What would you do?
Imagine you own my three blogs:
davidairey.com
logodesignlove.com
identitydesigned.com
You have a combined readership of more than 200,000 subscribers and you attract 1M+ monthly Pageviews. But you want to do things better. You want to contribute to positive change in the profession and you want to give more back to those who have been returning week after week, year after year.
What would you change?
What would you remove or introduce?
How would you do things better?
As a small incentive to those who offer suggestions I’ll sign a few copies of Logo Design Love and ship them anywhere in the world, no charge.
I’ll draw five book recipients from the comment thread on Monday 16th April and notify each by email. I’ll update this post with names, too.
P.s. The offer’s still open if you want a mention in my next book.
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Update: 16 April 2012
I’ve drawn the five winners: Julie Oakley, Brandi Koepke, Ricky Patrick, Christine Roy, and Mark Scott Carroll. Each of the five have been sent an email to ask for mailing addresses. Thanks again!
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88 appreciated comments on “What would you do?”
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I would add some tutorials or advice posts you could write for people who are breaking into freelance graphic design and need tips from seasoned designers.
That’s really rather generous, your articles across all three sites have been super helpful for me so I don’t know about “giving something back” seeing how each article is essentially giving back to your subscribers and they are also the reasons why people subscribe. Cheers!
What’s better than already owning Logo Design Love? A signed copy of Logo Design Love.
A topic about good young designers ala Breno Bittencourt and Gert Van Duinen would be interesting.
Maybe a sharp review on current trends and micro trends too.
I’d fix the url link for logodesignlove.com above — it currently links to logodesignlove.co/m which fails! But I’ll think of some other ideas too…
Allow the users to choose a subject for one of your blog posts once a month, from a selection list you provide, once a month or something like that.
Allowing your reader-base to have some influence over the content.
This would still allow the posts to be about stuff you wish to write about, however it allows more interaction with your readers.
I love the sites but would like to see more about the process of the work. You do this a bit with the sketches in the portfolio section, but I would love to see this expanded upon, both by you and any guests you feature. So many sites showcase the work, I’m always more intrigued by the thought process of how you arrived at the solution.
Hi David,
I already have a copy of your Logo Design Love book. Excellent read and have used it as a reference book multiple times since. No need to win a signed copy. Just wanted to say thanks for all you do to contribute to the quality of design on the internet.
Nothing would inspire designers and artists more than the work you do being shown from beginning to end. The process always seems to inspire me.
I like seeing the beginning research and mock ups to the failures and final drafts.
I also enjoy finding out what inspires artists and designers to create. We are always looking for new inspiration.
Being creative is work but being inspired can come from something quick, easy, and often surprising!
Thank you!
I would love to see some interviews with some industry experts! I love seeing professional designers discuss what they love doing and sharing their stories. I know you probably have plenty of connections to pull this off.
I’d combine them and simplify. I subscribe, read, and visit your sites, because I like to read what you have to say. It doesn’t matter to me which blog it’s on or what the name is. You should combine them and start advertising with buysellads.com or another provider (as a side note using a provider is much easier that doing all the billing yourself). Make some money on the fact that you’ve been so successful at blogging, and the fact that you’re a published author. As far as a paid subscription model, I wouldn’t pay to subscribe, much for the same reasons I don’t pay for a ton of channels on TV or pay for Hulu+. Good luck!
A single, combined RSS feed would be quite nice …
What if there was a design for love workgroup that could be hosted and ran locally by facilitators in every city. You provide the materials, challenges, and assignments on your site, and designers, or future designers work through them every week at coffeehouses, libraries or computer labs. You could charge for a class login, or facilitator fee, and then update the design challenges and assignments. People like me who haven’t gone to school will have a chance to learn more design fundamentals, and do real-world design challenges. There could also be a place where you can post your designs for constructive critique and feedback. It will benefit the design community as a whole, creating better designers, and better designs, and could also be a form of some passive income for you. Each week you could feature some of the best students in the workgroups and give incentives for each project. The possibilities are endless, and the design community as a whole would benefit from it.
