Blogging from a Designer’s Perspective
I started BittBox in January 07, and it’s been a learning experience to say the least. There have been many challenges, and tons of challenges still ahead. I wanted to spill my guts and try and give my story and perhaps persuade a couple of you to start your own blog, despite the ups and downs. Here’s what I’ve experienced so far:
It’s been a wild ride the past 3 months, and I think I can honestly say I’ve never been busier. I’m just like you. I work a normal 8-5 design job, and blog on the side in my spare time. I started this blog so I could share what I know about design with the rest of the world, but I was surprised as to how much I’ve learned just from blogging.
Blogging as a Designer makes you a better Designer
Yes, I said it. I’ve not only been sharing what I know with all of you, but all of you have been teaching me at the same time. I’ve learned keyboard shortcuts I never knew about, parallel techniques, easier ways to accomplish a similar effect, and lots more. Not to mention links to great sites that you all know about, and I’ve made a few friends to boot.
The Hurdles
1. Starting a blog as a designer wasn’t easy, so if you think you’re up for the challenge, I have a few words of advice.
First of all, you’re a designer, not a programmer, so installing a blogging platform and setting up a mySQL database might seem completely alien to you. It took me quite a few calls to my host, and a lot of reading to understand how it all works. I can design and produce a website in both Flash and HTML, but the programming side of web design is over my head. I don’t know s*#t about PHP or mySQL, and the set up process was especially confusing, because all I wanted to do was start a blog and go! It’s not that easy. First you have to choose your blogging software, hosting, set up a database, and all that jazz. There is no way I can possibly explain it all here. I chose Wordpress as my backbone, and I have my own hosting. I’m not sure if wordpress is the best, but it’s widely used, and it’s fairly user friendly.
When you first start, frequent the forums. There are pleny of generous people willing to help, and others with the same questions.
Don’t be afraid to email a blogger for help via email. You will be surprised at how fast you make friends. (from my experience, programmers and designers often trade skills to help each other out)
2. Coming up with good content on a regular basis
This is probably the biggest hurdle, because your blog depends on it. (I hope I’m doing a good job folks) People want new, fresh, interesting, and relevant. I have a slight advantage in the fact that I design 99% of the content I produce here on BittBox, but when push comes to shove, (like they say) Content is king. It’s a serious challenge to produce great content on a regular basis, and I do my best. The thing I like about content is the fact that if you stay focused and fill a role or “niche, ” people can relate your blog to a certain purpose or “subject.” This allows people to find what they want faster, if blogs they like have content on particular subject they want information about. There is never a niche that is full. If you are passionate about something, start a blog, and be better than everyone else. The readers will come.
I like writing my own content because it gives me the freedom to design things I wouldn’t normally get to design at my day job. I can use my blog as an outlet to get my ideas down on pixels, and share them with the rest of the world, without having a client that needs such a design.
3. Your blog design
When I first started BittBox, I was obsessed with the design of my blog. I started reading, and soon realized that It might be better to keep it simple. So, I went for simple over fancy. Yes It’s a design blog, but it also needs to functional, and as fast as possible. (again, I know nothing about PHP, so I try to use only the plugins I really want, or need.) I still have much to learn about page loading and speed (hey, I’m a designer) but for the time being, I tried to keep it simple, and I’ve received a few generous emails from fellow bloggers on how to improve my site. My point here is that people aren’t visiting your design blog to see its “design” over and over. They want information. So make it subtle, even simple, but don’t lose readers because your blog is too fancy. I’m personally going to wait to spice up the design of BittBox until I learn more about load times, and what affects load times. Like I said, lots of hurdles still ahead.
4. Pleasing the crowd
It’s no secret, your visitors will be diverse and from all over the globe. I provide a lot of Free files, and in the beginning, I got a lot of requests for multiple file formats. It was not a challenge to provide the formats, but where I was lacking was my ability to expect the unexpected. Anybody in the world can read your blog, and that’s a lot to wrap your head around. It’s often difficult to think about your visitors in the big picture. Luckily BittBox readers have been kind enough to comment when they have a request, and I try to accommodate as much as possible.
5. Accepting Criticism
Putting your own creations and opinions up for review by the entire world means you will most likely run into some people who find your designs disgusting. If you are like me, you have strong opinions about your own work, and you take pride in it (designers can be extremely competitive), but in the blogging world, you have to shake it off. Whenever someone hates my designs, or sends me a hate message, I just stop and think about why I started BittBox. To design things I’m interested in and share those designs with the world. It’s only natural that some people will either hate some of my posts/opinions or they simply don’t understand them. I’m OK with that. I Keep Blogging. (most of my readers defend me in the comments, and it’s much appreciated. This makes me think that the “haters” don’t stick around long anyway.)
