aggravating. Not only does it require several moving parts and strong attention to every detail, but it can be really hard to continually find unique, fresh ideas for new projects. (This is especially true when on operating on a last-minute or really tight timeline.)
If you're someone who feels seen by what I said above, rest assured that you are not alone. It happens to me sometimes, and I know how frustrating it is. To help you find inspiration and get out of your creative rut, here are some tested tactics that have helped me jumpstart my design more than once.
Prior To Doing Anything, Get To Know Your Client
I say it all the time, but it is true: if you don't really know you're working for, how can you possibly create something for them? It may sound small, but simply asking can make a huge impact. Getting a grasp on the client's stylistic preferences before you begin designing will not only make finding inspiration easier, but will eliminate a lot headaches in the future too.
Start By Only Designing A Few Pages
Don't waste valuable time by coding an entire site that either the client hates or doesn't align with their brand. Instead, it is far more efficient the only mockup a small number of pages to start off with. Not only will this likely overwhelm the client, this will focus their attention on defining a global template that can later be used on future pages.
Begin By Mocking Up The "Easier" Templates
If you know a thing or two about SEO best practices, then you're well aware of that a website's homepage is REALLY valuable digital real estate. With that in mind, it's understandable how sketching the wireframe for this particular landing page can cause a developer a bit of anxiety. Instead of stressing out, start with an "easier" template first. (For example, I usually begin with the Contact Page.) Doing so ultimately eases the pressure, since it provides the chance to mess around with various formats while defining global settings for various elements at the same time.
Trust Us: Pinterest Is Your Friend
Don't get it twisted, fam. Pinterest isn't just for decor, wedding or fashion inspiration. This site is truly very powerful, particularly when it comes to finding ideas for your latest web development project. Enter various, random keywords that you associate with the brand's overall vibe and see what you discover. In my experience, I always find something worthy of bookmarking – if not for this specific design, definitely another one!
Look For Ideas On Other Third-Party Sites
Pinterest isn't the only place on the web where one can find web design inspiration. For this one, I'll keep it short and sweet and simply list a few of the top sites that get a developer into the creative mindset.
Behance
Dribbble
DesignInspiration
siteInspire
CSSnectar
Step Away From The Computer & Take A Beat
There are times where the only solution for web design mental-block is to simply stop, step away from the computer and pick it back up later. Sometimes when one looks at the same design for hours on end, it becomes increasingly difficult to see what is actually right or wrong about it. Returning to the project after taking a break ensures you look at your design with fresh eyes and see it with a new perspective. In my experience, both of these things can be the spark needed to ignite your creativity.
Powerful Inspiration Can Be Found Offline, Too
In the same spirit of my last point, vibes felt offline can result in massive shockwaves as far as web design inspo is concerned. I've found that the best formatting and layout muses are often be found in the most unexpected of places when it is least expected. So whether you're on the clock or not, make sure to truly absorb all of your surroundings – you never know what you may discover!
Being a seasoned developer is sexy these days and all, but trust us: it isn't as glamorous as many make it out to be. In fact, website design can challenging and often, downright aggravating. Not only does it require several moving parts and strong attention to every detail, but it can be really hard to continually find unique, fresh ideas for new projects. (This is especially true when on operating on a last-minute or really tight timeline.)
If you're someone who feels seen by what I said above, rest assured that you are not alone. It happens to me sometimes, and I know how frustrating it is. To help you find inspiration and get out of your creative rut, here are some tested tactics that have helped me jumpstart my design more than once.
Before Doing Anything, Get To Know Your Client
I say it all the time, but it is true: if you don't really know you're working for, how can you possibly create something for them? It may sound small, but simply asking can make a huge impact. Getting a grasp on the client's stylistic preferences before you begin designing will not only make finding inspiration easier, but will eliminate a lot headaches in the future too.
Start By Only Designing A Few Pages
Don't waste valuable time by coding an entire site that either the client hates or doesn't align with their brand. Instead, it is far more efficient the only mockup a small number of pages to start off with. Not only will this likely overwhelm the client, this will focus their attention on defining a global template that can later be used on future pages.
Begin By Mocking Up The "Easier" Templates
If you know a thing or two about SEO best practices, then you're well aware of that a website's homepage is REALLY valuable digital real estate. With that in mind, it's understandable how sketching the wireframe for this particular landing page can cause a developer a bit of anxiety. Instead of stressing out, start with an "easier" template first. (For example, I usually begin with the Contact Page.) Doing so ultimately eases the pressure, since it provides the chance to mess around with various formats while defining global settings for various elements at the same time.
Trust Us: Pinterest Is Your Friend
Don't get it twisted, fam. Pinterest isn't just for decor, wedding or fashion inspiration. This site is truly very powerful, particularly when it comes to finding ideas for your latest web development project. Enter various, random keywords that you associate with the brand's overall vibe and see what you discover. In my experience, I always find something worthy of bookmarking – if not for this specific design, definitely another one!
Look For Ideas On Other Third-Party Sites
Pinterest isn't the only place on the web where one can find web design inspiration. For this one, I'll keep it short and sweet and simply list a few of the top sites that get a developer into the creative mindset.
Behance
Dribbble
DesignInspiration
siteInspire
CSSnectar
Step Away From The Computer & Take A Beat
There are times where the only solution for web design mental-block is to simply stop, step away from the computer and pick it back up later. Sometimes when one looks at the same design for hours on end, it becomes increasingly difficult to see what is actually right or wrong about it. Returning to the project after taking a break ensures you look at your design with fresh eyes and see it with a new perspective. In my experience, both of these things can be the spark needed to ignite your creativity.
Powerful Inspiration Can Be Found Offline, Too
In the same spirit of my last point, vibes felt offline can result in massive shockwaves as far as web design inspo is concerned. I've found that the best formatting and layout muses are often be found in the most unexpected of places when it is least expected. So whether you're on the clock or not, make sure to truly absorb all of your surroundings – you never know what you may discover!