Exhaust the Options

Andrew Pollak
Jul 21, 2017 · 2 min read

Good design takes time.

We have all been there. A sweet project begins and it is off to the races. “I am going to crush this!!” Within hours, you nailed it. “Holy shit everyone, come take a look at this, it is a masterpiece. Let’s blow this out into a full campaign.” DONE!!

Well sorry to burst your bubble, but guess what? It’s not done yet.

Often times when faced with a design problem, whether it be brand exploration, designing UI or illustrating a simple concept, designers may rush to produce a polished final product after only exploring a few directions. In my opinion, this is more often than not a limiting approach. The early stages of the design process should be messy, scrappy and experimental. It’s the time to push boundaries, break the rules and see just how far you can push your ideas. The more options, the better.

I have found during my career that the best solutions are often the result of exhausting the options. Pushing through all possibilities and perspectives, good and bad, to form a full palette of ideas and directions. This ultimately gives the designer and creative directors a range of thinking that they can begin to mold into a solution.

Make a mess

I like to start every project with a whiteboard. Pin up inspiration you come across: this can be photographs, artwork, design work, post-it notes, anything that relates to the project that might eventually lead you down a path or towards some interesting concepts. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The key is to begin visualizing ideas and molding them into interesting concepts.

If you’re in your comfort zone, you’re doing it all wrong

Design outside of your comfort zone. The key to learning and growing as a designer is to really push yourself to try new things and think outside of the box.

Sketch fast and often

The quickest way to get your ideas down is simply using pencil and paper. Jotting down notes, ideas, quick sketches, etc. A small sketch book in your back pocket is a good way to record ideas on the fly.

Bad ideas rule

I love seeing bad ideas! Getting all of the wrong ideas or designs out of your system is a sure way to find great solutions. A bad idea can also spark you into the direction of a great idea.

Slow your roll

Rushing the design process usually ends up with sloppy work and subpar ideas. Take your time. If you hit a roadblock, try to take a step back from the problem and let your mind wander on its own until you can focus again.

Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration — Thomas Edison

Good design takes time.

By Andrew Pollak, Creative Director

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