Work with the best and benefit by mutual association. Creative people spark when they are brought together. The results can be amazing, particularly since first-contact collaboration often involves non-commercial pieces intended to explore some common theme. Not only with the work speak volumes for both parties, there’s no need to feel self-conscious about singing the praises of your fellow creative.
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Promote yourself
The difference between a good designer and a successful designer is self promotion. Churning out innovative, high quality work is important, but making sure the right people take notice of it and remember who it’s by is even more crucial.
Self promotion doesn’t mean selling out, though. Clever mailers a well-stocked blog, quirky gifts and memorable business cards all help shape Brand You.
Design Essentials: Web_06
Working as a web designer is a rapidly evolving profession; being a great one means keeping up with the latest technology and trends without forgetting the fundamentals. learning how to balance new and exciting bits of information with the age-old principles of design takes time and practise, but it’s what ultimately determines great work.
Design Essentials: Web_05
Get on the grid
Setting up a baseline grid may not be as easy to accomplish as it is in print, but extra effort really shows your attention to detail.
Tip – To maintain a consistent rhythm set the background of the page as a repeating image with a solid pixel on the bottom. The height of this image should be equal to the line-height of your text, which will enable you to see the baseline grid
Design Essentials: Web_03
Add natural depth
Paying close attention to the small details can really set your work apart. Trying setting small one-pixel borders around elements with CSS or using subtle gradients to add depth. Light textures can be used to enhance this effect and make your designs appear natural. These techniques help avoid the flatness often associated with plain HTML, but remember that less is more – using too many can make a page look over done.