6. Copyright
Decide how you want to share your designs/knowledge and stick to it. You have to protect yourself, but at the same time you want to share. Personally, I like the sharing part. Creative Commons offers a great service if you want to protect your original content while sharing at the same time.
The Perks
1. You learn more about design
Like I said earlier, you will be surprised at how much you learn by trying to teach. A good blog is essentially a community in itself, with frequent readers and commenters. These are people who are passionate about the same thing you are, and are also anxious to share knowledge.
2. You get to influence design on a global scale
It is extremely rewarding as a designer to help someone halfway across the planet. I’m going to be bold enough to say that most designers probably learn more after college (or on their own if they didn’t go to school for design) by helping each other online, and reading tutorials. I know I did. The design community as a whole is wired now, so we network, and learn from each other on a daily basis, and this is very cool.
3. You learn more about the web as a whole
When you start a design blog, you are going to be constantly trying to keep on top of networking venues like Technorati and MyBlogLog. These kinds of activities will lead you in new directions, away from general design, and help you to understand the web as a whole a little better, as well as a better understanding of what the “blogosphere” actually is. This, in turn, helps make you a better web designer. Knowledge is power.
4. You meet people from all over the globe and have access to resources you never thought possible
I’ve only been blogging for a few months, but I have met quite a few people through my experiences, and not just normal people. I’ve always wanted to get in touch with a programmer that I could rely on. I’ve met a couple top notch programmers willing to help me with problems I may encounter. To me this is priceless. I don’t have access to these talents at my day job, and I’m very curious about the programming side of the web, so I consider these contacts immensely valuable.
5. A little extra income
I make a little extra income from my blog, but it’s not the reason the blog exists. If you start a blog for money, you are blogging for the wrong reason. I do know that If you are passionate about something, and you start a blog, you will be more successful. (that’s what I’ve read, and it seems to be true) I like designing, so I design and share. I have readers who share my passion, and I’m here to help when I can.
In a nutshell. . .
I’ve ranted enough, but in a nutshell, I recommend starting your own design blog if you think you want to share knowledge. BittBox has been around for 3 months now, and it’s been a great experience. Thanks for all of your feedback, and I will continue to try and feed you freebies, tutorials, and random knowledge in order to help you along your way. I learned 99% of what I know from the web, and it’s my turn to give back. Cheers
~BittBox
Very interesting post. I have been wanting to put together a blog for awhile now. As a design student I share many of the same topics discussed above. This is very helpful. Thanks alot.
I just wanted to say thank you for starting your blog. I can’t even remember how I found it, but I’ve been reading for the last month or so. Graphic design is one of my weaknesses, so I have thoroughly enjoyed your tutorials and examples so far.
Keep up the good work!
I’ve been a loyal reader of BittBox from very early on. My day job includes using CAD and GIS software. I use design software in my spare time and BittBox is a valuable resource for design tips and downloads. I can’t believe BittBox is only three months old! Great stuff.
Thanks for all the great info you have shared. I am a budding designer and it is great to see different design ideas.
I was curious, did you ever take a look at typepad as a blogging platform. I am deciding which is the best way to go. Currently I started a blogger acct. just to get into the blogging mode.
Once again thanks again for your blog,
Doug O
Thanks. I came across Bittbox a couple of weeks ago and now get your RSS feed. As someone who uses Illustrator a lot I’m familiar with some of the methods you’ve showcased but happy to get your perspective and inspiration along with new ideas for how to do things.
I have been toying with the idea of starting up my own blog, somewhat different to yours in content, and I may do this in future but after reading this posting it confirms for me that I can’t spare the time right now! Thanks for another very useful posting and all the best for your blogging in future. I’ll keep reading with interest.
Bittox is blog is truely useful. Thanks for the insighful posts.
However, if anyone ever makes a Fireworks equivalent of this blog I’ll be gone like the wind in ecstasy.
(read as: someone anyone? please make a Fireworks blog like this one!)
Hey.. at least i’m honest.
-AP
i like your blog, i visit your blog almost everyday! In such a short time you have done a very good job, keep it up!! p(^_^)q
more free plz thx
As a front-end web developer, in a company without a designer, I am expected to fill the designer void when required. Blogs like yours help fill the numerous gaps in my knowledge, thank you.