Sometimes I wonder whether it’s a good idea to have more than one blog. Many of your readers might prefer to go to one address. I know that I haven’t added your other two blogs because I have too many addresses on the list of blogs I visit, but I’d like to read what’s on the other blogs if I didn’t have another address to visit.
What would you change? / QUIT OFFERING SO MUCH GOOD DESIGN INSPIRATION. Haha, I don’t know about the rest of everybody, but I already keep up with quite a few news sources. It might be helpful to combine articles, cross post, or maybe… combine a blog/website or two?
What would you introduce? / Maybe some additional writers?
How would you do things differently? / Coming from someone who’s been a designer and developer in the past, all I can say is this — keep doing what you’re doing! It’s a tough world when it comes to design, and you’re doing well with your work!
I think better navigation through each area would be helpful. It may be a bit confusing for first time visitors.
Might be an overboard idea, but how about an online collaboration with your readers for an actual project?
Not sure what I’d change…maybe some video tutorials or talks or interviews?
Hi David,
I really love the inspiration your content brings. I have been working in this business for 16 years and I have realized it’s easy to get pigeon-holed in a certain area such as editorial or retail. I would love to see webinars on various topics such as how to break in to different areas of design for an example. I imagine there are many who would pay to watch your advice to the design community. Just my two cents. Keep up the great work and thank you!
Hi David,
I always enjoy your articles and your responsiveness (as I’ve emailed back and forth with you quite a few times) and this is another example of you willingness to engage your audience.
A couple of suggestions:
More process driven posts – I think most of us would be interested in seeing more start to finish concepts (whether your own or case studies).
Guest Authors – Allowing the community to contribute adds to the overall sense of community.
Engagement – I like the approach that Brand New uses to engage the community to offer opinions. Not sure how that would work in these environments, but may offer an idea thread of possible engagement activities.
Personal Engagement – you are the value (not, necessarily, your blogs). Posts that include your “personal voice”, I see, as having the most value.
Idea Generation – community driven ideas for posts. Possible approach – poll 3-5 post ideas, community votes and decides. other approaches – not sure of implementation (get satisfaction, forums, etc.?) Some type of forum may require too much management – simpler alternative?
I’m sure I can generate a few more ideas. I’ll mull it over and post as I think.
Thanks David!
Maybe you could have a featured reader/subscriber of the month. You could provide a bit of info about how they became interested in design and feature a few of their projects. For non-designers you could have them discuss designs created by others that they like.
First, thank you kindly for the work that you do and share.
In addition to many of the previously mentioned suggestions, I would be most interested in reading insights on different methods design professionals and their clients can “measure” the success / impact to their bottom line upon the implementation of an identity design, a brand makeover, new marketing campaign or redesigned internal communications, etc.
For many non-creatives, our discipline is perceived of as being subjective and intangible. My thought is to bring a “measurable value” to these various professional types (our clients), serves to validate what we deliver and all that goes into it.
Again, thank you!
I think the most challenging thing about posting regular entries on a site or blog, is keeping it fresh for any readers. I have tried a lot of challenges on one of my smaller blogs, which is a fun thing to make and read. It could be picking a day a week to post answers to questions you are asked.
I have also started doing sketch a day, were I am doing one page a day of my sketch book. I have posted the images on various sites, and people have given me good feedback about it. I think it might break down some of the barriers that may exist between reader and the writer.
The blogs are all very complete, maybe once in a while include interviews with other designers or people that inspire you.
I would love to see one very in-depth article on your process, beginning-to-end.
Introduce: Case studies and in depth examples. I see that your upcoming book is essentially this, but I would really like to see articles covering all aspects of logo design, and have that organised (and filled in over time).
There are things sometimes too specific to write about, such as how you go about identifying key areas to research for a logo/identity design project. Research is important but you can easily waste time looking into the wrong things.
