As a branding professional, you know how important it is to keep your designs fresh and relevant. But with so many trends emerging and evolving, it can be hard to stay on top of them. How can you avoid falling behind and losing your edge? Here are some tips to help you get ahead of the curve and create stunning branding designs.
One of the easiest ways to get inspired and learn new skills is to follow and study the work of the best branding designers in the industry. You can find them on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or Instagram, where they showcase their portfolios and share their insights. You can also subscribe to blogs, podcasts, or newsletters that feature interviews, case studies, or tutorials from experts. By learning from the best, you can discover new techniques, tools, and trends that you can apply to your own projects.
Follow Brands that are loud & out there. Irrespective of having flop or popularity campaigns. Only pick them on bases of their brand presence & identity on platforms. They may not necessarily be competitors to you or your brand. Also ensure following top & the best agencies out there. Besides these always watch out for new design tools in the market & Pinterest!!
Trends are constantly changing, and if you spend too much time trying to keep up with them, they'll just leave you behind. Keep a casual eye open to current trends, learn and integrate the elements you feel are appropriate for your work, and then just focus on creating original designs. All trends start somewhere— be a trendsetter!
Follow Brands that are loud & out there. Irrespective of having flop or popularity campaigns. Only pick them on bases of their brand presence & identity on platforms. They may not necessarily be competitors to you or your brand. Also ensure following top & the best agencies out there. Besides these always watch out for new design tools in the market & Pinterest!!
The most important strategies for me are Continuous Learning: I make it a priority to regularly consume content from reputable design blogs, websites, and social media platforms to stay updated on emerging trends, techniques, and tools. Networking: Engaging with other professionals in the design community through networking events, conferences, and online forums allows me to exchange ideas, gain insights, and learn from others' experiences. Experimentation: I dedicate time to experimenting with new design concepts, tools, and technologies. By incorporating experimentation into my workflow, I can explore innovative approaches and discover unique solutions.
/ Be Collaborative… Contribute to the work of other designers and developers, even if you are a strategist, don't miss the opportunity to work on designer concepts, sharing and receiving UI/UX news and trends. / Be online... Participate in inspiring communities in the virtual environment and connect with design trends, being part of the innovation process and also, use social media where these communities are located, to publicize your collaborations. / Chase the masters… Follow leading design influencers and chase new trends, masters do not need to chase innovations, these come to them, looking to be catalyzed, follow them closely and innovate yourself.
Another way to keep up with the latest design trends is to experiment with new tools that can help you create more engaging and innovative branding designs. For example, you can use tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Crello to create stunning graphics, logos, or animations in minutes. You can also use tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to design and prototype interactive branding experiences. By experimenting with new tools, you can expand your creative possibilities and find new ways to express your brand identity.
Some ways are - Follow top designer socials - Read - Follow other designer portfolio - Have a brain storming session with colleagues
I do usually Set aside time for personal projects and experimentation. Trying out new design techniques, tools, and styles. this method will not only improve your skills but also keep you informed about emerging trends and technologies.
Utilize user feedback and engagement metrics to understand what resonates with your audience and what areas of your branding designs need improvement. Conduct A/B testing or split testing on different design elements to identify which variations perform better and iterate based on the results. Stay updated on industry benchmarks and reports to gain insights into emerging trends and shifts in consumer preferences that could influence your design decisions.
There are 10 things which keep you ahead. 1. Research and Follow Trend Reports. 2. Attend Design Conferences and Webinars. 3. Take Online Courses. 4. Join Design Communities. 5. Experiment with New Styles. 6. Leverage AI Tools. 7. Stay Updated with Design Blogs and Magazines. 8. Follow Influential Designers on Social Media. 9. Practice Design Thinking. 10. Monitor Related Industries.
A great way to stay updated and connected with the branding design world is to join online communities where you can exchange feedback, ideas, and resources with other designers. You can find online communities on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, Slack, or Discord, where you can join groups or channels related to branding design. You can also join online courses, webinars, or workshops that offer opportunities to learn from instructors and peers. By joining online communities, you can network, collaborate, and learn from other branding professionals.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within your organization to gain diverse perspectives and insights that can inform your design process. Attend design conferences, workshops, or webinars to learn from thought leaders and experts in the field and stay informed about the latest trends and technologies. Explore non-design-related sources of inspiration, such as art, architecture, fashion, or nature, to spark creativity and bring fresh perspectives to your branding designs.
Expand your network: -Join new groups. -Follow your colleagues and people who you get inspired by. -Find new people to interact with.
One of the most reliable ways to keep up with the latest design trends is to follow the data that shows what works and what doesn't. You can use tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Crazy Egg to track and analyze how your branding designs perform on different platforms and channels. You can also use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to research and optimize your branding keywords, content, and SEO. By following the data, you can measure and improve your branding impact and relevance.
Seek constructive criticism and feedback from peers, mentors, or design communities to continually refine and elevate your design skills. Embrace a growth mindset and cultivate a habit of lifelong learning, constantly seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and challenge yourself creatively.
The most important thing is to always be open to learning. In addition to following new trends, use them in your projects to become familiar with them.
Finally, the best way to get ahead of the curve and create stunning branding designs is to be original. While it's good to learn from others and follow the trends, you don't want to copy or imitate them. You want to create your own unique style and voice that reflects your brand personality and values. You want to stand out from the crowd and attract your ideal audience. By being original, you can showcase your creativity and authenticity and make a lasting impression.
Creating a standout brand blends your passions with proven business success. Here's how: - Passions First: List 5 things you love. - Admire Others: Choose 5 brands from different fields you admire. Learn what makes them successful. - Mix & Match: Combine your interests with the strategies of these successful brands. - Unique Concept: Use this inspiration to develop a distinctive product, service, or brand identity. - Prototype & Feedback: Bring your idea to life and test it; be open to refining it based on feedback. The branding process isn't a one-way street; it's a cycle of inspiration, creation, and iteration aimed at creating a brand that’s not only unique but also authentic and resonant with your values.
-When you look at new design trends, and after doing a few projects with them, combine them with your style. -Create your perspective.