We designers are always working under pressure. Either we are running short of campaign time or there is a client always nagging about instant work. It often makes us lose our mind, right? But once we get along with it, we somehow find a way to save time for work. If you are new to this, here are some practical time-saving tips from my experience that can help streamlining your work.
Use Ready-Made Templates and Pictures
Relax. It is nothing unethical using premade templates. Either you are looking for inspiration or you want to use them in your actual work, both are fine actually. That’s why they are made for. Use open source materials like stock images, icons and vector graphics to save your time. Additionally it will stop you from getting a quick burnout.
Keep Your Work Area and Files Neat
If you have a messy workplace, it’ll automatically drop your productivity. Organize your files into clear, hierarchical structures, and maintain a clean working environment to minimize distractions. Utilizing cloud storage and file synchronization can also ensure that your files are easily accessible across devices, saving time spent on file transfers.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a graphic designer’s best friend. Learning and using shortcuts for your most-used software can shave off a significant amount of time spent navigating through menus. Most design programs, like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, offer customizable shortcuts, allowing you to tailor them to your workflow. For personal note, try to use the mouse as little as possible. It’ll significantly increase your work rate.
Use Design Systems and Style Guides
For projects involving multiple design elements or team collaboration, implementing design systems and style guides can ensure consistency and reduce decision-making time. A comprehensive design system includes reusable components and clear guidelines, making it easier to maintain a cohesive look across different parts of a project.
Do Similar Tasks Together
If you have tasks that are alike, like changing the size of images or adding effects, do them all at once. Many design programs can do these tasks for you automatically, letting you focus on more creative work.
Get Client Feedback Smartly
Managing client feedback can be time-consuming. Use tools and methods that streamline the feedback process, such as shared online documents, design collaboration platforms, or specific feedback rounds. Setting clear expectations for feedback can also prevent unnecessary revisions.
Time management in graphic design doesn’t mean cutting corners or sacrificing quality. By integrating these time-saving strategies into your workflow, you can enhance your efficiency, meet deadlines more comfortably, and allocate more time to the creative aspects of your projects. With practice, these tips will become second nature, significantly boosting your productivity and work satisfaction.