This could be done on any three sites and is occasionally touched on in various places (such as your portfolio) but it’s not comprehensive or organised into a single knowledgebase.
Another alternative is to accept reader submissions that you analyse and disseminate in an article. It could be done as your thoughts on aspects of the project, interview style or whatever. The end result is seeing a real project and your professional opinion on it (not just the visual side of things but the whole methodology of the designer).
I would like to see you personally offer a monthly webcast meeting, focusing on a narrow subject area, chosen by poll results involving your regular readers.
David,
Thank you for inspiring me each morning when I go through my RSS feed. It’s always good to read your blog posts.
I have only two things to mention which would make it even easier for me to read your blog:
1) I would love to see these sites responsive or mobile friendly so when I’m travelling, it’s easier to read your blogs.
2) I would love to see the actual production how Identity starts, being designed and being spread on different products.
Again, thanks for inspiring David, appreciate what you do!
I personally think that you are doing a great job with your blogs, but I agree with few of the comments above. I would like to see more about the process of designing in general, your personal and other designers way to research and start a project. Parts of the process that you and others have overcome to be at the level that you are. Of course some case studies from the beginning to the end would be great.
I love your blogs, but I would enjoy reading more about integrated internet and interactive design of the future. How brands go further, how logos are going further and being molded by viewers rather than designers and companies.
Maybe postings of brand stories that went so wrong, beyond just design failures or missteps, but connections that were missed. I think that both students and experienced designers would benefit from that. Maybe feature more visitor blogs.
All in all, love your stuff!
Hey there David,
I think it would be incredibly interesting to talk about the future–in particular, the future of branding and the use of the basic elements of design.
What would you change?
- Remark on the future of branding and the designers role as a communicator
What would you remove or introduce?
- Cross-industry perspectives to create collaborative projections about possible design-related trends and issues
How would you do things better?
- Begin a podcast
You are doing a great job already, but it’s admirable that you are always looking to improve. I’d personally like to hear about the business side of the process. i.e. the back and forth between designer and client, what designs get rejected and why, etc. That kind of thing fascinates me.
I would love to see more tutorials or information for students directly out of school looking for resources on contracts, etc.
Thanks for all the amazing work.
Design submissions from subscribers that want constructive criticism of their work. This could be from you or other subscribers.
The podcast/broadcast/Q&A with David and other industry professionals would be great, similar to what James White used to do (http://www.signalnoise.com/live/).
One thing illustrators often do is post their daily warm up sketches. If brand designers do something similar it would be really interesting to see their daily doodles, off-the-cuff process squiggles and so on.
Process is always gold.
Great job as it is David!
A few changes I would like to see:
- More portfolio pieces (I like seeing your work).
- Video (think Chase Jarvis and Fro Knows Photo).
I love this blog just as it is. I have just started studying graphic design and find it really helpful. I have yet to buy your book but the blog is great to get some real-world insights. I have never really looked at your other blogs, but maybe you could combine them all together? I will check them out now though! I have read some of the other comments here and I do think case studies from start to finish would be really interesting.
I really like the idea of Logo Design Love workshops and webinars. I would definitely attend a webinar if it was in my student price-range. I am probably a bit older than most graphic design students so I am trying to absorb as much as I can! Hope this helps, thank you :)
Candid interviews or guest blog posts on “the one that got away”—projects that got derailed or had rough starts that might cover:
• inability to get get accurate information from clients
• getting concepts through
• addressing client changes or contradictory feedback
• insights on what the designer could, should or did do differently
• dealing with design-by-committee with aplomb
• how to address changes to scope, especially if budget is an issue
…and more fun stuff.
Especially important is the awareness that even top designers struggle with these things. Revealing a bit of the sausage making can be instructive, if not just, validating.
And congrats on your huge readership.
Being brutally honest, I’d like to see ID and LDL combined. I enjoy both sites, I just want to limit my time on the internet as I’ve got lots of work to do.
Webinars would be great (especially if free!). I’ve done a few myself and they’ve been very well received.
