Carrie is a freelance writer with years of experience in web and graphic design. Sports fanatic. Information junkie. Designer. True-believer in karma.
Graphic design is my passion. Seriously. Isn’t it yours too, if you are taking the time to read Design Shack? Whether you use the phrase seriously or in jest, there’s a pretty fun movement on the web of memes that depict this statement. And they probably don’t look like what you’d expect.
The lesson in this ironic meme is that you need to maybe take it down a notch. Graphic design should be fun.
A placeholder image service is a quick and easy way to find images to insert into web projects so that a wireframe or prototype looks more real. It can help other people envision the project and help keep it moving forward.
Most designers try to do everything they can to help a client or non-visual team member see a project during the design, mockup and prototyping process. Often that means putting something together before the content itself is complete.
Here, we’re going to look at four different (and unique) placeholder image services for designers to help you move projects along as efficiently as possible. (Plus, we have a list of reasons why a tool like this might be helpful.)
Everything about my childhood seems to be cool again. The Netflix hit Stranger Things seriously evokes feelings of the 1980s, people are buying classic Nintendo game consoles again, and everything 80s is totally rad, even when it comes to design projects.
And what makes that 80s connection quickly? It’s typography. This decade definitely had a pretty distinct feel. We’re taking a look at the 80s retro font trend with plenty of great typographic options for your projects.
There are countless resources for web designers and developers on the market, but which stand out? We’ve tried to pick some that are new and interesting, based on our experience with web designers and developers.
Below you’ll find short reviews and recommendations of real-life tools for web designers and developers. There are WordPress themes, website builders, design bundles and many more links that we hope you’ll find useful for your next project!
So you think you want to be a UX designer? But maybe you don’t know exactly where to start. Whether you are a student thinking about the future, or in the midst of your design career looking to make a change, the process is pretty similar.
If you put in the work and time, you can develop your skills and start doing more UX work. Today we’re exploring what a UX designer does, along with tips, ideas, and suggestions for how to start out on your journey to becoming a UX designer.
Not all website footers are made equal. While footer design might not be a sexy part of the web design process, a great footer can help users find information, contact you, and better engage with a website. Here’s how you design one that’s functional, and beautiful.
A large footer can also help organize information and make navigating a complicated website that much easier – think about the massive, multi-layer footer on Amazon’s website.
The trick to a large footer is content organization. Once you figure out what the footer design should help users do, it is easier to design a bottom-of-the-page element that you can be proud of. Let’s dive into some footer design tips.
Whether you want to create a blog, showcase a business or organization or sell items online, one thing is certain. You need a great website. SITE123 is one example of a website builder. And it’s different than most of the other options you’ll find for one key reason – it’s completely free.
Getting started – or even redesigning an existing website – can be intimidating. A website builder can be the solution. Website builders are a set of tools that help anyone create a website without a lot of coding or design knowledge. It’s a quick and easy way to get a website online.
Did you know that a great UX proposal can solidify client relationships and facilitate project management? Here’s how you write a UX proposal that will help you manage projects, and strengthen client relationships.
A UX proposal is a document that outlines a UX, app or web design project. It should note what the problem is – what the client wants – and how a solution will be developed digitally. The proposal sets an expectation of work, what will get done, and the timeline for milestones and launch. It is the guiding document for the project that developer/designer and client agree on before work starts so that everyone is on the same page.
If you are working without a UX proposal, you might want to make a change to that process right away.
Picking the perfect color palette can be a little nerve-wracking. It’s something you’ll be committed to for some time, so you’ll want to get it right! Today we’re looking at how to create a color palette, with plenty of tips and advice.
There are a few things that designers who don’t sweat about color always do (and think about), to help ensure that their palettes will hold up over time. Here are some of their tricks of the trade, so you can create a color palette without stressing out!
Almost every team, from the smallest group to the largest company, is looking for an efficient way to manage projects and tasks in a way that everyone can understand.
Finding the right platform to use as a team management tool can be tough, but monday can help.
The tool is intuitive while helping you centralize everything so that your team can be successful. Here’s a look at how it works.
It seems like every brand is on Instagram these days. So how do you create posts that generate engagement and help your images, video, and stories stand out from the pack?
The answer is to use your keen design eye. The same skills that you use as a designer—color balance, contrast, shape, and composition—can help you create Instagram posts that stand out. (It is a visual medium after all!)
Combine those skills with a little social media strategy and you’ll start building a loyal follower base in no time. Here are some tips to get you on the path to Instagram success.
If you aren’t using responsive mockup templates to showcase your website and app design projects, you’re missing out! A mockup template provides a realistic or stylized shell to highlight a design, and choosing a responsive template can beautifully show your design’s versatility.
Most designers use a mockup template to place a website design into a computer screen, tablet, or phone to give clients or other stakeholders a preview of what a finished project will look like. The result is polished and easy for users to understand.
If you haven’t ventured into the world of using one of these tools yet, here are five reasons to use a responsive mockup template. All with some great examples to show you exactly how they work.