Inspired, I will be starting a blog on front-end development very soon.
I just wanted to say a BIG thank you! I think it’s fantastic that you are willing to share your cool designs and knowledge with us humble readers. I get loads of inspiration and ideas from your blog. Thank you so much!
Thanks for BittBox.. it’s the first site i read every day and my designing-skills have improved alot since I’m reading along here.
You’re an encouragement to the designersworld!
I just think the new designblogs will pop up everywhere now, only to see them disappear in a few months again, and that’s too bad..
Thanks for all your hard work mate. I’ve learned a lot from reading your blog.
Another great post BittBox, thank you! Your comment about the design world being wired now is particularly cool and it made me think of all the blogs I’m subscribed too, and how yours remains one of my constants.
I think one of the toughest things, interestingly enough, about the design world being wired is there’s SO much choice and I’ve only got time to filter through 20 or so sites a day. But I keep coming back to BittBox because you keep providing content which is valuable to me personally and makes my busy design job easier, so again a HUGE thank you for all the time and effort you put into your posts and the downloads you provide, it’s very much appreciated :)!!
And I’m glad to see you don’t let the “haters” get you down, they seem to come with the territory of Internet renown these days, I like to think of them as a sign that you’ve hit the big time :)
All the best!
Harmony Steel (from Newcastle, Australia)
http://www.harmonysteel.com
Bittbox,
Thank you for all the information and files! Your blog is the first and only I actually follow. You have inspired me to start my own design blog….
Best,
Ben
You’re doing great work and serving the community well. Apparently I showed up pretty early on and kept wondering why there was no archive. I thought something was broken because it certainly didn’t seem like a newbie blog.
I also want to second the idea that “you will be surprised at how much you learn by trying to teach”. I became a design teacher a year ago, almost on a lark. I needed the money and it seemed like a good fit. I have learned so much from teaching it’s hard to fathom. From preparing the material to fielding questions from out in left field, you will discover whole new aspects of the programs you thought you knew. In many ways teaching is it’s own reward.
Bittbox, I must say, your blog is an open challenge to me, I would call myself a junior designer, mostly doing freelance work for the past year or so, with not much formal training. It is hard to keep up with all the pitfalls and things but I try to keep things good b/c I want to share things with a gloabl audeince as you say.
I think my content, b/c it is interesting, makes up for some of the fact that my designs aren’t the best looking on the screen.
THank you for your constant updating, free inspiration, and for above all, your honesty. I look forward to being able to influence an audience like you have.
Lawton
PS- if you have critiques for my blog, plese don’t hestitate to let me know.
I love that post earlier the comment that said more free pls thx. That says it all :)
I think you have one of the best blogs out there. It is my favorite for sure. Very insightful and I think there would be a huge void if it went away. Thanks for all you do you are truly making the design world a better place.
I have to say i love your blog as well. A few designers and I have started our own blog (based off of our pre-existing community). Feel free to check it out. http://www.anticubicle.com
- Joe
Love your blog, love your passion. Keep up the good work.
I have been reading for more than month and find the content very helpful?especially since I design in a free-lance vacuum. Your succinct points and screen shots make the posts easy to digest and execute. I subscribe through my reader (and BitBox is the top of my alphabetical list) and always click on new posts with great anticipation. Be encouraged!
Thanks for the post Bittbox, I’ve been a reader from the beginning–I can’t even remember how I stumbled on your blog. I’ve enjoyed your tutorials and have been inspired to stretch myself in new ways, especially with AI.
Thanks,
Tim
Good job bud. I came across your blog through a link on another freebie site. Aside from the free stuff, I also enjoy comments and rants left on your site. Keep it up.
and yeah thanks for all the work you’ve put in!
Harsh
Bittbox,
I re-started my blog as a design/art/music blog last month, when it had previously been a personal/travel blog. I revamped my look, changed the direction of my content, and started scouring for other blogs that I found interesting. Yours by far has been the largest influence. I design mainly in illustrator and feel that your blog is filling a VERY large gap for that niche market. there are other illustrator and vector oriented blogs, but none seem to put out the consistent, quality content bittbox does. I really appreciate what you do. Thank you.
Zac
I just wanted to say that I found BittBox a few weeks ago and I’ve been enjoying your tutorials immensely! The article on Opacity Masks was life-changing.
Keep on blogging, and I love how you include screenshots and AI files with each tutorial. I use Illustrator on a daily basis and reading BittBox I’ve learned how to achieve effects I didn’t know were possible.
Great work here, it’s been a big inspiration to me in pushing myself more!