Another thing I’m doing (through my other website) is some online courses, both free and paid. I’m sure a lot more people would be interested in a David Airey Design Course.
I also think more posts on the design process from your perspective would be interesting. The kind of things you look for, the places you draw inspiration from, any limits you have/place on yourself, etc.
Finally, a signed copy of your book would be splendid!
What about trying to find a way to showcase talented up and coming designers? maybe you could open yourself to submissions of work from students or freelancers who are new to the business and then every week pick one with a small bio and shocase of their work and add in some contact details. As you would know, that first big break is really important and I think this would be a great place for internship or junior spots looking to get filled. Not to mention adding it into your resume, i.e. “I was featured on David Airey’s website this year.”
Also maybe a section to act as a sort of classifieds, where you can repost featured internships and junior positions from around the world, I know I for one would literally move anywhere for that perfect job.
Basically I think that with your supscription base, you could have a major impact on helping designers get work, which I think is turning into one of the biggest problems facing the community for new graduates.
Also, like everyone else I would definitely be interested in seeing some more of your processes. Things that you have found with time to be the most important.
You offer a wealth of information on your sites!
The only thing that would be an added bonus is a listing of where you go for inspiration or what favorite tools, plugins or apps you are moved by or use the most. (Providing doing so wouldn’t compromise any time saving methods you might employ in client work creation.)
Love your work!
I’m with Jeiel Cherreguine on this one. It would be really cool to have the community on this site join together under your direction for some sort of large-scale project. Maybe a collage of small fan based pictures of their own logos creating a larger picture of your own logo or something. That would be pretty cool to see and be a part of.
Make them into one site, have a section where users can submit work for your expert feedback, interviews with industry experts on various monthly topics suggested by readers.
Awesome sites, David, I learnt a lot over the last couple of years!
I have been a fan of your blogs for ages and the be honest, I didn’t even know that you had the ID blog, so I would seriously think about combining LDL and ID. I don’t see how you have the time to run three beautiful blogs and do actual design work as well. How do you manage that? Do you have a life?
I agree with the comments that showing the design process is always really interesting and helpful, especially when things go wrong, or not as planned.
I also really like book reviews. There are so many design books on the market, it’s useful for me to read reviews by an expert.
Hi David
How about a critique platform. I too am focused on giving back to the community that has given me so much. Couple of things I’m working on is a critique platform, a platform to help fight design theft (both of these are in idea/concept stage at the moment) and the AntiSpec campaign.
Best,
Mark
Hey David,
I’m inspired by your works and happy to review them again and again. This is good training before I start to design anything.
What I’d like to see is your own master class (if you haven’t sponsored it before) where you invite designers and share your experience with them. I wish this event to be online so people far from you could become a part of it. Your works are great so I believe there are a lot of people who are interested in taking interviews with you. Even though I haven’t acquired your book yet, I learned a lot from your blogs. Thank you for that.
Hi David,
I would first like to understand what is the main driver for your desire to change. This would then help you/your readers make suggestions.
All 3 sites handle a similar subject in slightly different ways. The fact I have all 3 sites bookmarked shows that I see them as individual works in their own right. I would however like to see one of the sites look at the concepts and ‘birth’ of a logotype, to help understand the essence of the design and to also show people the work and thought that goes into developing a new brand or mark.
Best Wishes
Ian
Hello,
I would like to see something that is not directly related to graphic design to break the monotony. I had in mind for example Thursday with David – TWD or any other day each week where you would summize your last week or tell us about your plans on upcoming weeks, write about your thoughts on some major world issues, maybe point people to some charities from time to time. This would help the people to get to know you even better.
I don’t know, this are just my two cents, but I think some change from usual routine would be nice. Keep up the good work!
Best Regards,
Mihael
Based on your subscription numbers and the fact people return week after week, I would say keep doing what you already are. I read the blog when I want a fresh idea when designing userforms and other UI aspects of spreadsheets. Good work. Just keep a good diversity of topics. Thanks.
