Designing VS. Writing

Daniela Li
Jul 30, 2017 · 2 min read

There is a general understanding that writing is one of the best ways for a designer to think through what they have done and what they will do. Writing can also improve one’s expression and communication which are very significant skills to a designer.

When I was in the design college, the professor told us design work started with writing, which was really eye-opening to me at that time. Recently I was so curious how a writer’s writing process is, I was eager to read books about creative writing, and found interestingly, a writer started with visualizing. I made a chart as follow.

Both designer and writer are storytellers, they all convey their message by their communication skills. I like an idea which is a designer should not limit him/her to the design industry, he should consider himself as a writer, plus designer. A teach, plus designer. A programmer, plus designer. A musician, plus designer. A manager, plus designer…

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The books I read about creative writing:

  • On Writing by Stephen King
    - The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
    - Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
    - Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
    - The Kick-Ass Writer by Chuck Wendig
    - Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
    - Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Daniela Li
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