Logo design, logo designer | Top 3 most important design tools known to man and woman

15 spot-on reader comments to “Top 3 most important design tools known to man and woman”

1. Dinner, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   Nice! I totally agree with you!

   I’ve decided to keep a sketch pad beside my computer so when I think of something I can sketch it up real quick. Our teachers have actually told us and MAKE us do sketches and thumbnails before taking our work to the computer. It makes it a lot easier by drawing it out on paper first.

   Imagination is also a great tool, I guess it does go along with the brain though ;) Also, having no fear. Don’t be afraid to stick your neck out and do something crazy, the results might be greater than expected.

2. Mat, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   Nutritious breakfast?

   Maybe that’s why I’m no good…!

3. James, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   Sketch pad…couldn’t agree with you more. When I do my designs I like to sketch design and dimensions. That way when I go through and make the CSS it is a breeze.

   I seem to lack the nutritious breakfast part:)

4. David Airey, on March 25th, 2007 said:
   Dinner, that’s great to know your teachers are having you sketch. It’s the fastest way to get those thoughts and ideas documented for later revision.

   Mat, James, don’t underestimate the power of a hearty meal. ;)

5. Aaron, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   I’d put a nutritious breakfast at number one!

   That said, I agree wholeheartedly. I’m studying interactive media design and from day one we’ve been taught to demonstrate the progression of ideas from the brainstorm, to thumbnail sketches, to more developed conceptual sketches, before we go anywhere near a computer.

6. Bret, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   Nice! I think you could add a 4th item to the list: practice/experiment. I don’t think good design comes out on the first try (at least it never has for me). While some may criticize this list for its simplicity, I think that’s what makes it so good. We’re all guilty of looking for a “computerized quick fix” at one time or another for something (design, organization, etc), and in that pursuit forget the basics. Thanks for the reminder.

7. David Airey, on March 25th, 2007 said:
   Aaron, it’s also great to know that you create thumbnails and conceptual sketches before venturing near a computer. Of course, having the nutrition at number one is no doubt a large component of your success too.

   Practice is a nice addition, Bret. Only the most extremely talented designers can produce design that works without first creating a number of options. Even then you might argue that it’s a fluke (a stroke of good luck).

8. Char, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   Here are my insights:

   1. Caffeine - gotta have that first cup of coffee and then I will consider breakfast.

   2. Spiral notebook with sketches in it. I keep this as a running idea book. Some of the ideas get used, some never do.

   3. Long walks. Once I get an idea or an inspiration, I go for a walk or something else away from my desk to let the idea mature and take its own path.

   So, these are not too far from your original tools - just my version of them.

9. Beth Ellen, on March 25th, 2007 said:

   Hmm.. Well, I DO have a sketch pad and pencil. :)

10. David Airey, on March 25th, 2007 said:
    Char, thanks for eventually getting your comment posted. I know you were having some problems and I appreciate you letting me know.

    If anyone else is having problems with their comments I do apologise. I’m going through some changes.

    Coffee before breakfast eh? I’d love to say it’s fruit juice every morning for me, but alas a good coffee is hard to beat.

    I totally agree with long walks helping inspiration. There’s a hill overlooking the city which isn’t far from my flat (apartment) and I love to climb and take in the surroundings.

    Beth Ellen, don’t be selling yourself short now, okay? ;)

11. Ian, on March 26th, 2007 said:

    I’d have to put a hand-written to-do list on there. Not an online or software to-do list but a handwritten one. I re-copy mine every day on a fresh piece of paper when I’m busy and once a week when I’m not. The freshness of the to-do list is like a window into my soul.

    It’s the only thing that keeps a busy designer sane, I think.

12. Lorissa, on March 26th, 2007 said:

    I’m with Char - I have to have the coffee, or tea. Sitting with my sketchbook or notebook with a cup of tea or coffee is the best way for me to get started.

    I have to second Bret’s mention of practice as well. I think many people forget this and think they can just go from beginner to expert in a flash.

    I’ll throw in: a good night’s sleep (or day if you are a 3rd-shifter or vampire). Although during crunch times I can get work done as needed and with minimal sleep, when I want to be truly creative, I need my sleep.

13. Nathan Nash, on March 29th, 2007 said:

    breakfast is probably the best meal of the day.

    I like the changes to your blog.

14. David Airey, on April 2nd, 2007 said:
    Lorissa, that good night’s sleep is a nice addition. I know full well the joys of just a couple of hours sleep before starting again.

    Nathan, I’m glad you like the changes.

15. Burak Önal, on July 25th, 2008 said:

    Nutritious breakfast?

    Maybe that’s why I’m no good…!

    Burak Önal’s last blog post…Google’dan Wikipedia’ya rakip

What are your thoughts?

Simply fill in the form below. All comments are moderated so you may experience a short delay before your comment appears. Comments should be respectful of other voices in the discussion. I reserve the right to edit or delete comments at my discretion.