Hey David,
Well this post is buzzing. I’ve read about half the comments so far. Some outstanding advice from your readers.
For me, I agree with everyone that said that they went to hear more from you and more of your opinions. I discovered your book first, which naturally led me to your LDL blog (which I love as I’m into logos) but that being said. DA is ultimately my favourite blog because of the fact it is more personal.
It sounds a little silly really because you’ve told us so much about yourself already. We know that you’re married, like 5-a-side football and even know what your favourite movies are. But there is just simply no substitute for reading about your experiences, thoughts and opinions on matters.
The fact is, in my eyes post-wise, you’ve done it all and said it all. One of the only ways that I can see you improving is to stay consistent. You’ll be known as one of the greats David – because the School of David Airey has taught so many. Thanks again :)
What would you introduce?
- Guest posts and interviews with give a good spin on things;
- Real-life issues faced by designers (i.e. working for self; clients etc);
- More tutorials / posts to help designers improve;
- Drive a rare competition for designers (i.e. a fictituous project brief). Invite entries and then follow up later 1 month later and dissect the best entries -> encouraging discussion and dialog between designers.
How would you do things better?
I think if you could encourage more discussion on the sites that would be a very interesting thing and would help encourage repeat visitors.
Some video tutorials would be super awesome!
Hi David,
If there’s one thing that I would like to see at last is someone not being so taboo about pricing. I mean the subject of pricing alone is one of the reasons Graphic Design as a whole is devalued.
Look at all the cheap (and I use the word cheap in all its meanings) logos you can get over the internet and from almost anyone who can use Photoshop. These days everyone is a self-thought Designer and unfortunately not all “Real” Designers and/or clients are educated on the real value (and I use the word value in all its meanings) of good intelligent design.
More precisely I would like to see some figures ($$$) exposed and explained and put into context. Example for such project you charged this much and why.
Pricing is obviously a topic to be covered in your forthcoming book but I think most of us would take benefit if you can share some professional experiences in regards to logo pricing.
Other than that keep doing it the same way you always have.
Thanks
I’ve just recently discovered your blog, it’s very impressive, interesting and informative.
One thing you could add, would be a crit section, budding artists/designers could send in their work and you could showcase it, give constructive criticism, possible competition?
The information offered in your blogs is interesting and engaging. If I were to suggest any changes to be made I would ask for more tutorials and podcasts and for more vision depiction of your process.
As a graduating design student, I’d like a design timeline of sorts where you could not only showcase your design skills, but how they have grown through the years.
Finally, I particularly liked your post about “What Graphic Design Schools Are Lacking” and have been craving a full exploration of the article’s first comment, “design school teaches you how to talk to other designers … there needs to be an entire course on talking to people who are not designers.”
Hi David,
As someone who is studying design and is interested in the world of corporate identity, your sites have been an invaluable resource. One of the first things I do everyday when I get on the computer is visit your 3 sites to read your updates.
From a revenue generating standpoint, 3 page views is great. As a regular consumer of your content, I would prefer to see things in one place.
Perhaps its time to rework your brand!
Bring all 3 blogs under one identity, accessible from a parent site. It will allow new visitors to easily find the great content you publish on your other sites, and I believe it would help coalesce your input and influence on the design community.
It may ultimately help you in your day to day moderation as well!
Aside from that, I would love to see you feature the work of some of your readers. Maybe a weekly or monthly feature in your blog with a small critique. No doubt it would help some of us new folks gain some traction in this ultra-competitive industry.
Thanks
Perhaps an interview or online conference now and then. Or in-depth case studies of the evolution of some of your work.
Hi David,
Start a YouTube Channel!
I am not sure if you have a youtube channel, but if you don’t, maybe you should consider creating one. This way you can show your readers a different perspective of your brand/name – “How To” videos, case studies, live events, etc.
With video blogging you can:
* Get closer to your readers
* Achieve more personal interraction
* Great way of promoting yourself
It’s really nice that you care about your audience, since you want to improve and make things better.
