Carrie Cousins

Trends / 13 May 2019

Design Trends: When to Use Them + When to Ignore Them

We showcase a lot of design trends here at Design Shack. Not only is it fun to look at examples of new work, groundbreaking projects, and things that are growing in popularity, but it can also serve as a bit of design inspiration.

You can use trends to determine if your projects look modern, classic or just plain dated. But design trends aren’t for everyone all the time. That trend that looks amazing for one brand or project might be a disaster for another.

So how do you know when to use design trends (and when to just ignore them altogether)? Here’s your primer!

Font Collections / 8 May 2019

6 Tips for Working With Hand-Drawn Fonts

Hand drawn fonts seem to be almost everywhere. But how do you use them in a way that’s different and effective? When it comes to hand-drawn fonts, these tips can help you create something that’s readable and matches the tone of your project.

The hand-drawn font design trend can be somewhat tricky and isn’t necessarily for all projects.

If you do go down this route, make sure you’re approaching it in a way that doesn’t compromise the goals of your design project!

Graphics / 1 May 2019

Data Visualization in Web Design: 12 Stunning Examples

Data, data, everywhere. But what do you do with it? Today, we’ve collected 12 stunning examples of data visualizations in website design to jump-start your thinking about how to work with data.

We live in a time where the ability to showcase data in new and interesting ways can be a huge asset as a designer.

Whether you have a massive collection of numbers or just information that you want to showcase, this design style can be a great tool in your kit.

Reviews / 29 Apr 2019

3 Ways to Boost Your Resume With Parsons at Open Campus

Spend your summer days building on your professional foundation, and emerge this fall poised to take on new challenges. Whether you have your eye on that promotion, a new side hustle, or a career shift, boost your resume by pursuing industry-recognized credentials through Parsons at Open Campus.

Designed with working professionals in mind, Open Campus is The New School’s destination for continuing and professional education, drawing upon the vast resources of the top-ranked Parsons School of Design.

At Parsons at Open Campus, students learn from leading experts at the top of their field, develop professional portfolios for further career advancement, and expand their networks. Courses are available on campus in New York City and online to help you gain future-facing skills while providing flexible study options to fit into your busy schedule.

How do you get started? Here are three certificates offering key skills to make your resume stand out.

Layouts / 22 Apr 2019

Single Page Website Design: 10 Tips + Ideas

Long live single page website design! There’s something almost magical about small-scale websites that fit on a single page. They can be graceful, easy to navigate and provide optimal user experiences in a contained space.

While there was a time when we shied away from single page websites, users are embracing them again (thank you, mobile!) and you should, too.

We’re looking at ten tips, ideas, examples, and suggestions to help spark inspiration for your next piece of web design work. It might be just the right time to keep it simple, and embrace a single-page strategy!

Trends / 10 Apr 2019

Mid-Century Modern Design: An Emerging Trend

Of all the retro design styles that have been trending, mid-century modern design might be one of my favorites. The phrase “mid-century modern” is more than just a staple on home improvement television shows, it’s also a classic art and design style that speaks to an era.

The best thing about mid-century modern design is that it can simplify the complex. It was a popular style in homes and décor, as well as graphic and product design in for decades spanning the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Now it is making a comeback as a graphic and web design trend.

Reviews / 8 Apr 2019

Videvo: Free, High-Quality Visuals for Your Website

Looking to create more engagement or interaction on your website? Video might be the answer.

According to some of the latest data, using video can increase engagement, is a favorite among website visitors and customers, and actually increases overall return on investment. The takeaway? You need to be using video content.

If you aren’t sure where to start, look no further than Videvo. It’s packed with stock videos that you can download and use in projects. Here’s how it works.

Reviews / 1 Apr 2019

Freepik: More Than Just Stock Photos

If you are anything like me, design goodies can make your day. And free design goodies can have me doing a little dance around the office for a minute before getting back to work.

Freepik is one of those tools that might get you on your feet. Their website is packed with highly usable design tools and resources.

We’re going to take a look at what Freepik is, what you can find, and how you can use these tools in your design projects.

Business / 1 Apr 2019

What Is a Company Profile? (And How to Write One)

Whether you’re creating content for an established business or a startup, a company profile should be part of your plan. In this post, we’ll discuss what a company profile is, and how to write one.

A company profile can be an effective way to highlight the business to customers or stakeholders. And you’ll quickly find that it is a vital part of business communication.

It’s a way to state what your business stands for, what your goals are, and where you place your focus. As well as featuring all the practical information that anyone might need to know about your company.

Navigation / 27 Mar 2019

10 Modern Website Navigation Tips & Ideas

One of the elements of website design that you don’t always think about first is navigation. (Although you probably should.) How will users move around the design? How will they find elements that aren’t obvious to them?

Website navigation trends have changed a lot; moving away from overwhelming mega menus to lighter more minimal options. And there’s some value to that thought – too many choices can overwhelm users. Provide the information they need in the space they need it to increase engagement. Don’t throw the kitchen sink at them!

Today, we’ll look at a few modern website navigation tips and ideas to help you do just that.

Freebies / 26 Mar 2019

Exclusive Freebie: Trendy Color Palettes

Today, we’re excited to share an exclusive freebie with you, in partnership with our friends at Vexels. It’s a stylish infographic of trendy color palettes, to inspire your next project!

Whether you’re looking a trendy and modern palette, a gradient tone, some pastel perfection, or golden autumnal gradients, it’s got you covered.

Software / 25 Mar 2019

Affinity Photo vs Photoshop: Should You Switch?

Affinity Photo has been receiving rave reviews from designers and photographers alike, looking for a photo editing software solution that’s not crazy-expensive but has in-demand features. But can it replace Photoshop?

While Affinity Photo isn’t super-cheap, you only have to buy the software (and any add-ons you like) just once, making it a somewhat viable option if you don’t like the monthly subscription fees that come with Adobe Photoshop.

Here’s a look at a few of the reasons you might switch from Adobe Photoshop to Affinity Photo (and a few reasons why it might not be the best fit for you!)