Problem solvers ask the right questions.

You’re not a problem solver if all you do is push pixels around on your screen.

I fell in love with design because I could move pixels on a screen and create something out of nothing.

I would design, sometimes copying others, and feel good.

I liked it.

That’s the thing that most beginners do.
They just want to create.

It’s a part of the process. You have to master the software and sharpen your eyes in order to communicate messages with design.

If I were to start learning design all over, I would focus on functionality and the problem too.

When I started design,

I did not think about functionality.

I did not think about the problem.

As a result, my work barely got understood by anyone but me. Heartbreaking stuff…

What is Visual Design About?

That is what most fail to understand.

Visual design is meant to rapidly and effectively convey complex ideas and information.

I place much importance on the words rapidly & effectively.

Designers don’t just move pixels on a screen, they solve problems.

I define solving the problem as communicating the intended message.

Effectively & Fast.

Graphic design is only a part of visual design. At the core of design, the goal is to get the intended audience to understand the message. It is the very essence of design.

PS: I think people creating viral memes would make excellent designers!

The combination of design elements such as colors, typography, lines, shapes help to create this understanding that designers seek.

This is what truly determines if a design works or not. Other people, not just you, need to understand the work you do, most of it.

My design process starts with understanding the problem (the message to be communicated). This part alone is the longest part in the design process.

You see, you can’t solve a problem without understanding it.

This is an interesting part of the design process since it requires you to think.

It forces clarity.
It aligns your thoughts towards the goal. The Problem.

I’ve had days where I felt like sh*t! Being overwhelmed by many design decisions which causes anxiety and as a result, nothing I created looked good or communicate the message effectively.

That is the problem of lack of clarity. When you’re not clear on what you want and how to get it, you’ll be stuck on that screen. Feeling like you don’t know a thing!

Problems solvers seek clarity.

Clarity comes in the form of questions.
The right questions.

It’s so easy to pick up a computer and start moving pixels.
It doesn’t mean it is the right way.

There is no right way to do it. You do what works for you but sometimes you need a system to produce the same type of results over and over again. A system that you continue refining.

It’s fun to do, but you might be doing it at the cost of your mental wellbeing. Because at the end of the day, your work won’t produce results.

And you’ll end up getting a heartbreak too…

So, how do you shift from a pixel pusher to a problem solver?

Start with clarity.

Clarity helps you understand what you’re getting into.

Problem solving starts with understanding the problem.

If a client reached out to you, find out why they’re asking you for your service.

Secondly, analyze the current situation.
Find out where they’re at and what led up to the problem.

Thirdly, understand their goals.

I get this answered with the question “if time and money weren’t an object, what would be the best solution to your problem.”

They’ll end up describing their goals.

Which is crucial that you understand.

For a very specific example, clarity can come in the form of understanding their audience.

Understand their:
- Goals & desires
- Pain Points
- Motivations
- Struggles

Once you understand this, you can create solutions tailored to your clients' needs to achieve their goals.

Starting with this establishes you as a trustworthy authority.

It repositions you as a problem solver.

Lesson: Ask good questions. It’s a valuable skill that is useful in design and in life. Start with clarity.

PS: If you want to assess your brand identity, take my brand makeover assessment (it’s free). You’ll get a personalized email from me about your brand identity.