Take Care
The process is the real art. Although we all have our own unique ways, it’s still valuable to hear how others wade the waters (or rapids) between idea and conception. More practically, it would also be great to hear about how you manage the business side of design, from marketing through client relationships, contracts, pricing and follow-through.
Some top ideas that’ll keep me occupied. Thanks very much everyone!
Freelancer tips and dealing with day-to-day operations of running your own business/studio. Tips on getting new business and promoting yourself to gain exposure.
What would you change?
I’d change the layout of ID website as it is very similar to, or exact as David Airey website. Since, one of them is more about a personal blog and portfolio while the other is for showcasing identity design – the respective designs should be distinct.
- Better navigation for ID would be much better.
What would you remove or introduce?
Time Lapse videos, podcasts/ screencasts, online meetups.
How would you do things better?
I would change the design for ID website.
I would try to write more about the process flows of designs. Since, there is so much traffic, I would share some of my client works, if possible, from brief to the final product process as it educates more than books.
Perhaps you could do a section with all free downloads/fonts etc, everyone loves free stuff! Including a free logo design love book!
David,
This is great news! But it would be great if you published critism from other designers. Or even just a published copy of your blogs from the year (possibly already happening) but what would be great is what different opinions are out there on certain topics and a lot of new designers want to soak all of the info up. Giving aspects on real life situations for example, the business side of freelancing and working with clients with logo designs.
Maybe some fresh new DIY projects to help boost personal designer moral and what not. Get a little more personal aspect of design and keeping with the fresh ideas rolling. I like the idea of tutorials but you don’t want to give away the farm. The focus should be to help people think creatively for themselves and not quote unquote “copy.”
Truly you are an inspiration and that is a great tool already!
It’s been great following each of your blogs, especially ID. I would echo the thoughts of a few of the other designers who posted before me on process work. Think that would be a great catalyst to your already phenomenal posts.
Also, If you have blog posts written on trends, your philosophy, etc., that would really enhance your site’s image.
Thanks for all the inspiration you give, and the fantastic work you produce.
Cheers!
I would aim to make logos that are timeless. I know every designer aims to do this, but I think that we all get caught up in trends sometimes. The orbital swoosh and Bank Gothic scream 90s, 2-color simple and Gotham and Neutra scream now. Let’s get back to custom lettering and meaningful visuals.
I would love to see more of the creative process and why designers make certain creative decisions. There are so many technical tutorials online, but not enough information about the process different designers use.
Also, some help on the business side would be great. Ideas on how to bill clients, market yourself, and best practices.
Thanks for all you do.
Hi David-
I would like to see the three sites under one domain. You can break things up as appropriate there.
Also, I would love to see more about the process, meaning, not where to click in software but the problem solving and ideation side of creating a logo. How you decide what to show a client, dealing with feedback, educating the client enough to get meaningful feedback, etc, scope creep, getting paid, etc.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure it will be well considered and I look forward to seeing your continued work.
Best wishes!
What would you change?
I would combine all three blogs. I think it will improve readability as it is difficult to keep up with all the blogs out there and having three with just your work seems more of a nuisance than a benefit.
What would you remove or introduce?
I wouldn’t really remove or add anything. I enjoy every post. I would really like to see more testimonials from either yourself or other designers that show the design process from inception and show each step taken until the final concept was created. I love the visual inspiration it creates when you see the process from step 1 – final step.
Thank you David, keep up the good work.
I read all of your blogs religiously and I can say the BEST idea would be a monthly logo contest for all. We know you love those….. :)
Seriously though, the thought process is very intriguing to young designers. Not just seeing a sketch but how that idea came into the designer’s head. Everyone has their own approach during this stage and it would be interesting to find out how seasoned designers tackle it.
Hi David,
I think having a reader question asked and then answered by multiple designers would be a killer idea! Almost like a roundtable discussion but keep the questions coming from the readers.
