It seems like it should be easy to validate email addresses. After all, it’s pretty easy to recognize a valid email address on sight. Shouldn’t that make it easy to validate one with a computer? If only we were so lucky. That Dragon, Email Validation For a long time, web designers worked hard to create […]
Make Sure You Avoid These Security Mistakes in Your Next Project
Whether you’re building a website, application or server, make sure you don’t make these security mistakes on your next project. 1. Insufficient Backups Backups are a crucial part of running a anything online. They preserve your data in the event of a system crash or user error, and they can also save you from security […]
8 Areas of Specialization for Web & Graphic Designers
Some designers prefer the jack-of-all-trades route because it offers more job security. But most specialists would debate that focusing on a particular skillset improves your recognition amongst clients and employers. This isn’t to say you should only learn one area of design and never try anything else. The idea of specialization is to do amazing […]
7 Design Communities for Gathering Support and Critiques
Every designer knows that a project creator often has a skewed perspective when it comes to critiquing their work. When you churn out a project for days or weeks on end you can’t really see it with fresh eyes anymore. This is why input from other designers can prove to be immeasurably helpful. If you […]
How To Design Readable Comment Threads
Comment sections are built for user interaction. Websites are mostly about consumption and comments are a way for readers to share their thoughts with others. But not all comments are created equal, and certain techniques are more favorable than others. In this post I’d like to cover some helpful tips for building readable comment threads. […]
Building a Scalable Identity for Print & Web Design
No matter what field of design you choose to specialize, identity is always something to consider. Whether you’re an icon designer or a calligrapher your job is to work with ideas that match companies and concepts. Identity design generally follows the same pattern for both web and print work. It does cover a wide variety […]
Techniques for Building Name Recognition as a Designer
Breaking into the design world is no simple task. It requires years of practice along with arduous struggles, overcoming obstacles, and of course meeting great people. But this whole process can be eased slightly by creating a recognizable brand around your name. Freelance design is a competitive marketplace and you’ll want to stand out to […]
How To Use Balanced Symmetry in Web Design
Professional designers incorporate many different ideas related to composition. One of the lesser-discussed but vitally important ideas relates to symmetry. This is the process of adjusting page elements so that they align in exactly equal parts. Creating a layout using balanced symmetry aligns certain elements together into groups. There is also value in using asymmetry […]
Tips & Tricks for Designing Uniform Website Icons
Featured image source Beautiful icons are the rainbow sprinkles on top of a delicious website sundae. The ability to craft icons that blend together is almost compulsory. Any UI designer should be more than willing to jump onto the path of icon design. Although it is jarring and difficult, consistent icon design greatly improves the […]
Pragmatic Routines for Improving your Digital Design Skillset
Featured image source The proverbial idea that “practice makes perfect” seems quite sensible. If you continue to practice a certain skillset you’ll eventually master the process and improve much quicker. But practice doesn’t just mean doing the same stuff over and over. To improve at design requires a routine or method of practicing which every-so-often […]