Just to add to the “Learning by Doing” point, I find it interesting how rarely people recommend having a stab at copying another (successful) design as part of the learning process.
I frequently see art students in museums, making sketches of artworks by the masters: why not do the same for web design? As a creative coder (rather than a graphic designer) I love trying to remake javascript widgets in pure CSS, just for the learning experience. You see little details, and get a fuller appreciation of the UI — in the same way I’m sure art students pick up knowledge of shading and brush stroke tips by trying to copy masterpieces.
When we’re learning, not everything has to be completely original. See http://www.everythingisaremix.info/ for more!
MicroAngelo
Agreed on all points!
Just to add to the “Learning by Doing” point, I find it interesting how rarely people recommend having a stab at copying another (successful) design as part of the learning process.
I frequently see art students in museums, making sketches of artworks by the masters: why not do the same for web design? As a creative coder (rather than a graphic designer) I love trying to remake javascript widgets in pure CSS, just for the learning experience. You see little details, and get a fuller appreciation of the UI — in the same way I’m sure art students pick up knowledge of shading and brush stroke tips by trying to copy masterpieces.
When we’re learning, not everything has to be completely original. See http://www.everythingisaremix.info/ for more!