I really love how you set up ID, so seeing a new site or section dedicated to a certain design style would be great! Maybe a student section or something fresh and different like Newsprint/Magazine design. Or maybe featured work from a reader.
_
If anything else comes up, I’ll be sure to post!
Hi there Mr. David,
I’ve just recently discovered your 3 blogs and still read them everytime you post a new topic about graphic design, logomaking and branding. It really helps me as a beginner.
As you said if I owned your three blogs a simple suggestion would be to start a poll/survey about your topic or a forum. In that way interacting with your readers would be a great plus. Different people, different ideas and opinions are a new learning I think!
And more tips and advice for us beginners.
Tutorials and having your book would be great too… =)
Thanks and Best Wishes,
Your Avid Reader
A few suggestions:
- common mistakes / bad logo design
for example, typeface ≠ logo
- start-to-finish process of logo creation
from concept sketches to final computer rendering
- evolution of popular logos, and the logic behind it
for example, simplification of Starbucks logo
I would suggest addressing critiques from one designer to another. I feel that these can be unnecessarily negative. Critiques that focus on positive and uplifting feedback might be more beneficial.
Also some creative exercises would be a huge plus. I know that would benefit me considerably!
I would love to see one section of the blog or one of the blog focusing on your inspirations and how you keep reinventing ideas and making them truly yours. Why? Because one of the big challenge I see for us is to make our ideas more than just well executed concepts. These ideas must be truly original, making photoshop and illustrator tools to help realize them rather than programs creating them.
I see more and more people, professional of not, recreating ideas instead of having some of their own. I believe it’s what makes a good designer step out of the crowd and have a distinctive vision.
Your vision is distinctive and you also wish, I’m sure, to achieve a better visual landscape in your environment. I would love to witness how you do that.
Best,
It’d be great to see articles about process & about the business end of things.
As someone with a non-design background (Marketing), who is trying to make a shift to design, I would love to see some advice on that.
How can you start approaching desgin, without an BA in Graphic Design. What possiblities, ways to start etc. are there.
Plus some tutorials for newbs would be great as well.
Why not add a social layer? 200,000 people is a large community. Give everyone a chance to interact with you more and give us all a chance to interact with each other.
Look how many ideas you’ve gotten here by asking and offering an incentive. Imagine having a mechanism to generate this kind of response all the time.
I think all 3 sites are running WordPress. Maybe you could look into adding BuddyPress or one of the forum plugins like bbPress or SimplePress.
Change or no change I’ll be back and I’m pretty sure everyone else commenting would say the same.
I’ve been following your blog and work quite a bit. I loved your advice for design students, though not a student myself, that kept me coming back over and over again; I’m interested in typography and the way we react to it, so naturally a lot of your work and advice was a great help in noticing and starting to be more aware of things.
I think something along those lines, but targeting specific projects, would be great. Of course you have your own life, work, and so on, to deal with – however taking a detailed look at other people’s projects, on a regular basis (once a month? every second month?), outlining what you think works and what doesn’t, analysing certain projects you’ve come across, would be incredibly interesting. by “projects” I mean, possibly work that hasn’t necessarily been put into the context of the creation by the creator, because that is how very often one encounters design work that surrounds them (for example, a final logo for a brand) without knowing the back story, the previous drafts, the development.
I find having a work put into a context and knowing its history makes me much more receptive to understanding it, but rarely does one get that chance. So maybe a look at a project, constructive criticism and why it works or it doesn’t. it would be rather lovely.
A huge thanks to everyone who left suggestions, and sorry I haven’t replied to each of you individually. Every single comment was read and greatly appreciated.
I’ve drawn the five winners and sent each of them an email asking for a mailing address. They are: Julie Oakley, Brandi Koepke, Ricky Patrick, Christine Roy, and Mark Scott Carroll.
Apologies to those who missed out this time around.
Hi David. Thank you for all you’ve shared with us thus far, we’ve all learned a lot from your blogs over the years. Showing that you care to ask for ways to improve is also appreciated.