Thanks All, for the feedback and the kind reviews. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.
@Joe, love your blog name “anticubicle” – awesome.
Thanks again,
~BittBox
Just wanted to say thank you for all your time and effort, you are doing an amazing job!!
I’m a regular and enjoy every bit of it. Much appreciated!
Cheers.
Hi!
BittBox it’s a really nice blog!
Its feeds are already sitting in my reader inbox folder!
Well done!
Andrea
Hey there, first time commenter on BittBox. I am very glad you wrote this article. Visiting BittBox has inspired me to start a design blog. I haven’t done so yet because I don’t know what information I could share that other people already haven’t put on a website.
Just the other day I was thinking to myself, “I bet BittBox will just keep getting more popular because it is such a great resource. I hope the author doesn’t start to do it differently because I really feel the passion he puts into his posts.” Well, after reading this post, I don’t think I have to worry. Thanks again for this great site.
–Chad
Simply the best illustrator tutorial site ever! Ok I will start clicking those google ads.
Great post. You’ve really made your mark on the net! The combination of information, education AND freebies makes your blog such a unique resource. Thanks so much!
I always tend to hesitate on sharing my knwo hows, considering how much time and resource I had to spend to gain such knowledge. So I know what you are doing here deserves all my respect and more~! I save every freebies you upload weather I need them at the moment or not. This is a very valuable source for me and thanks for all your hard works!! ^____________^
You are all very welcome. . . :)
@ Doug O,
No. I’ve never taken a look into typepad, but If anyone has a suggestion on the best host out there, I’m looking to give GoDaddy the boot?
~BittBox
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hey bitbox this post has touched my heart! thanks i must say is one of the most motivational honest and also entrepreneurship post i have read (and like most of you i read a lot you should see my Google start page.
I am as many of you, a wanna be blogger that is waiting for the perfect time… who thinks that he has no time… who thinks that serious blogging is out of my league. And post like this and shakes my grounds.
And i can see how you are getting there is amazing to read how you have mature as a blogger in so little time. And how you star to sound as the big gurus out there. And how you can see common points and realize how when you grow up you start be enlighten by the power of knowlegde, open you reality perception and networking.
Thanks,
mauricio
Thanks!
And look at how many comments you have!
Very gratifying experience I’d assume!
Keep it up.
This is a great blog.
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Tru Tru……
Thank You.
I’ve been reading since February and recently recommended bittbox.com to the designers where I work. I am not a designer by trade, but as a hobby. With all of my experiences being raster (Photoshop) I’ve found your vector based tutorials and sample files very educational.
I appreciate what you are giving to the world, and hope you are getting it back tenfold.
-
Chris
Lincoln, Nebraska
[...] Blogging from a Designer’s Perspective: insightful thoughts on blogging as part of a designer’s daily routine. [...]
Nice to find another creative mind new to blogging. I picked it up “regularly” in January as well. How has Technorati performed for you? I conducted a 2 mos. unofficial Challenge to see how much traffic was generated and it was so-so. You make a good point about finding a niche. My interests are in creativity, technology, and online learning and bringing synergy through a combination of the 3. Might be a bit broad. Take a look at my Weirdblog and give me your thoughts.
Keep blogging,
-Eric
You Blog is wonderful. To be honest it is the first Blog on design I have seen that has kept me coming back. I have you RSS tagged on my Google reader and always hit your site when I see a new entry. Keep up the good work. I?m addicted! :)
Hey man, i came across your site as it is featured at eyesoncreativity.com this is a very cool article. I am just recently getting a start up in this wild world of html and code, so i share your pain when there are significant hurdles to jump, escpecially when your so visual about everything huh?!
by the way i love the freebies, i’m thinking about getting those wings and using them for a new logo on my website, i’ll post a link to you for sure, keep it up!
some good points here man, particularly the part about Wordpress.
I’m half designer/half developer so for me its where do I concentrate my time? I am looking into Wordpress and now WordPress themes – cheers for the advice man.
[...] Blogging from a Designer’s Perspective Bittbox lists the advantages of keeping a blog if you are a designer. Chief among them is that it [...]
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Hi
I haven’t figured RSS feeds out yet but your in my bookmarks and I check up on your posts regularly.
I read this article a while ago and I thought I should tell you that You have inspired me to finaly start my own blog (have been dithering for years). Don’t quite know where it is going yet, except that I rather enjoy textures and patterns… and it is something different from Tour Guiding!
Anyway just want to say thanks.
Cool site, love the info.