Cheat Sheet to Create Mockup
When we are planning or discussing a design with team members, partners, or even clients, it will all feel in vain and there is no visual that can also support it. Why? An idea will only be an idea in your head, you need to put it real for people to understand your concept.
Mockups will definitely make you look more professional, and the idea is representable. But beyond that, mock-ups also have a dark side, such as … a mock-up that is not good enough will actually be misleading for clients. So making the right mockup is very important.
According to 99designs, here are Do’s & Don’ts in making mock-up designs:
1. Make your design in the correct format
Whether you’re creating a mockup from scratch or using one legally downloaded off of the web, it’s in all likelihood going to be in raster format. But don’t get it wrong. Even if it’s supposed to be in raster format, your design should still be vectorized.
2. Know how to convert vector to a raster file
The way to convert is very easy in Adobe Illustrator: File> Export> (Select format). It’s easier to convert vector to raster than raster to vector format. But in our opinion, still try to do it in vector format first. It will save you time.
3. Don’t only show the mockup
Mockups are amazing, but your client also needs to see what the results will look like. Give an idea of what your design will look like when juxtaposed to the surface or to the color. Suppose you are making a mockup design for packaging, try attaching it to the container it should be: jar? glass? paper? or what?
4. Be clear with your client
Do this as transparently as possible; what is possible for you to do and what is not. Be clear about what constitutes the mockup and what is the design. There should be no miscommunication. If there are wrong expectations it will not be good.
5. Don’t take shortcuts
If you don’t want to make a mockup yourself, that’s fine. There are many online platforms that provide resources for this. But you have to pay attention to which ones are labeled ‘free’, make sure you check the licensing and terms of use. Here are some websites that you can use to find resources:
6. Curate your mockups
The entire point of a mockup is to make your design look better — to show off what it would look like in a real-life situation. Don’t make everything a mockup. If indeed the background design that is too busy is not included in the mockup, then don’t use it. Don’t be forced to include all mockups. Choose which one is the best and according to your needs.
Remember even though the mockup is not the finished result of the design you are designing. But mock up the expectation for what will be executed later. So keep it precise in making mockups!
