I was just at the beginning of my career working as a freelancer. I took every possible project, (and worked for less than you can imagine), in order to have some first projects in my portfolio.
I read a few books about programming and front-end development but never learned about the design aspect. I knew there were hundreds of Photoshop tutorials on how to make some cool effects but it wasn’t anything practical that I could use while designing websites for my clients.
I learned how to design project-by-project, experimenting on real live sites and discovering new techniques in practice. I had my “a-ha moment” every few projects when I invented something that changed the way I designed my graphic. At the time, I didn’t know if it was right or in accordance with any design rules.
Later, I started learning specifically about the art of design and found out that most of the things I discovered by myself was covered by some well-known design rules. Maybe I could be a much better designer if learned about it at the beginning and didn’t have to keep reinventing the wheel. However, thanks to my own experience, I realized that not every design technique can be applied when we build websites.
We need new rules and new techniques that will help us to do our job better. We need new solutions to new problems.
So, what is this blog about?
In this blog, I want to write about anything that I have found to be useful in my work. I will support all my articles with real case scenarios and practical examples so you can start applying some techniques immediately. I’ll also share some secrets and show you my work process and how I design websites.
There are a few important topics that I want to cover:
1. Layout and Whitespace
Learning about whitespace changed everything I once knew about design. You can solve many problems by properly managing the whitespace in your design. By the same token, you can create many problems if you don’t use the whitespace wisely. Why is it so important? Why should you start the design by planning the whitespace? How can you create a good-looking space while maintaining balance?
2. Web typography
Text is a major part of any website. A beautifully designed typography makes the content easier to read, attracts more readers, makes them feel good on your website and finally converts. How can you mix different styles of fonts so that it is pleasing to the eye? What are the perfect font sizes and line heights to make it easier to read?
3. Usability and User Experience
The website has to be easy to use. Create a great experience for your users and they will never forget it. We have to remember that we create websites for users, not for ourselves. How can you learn more about the target audience and their needs? How can you evoke some emotions in the visitors and make your website unforgettable?
4. Mobile
By 2015, there will be more mobile Internet users than wireline users in the USA.
Designing websites for mobile devices is now more important than ever before. You have to take this step today. By 2015, there will be more mobile Internet users than wireline users in the USA (source). What are the best practices in creating a mobile version of the website? What is a responsive layout and how can you prepare your website for it?
5. Freelance Business
I had a prosperous full time freelance business. I’ve been a part time freelancer since the beginning of my career. I’d like to share some stories how I quit my first full time job and started my freelance business. Where has it brought me and was it worth it? I’d like to tell you what I currently think about freelancing and if it’s a good business model for young and creative people.
6. Genesis Framework
Designing and developing Genesis child themes is my day job. I’m a part of StudioPress’ development team and you can find many of my themes on the StudioPress site. Also, my experience includes many custom Genesis based websites. I’d like to share with you some tricks and my work process. Find out how to build child themes using one of the best WordPress theme frameworks available on the market.
Summing up
Perfect spacing, beautiful typography, great user experience and mobile responsiveness sound like an impossible mix, yet it’s a great recipe for the perfect website. It’s definitely not easy to combine all of these things but it’s always worth the effort to try it and follow the right path.
I still learn new things every day, just like you probably do. Please forgive my mistakes and let’s discuss any disagreements in the comments section. I hope we can take this journey together and learn from each other as much as we can.
Welcome to My World.
Just wanted to let you know how proud I am of what you’ve become and what you’re doing for us. The work you produce on a daily basis continually amazes me, and I think you’re beginning to understand just how talented you are.
Establishing a design blog, where you will help folks is the icing on the cake. 😉
Thanks Brian!
I really appreciate the opportunity that you and Copyblogger Media gave me. I’m so happy we create such a great team and support each other.
Woaa… That was a long list of promise. I’ll be waiting for the next updates. One of my simplest question is your design that just fits my phone screen. Looks great Rafal 😉
Thanks Tiyo!
Congrats Rafal! I know you’ve been excited about working on the new design and I bet it must feel good to get it out there. (Love the personality on the home page with the photo of you and your wife).
Look forward to seeing more from you!
I still need to work on my portfolio but I couldn’t wait to finally release it 🙂
Thanks Ricardo!
Congratulations Rafal!
On your new blog (I can’t stop drooling lol) and all your work for Copyblogger Media. I am looking forward to learning from your blog, especially since your design philosophy suits my eye every time. Kudos! Now get to writing some posts 😀
Thanks Jason!
Yes, now it’s time to write some posts. I have a long list of post titles that I want to write about, so stay tuned! 🙂
Mmmmmm… this is yummy!
Thanks Andrea! 🙂
Going to enjoy seeing what you do here Rafal – great stuff! 🙂
Thanks Chris!
I really appreciate it 🙂
Love the site Rafal.
Colours, fonts (oh so big) and the home page is fabulous.
It’s a little bit like looking at a website for the first time, so different.
Oh, nearly forgot… the comments are brilliant!
Hey Keith,
I’m glad you found all those design elements interesting! I spent a lot of time before I got here. I wanted to use all my skills and include everything I’ve learned about web design.
BTW: I really appreciate the support from your blog and Twitter!
I knew if I stalked (I mean followed) the Copyblogger crew long enough, I would get to rub virtual elbows with some incredibly talented people and you sir, are no exception.
Your site is simply heavenly. It balances subtle shades of gray with strategically placed color splashes. I see why Copyblogger scooped you up and made you a part of their team.
I’m so glad you decided to chronicle your journey for us to follow. As a self taught graphic designer myself, I’m excited to see where you go and just how you get there. Kudos!
Thank you Colleen!
I hope to see your comments and opinions to my future posts, so I can learn something from you as well 🙂
I can’t wait next posts! New blog design looks sweet. Congrats Rafał!
Thanks! Looks like you’re going to launch wpninja.com soon. I can’t wait to see this one! You’re a great WordPress developer.
Congrats Rafal. I just saw your tweet and here I am. Your new blog design looks awesome 🙂
You are the 1,001th visitor from Twitter 🙂 nice!
Love the responsive design. You should do a tutorial about how you set this site up! Great work!
I will. Stay tuned 🙂
And another awesome design by awesome Rafal. 🙂
I’m happy to be a part of your awesomeness.
Yep, my website would be nothing without your great photos! Thanks 🙂
Rafał super! Gratulacje za świetną stronę i bloga 🙂 od zawsze wiedziałam, że ma zdolnego brata 🙂 czekam na kolejne wpisy…
Dzięki Monia! A ja mam zdolną siostrę 😉
I really like your blog design it’s awesome. Now I’ll signup for your newsletter to learn more about the proper way to design a blog.
I just happened across your website today, and after seeing all the familiar websites in your portfolio, I’m not sure how I haven’t seen your name before!
I am totally in awe of your website: it’s fantastically designed with attention to detail, and you’re obviously just as skilled with AI as you are design (side note: I *love* your self-illustrated blog posts).
I look forward to learning from the valuable insights you share!
Thanks Jess!
I stumbled upon your website a while ago. We represent different design styles but I really like what you do 🙂
Rafal, I love your new site…and your design work. Your portfolio page is outstanding. As a brand new designer myself, I hope to glean a few things from you. Great job!
This will be a site that I come to often. Looking forward to learning more.
thanks for sharing – I really appreciate the ‘learn more’ links at the end.
My world describe any frequency moment and superbly to good moment in your world.