Why Understanding Good and Bad Design is Crucial for Creative Success
As a designer, artist, or any creative professional, acknowledging the distinction between good and bad is essential. This is not just about personal taste—it's about understanding universal principles that govern quality and effectiveness across various forms of art and design..
But how can you be sure that your preferences align with what is truly good?
As you mature, you gain the ability to shape your environment and influence what you are exposed to. While your existing experiences continue to play a role, a determined effort to seek out and embrace higher standards can help you break free from past limitations and discover more refined and effective design options.
Aesthetic sense influences your preferences across various domains, including:
The key to bridging the gap in your aesthetic sense lies in knowledge. As you delve deeper into a subject, your ability to appreciate and discern quality improves. For instance, studying films more thoroughly enhances your taste in cinema. Similarly, enrolling in a design appreciation course can elevate your understanding of design. Engage with designers to learn about their creative processes, decision-making, and sources of inspiration. Analyze their work to uncover what makes it stand out. If you struggle to identify these elements, seek insights from others. Continuous learning and practice will refine your aesthetic sense over time.
To enhance your aesthetic sense, it’s crucial to surround yourself with high-quality exposure. With today’s technology, you have the power to curate the content you encounter. Actively manage your feeds on platforms like Behance, Instagram, and Pinterest to ensure you are exposed to only the best examples of design. Follow top design agencies and renowned designers on Behance and Instagram, and avoid content that doesn’t align with high standards. For instance, unfollow less relevant accounts like Ms. Aunt Gossip and Mr. Uncle Tourist. Additionally, ask a mentor or design-savvy friend to interact with high-quality designs on your Pinterest account, which will help filter your feed to show similar content. Keep engaging with excellent designs to consistently see quality work. To further refine your taste, make reading a habit—explore books, articles, and publications related to design and aesthetics to continuously expand your knowledge.
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