There are so many comments up there, I hope not to be echoing anyone. My 2 cents.:
NAVIGATION & LAYOUT
Looking at Identity designed, it’s not very easy to browse over the archives. With an ever growing list of ‘Identity Designs’, the sidebar risks becoming cluttered rather than helpful.
Similarly, logodesignlove has a large list of internal links. If you’ve kept up with logodosignlove, having the 40 most recent posts (about 20 weeks’ worth at 2/wk) gets in the way. Granted, it is likely very useful to newcomers.
The main opportunity for improvement I see in those is that they are pretty much end-of-the-line link lists. They point you to specific articles under no practical clasification.
Davidairey.com, in contrast, makes discovery and browsing of articles covering specific topics, archives, and inspiration much easier and inviting. Even though the 3 sites follow similar design, the design of the navigation in your original has kept me returning and exploring it for years, as I am always able to find what I’m looking for, and when looking for nothing but a (new) good read, I find that too.
IMAGES
Larger images, specially for your sideblogs, as that would help showcase projects. If you request the images, you might get images fewer other blogs have, maybe even some only you get, adding value for content and for visual goodness. The success of your brand and your blogs would likely help you get a good response from project authors.
CONTENT
A series based on asking established, successful designers about issues that were important when they were beginners, or seemed important, and how they would solve it now. Everything from convincing a client about a good solution over a messy one, handling difficult clients, subcontracting work, working with upstarts, NGOs, large clients, dealing with marketing execs, boards, CEOs, bills, handling design expenses, accounting, etc, etc.
PUBLISHING
I might be wrong but I feel posting on Davidairey.com is less frequent now than it used to be, and perhaps the same goes for logodesignlove. I haven’t looked over the publish dates to confirm but it feels that way. Would certainly like to see more updates though 3 blogs + a professional freelance business must leave precious, limited extra time.
DIFFERENTIATION
The difference of purpose between LDL and ID is not very evident or clear (to me). I am less familiar with the latter, so I am speaking from an “old but new reader” perspective.
While it is supposed to be a set of conscientious opinions, others might not share in them, as they are based on my lone experience.
Hope at least some of it helps.
David, I had no idea you were from Northern Ireland until I heard your accent! I presumed this was another US blog, rather than one based closer to home (I’m based in Dublin). Really enjoying your blog, C.
You’re very welcome, Yaco. Good shout on the navigation of Identity Designed. I should create categories. It’s just a matter of deciding what they should be — country of designer, or perhaps colour of design? There are categories within Logo Design Love, under the “topics” link in the horizontal nav bar, but I guess it’s not obvious enough.
Clare, odd you should think that, and I’m glad you like the blog. I dropped by your site. That “5 regrets” was one I enjoyed reading, too.
Oh, hadn’t noticed the categories in LDL until now, perhaps a visual prompt or relocation?
Industry as a category is what I’ve found most useful in brandnew, for example, while other like color, date & country can be useful at times, about 80% of the time it’s industry when researching. This is more like your own “blog topics” on Davidairey, in my opinion.
By industry would be more useful. I agree. Cheers, Yaco.
And just like that… http://identitydesigned.com/
It’s not easy choosing the industries, though.
I can imagine…. & as if it wasn’t hard enough, there will always be those good projects in fringe or unique Industries.
Glad to help, looks (works) great.
As an professional graphic designer with no formal training (learned all I know on-the-job and self-taught), I tend to learn a great deal by watching other professionals actually doing the thing, either through video or through slideshow, instructions, illustrations, etc. Think along the lines of how Von Glitschka does his illustration tutorials at http://illustrationclass.com/ or Stefan Bucher showed his illustration technique in http://www.dailymonster.com/
If, in one of your blogs, you could showcase a designer’s process, from anything like creating a brief, or brainstorming ideas with thumbnail sketches, or conversing with a client to hear objectives, I think I’d be more than grateful. Thanks for the consideration.