Open Thread: What Makes You a Good Designer?

good design

Today I’d like to try something new and have a fun discussion on what makes someone a ‘good’ designer. What’s your opinion?

I think it will be exciting to talk and compare opinions on what it really is the makes you a good designer. Hopefully you can even come away with some new thoughts on how to be better!  

Give it Some Thought

It sounds pretty straightforward, but give it some thought- what is the underlying gift/skill/experience that really makes the difference between mediocre and excellent?

What Do You Think?

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Written By Nick Parsons

Nick Parsons is a web enthusiast, designer and developer from Houston, TX. When he's not plugging away with jQuery and WordPress, he enjoys backpacking, reading, and walking his beagle. Have any questions? Feel free to give him a holler!

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Webitect Comments8 Comments

  1. Marlowe

    January 29th, 2010 at 04:48 pm

    In ascending order of importance:

    experience managing projects
    technical knowledge
    story telling ability
    listening

  2. hmatic

    January 29th, 2010 at 04:58 pm

    I think, it’s not necessary to go to school to be good designer, you can also learn designing by tutorials and good design sites like this or you can just practice. Because practice is 97 % and talent is 3%.
    Some good designers could copy some free icons, its not bad as long as makers of that works accept using it and sharing.
    Some people are born with design savvy, but like i said, its maybe even less then 3 %, others aquire it.
    I think you dont need Mac for designing, all you need is some computer that works and desinging program on it
    Greetings,
    hmatic

  3. Kevin

    January 29th, 2010 at 05:04 pm

    1 – Not necessarily, but a good education can take you further, faster. 2 – Both… Steal concepts that have worked for others in similar situations. Copy elements of past designs that are stuck in your memory. 3 – A balance of pragmatic and creative thought, considered observation, and critical thinking. Good writing, typography and illustration skills also help. 4 – All humans are born creative problem solvers. Its what makes us different from the other animals. Those who remember that become savvy designers. 5 – Do carpenters only use one brand of tool?

  4. Nick Parsons

    January 29th, 2010 at 05:09 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, htmatic! I agree that practice and experience is more valuable than raw talent, and that you don’t have to have a Mac to be a designer (although it certainly is a good choice!).

  5. Andrew Edwards

    January 29th, 2010 at 06:07 pm

    A good designer borrows ideas, a great designer steals them. That’s what i heard anyway. My studio manager always says you’re only as good as your last job, so I guess consistency makes a good designer!

  6. sheena

    January 30th, 2010 at 04:56 pm

    I think anyone who is naturally artistic and creative can make a great designer. In my opinion you can be taught a lot of things and read every book under the sun, but at the end of the day you’re either creative or you’re not and I think it’s that little thing that differenciates a good designer from a potentially great designer. Anyone can be taught to play an instrument but not everyone can write an amazing song! For me personally i like the fact that i’m able to use both the left and right side of my brain… it helps me to do my graphic & web design job equally well :)

  7. Nicole Dominguez

    January 31st, 2010 at 10:00 pm

    I’m a good designer, because I understand what looks good and what doesn’t. I am a creative soul, creating art wth my hand to the digital world. I’m constantly learning , and learn something new everyday. My skill is always improving, and I try my hardest with anything I design. That’s what makes me a good designer. ;)

  8. Nick Parsons

    February 2nd, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Those are some great thougts everyone, thanks for sharing!

What Do You Think?