I’ve been doing a lot of design for my freelance and I realized something: My design sense has gotten considerably better despite the fact that I don’t actively improve it very often.

From worldofwarren.com to warrenshea.com to this freelance project. While I still struggle with different design sense (I’m not that versatile), I’m getting stronger in my conceptual and overall design. And I think that it all comes the fundamental principle that less is more. Subtle is better.

I used to design with lots of heavy drop shadows, bevel and embosses, noticeable outer glows and inner shadows (man, do I love those Blending Options in Photoshop). I still like those things…well, drop shadows and strokes, but I think the key is that I use them subtly now. Between noticeable and barely visible. And I think therein lies the key to my design.

I very much like the stuff I’ve been designing lately, for my freelance job.

Anyways…I’ve spent like, 40 hours on Photoshop in the last 7 days doing design and I’ve really been proud of the work I’ve been doing. Maybe I gave up on a design career too soon….although on the other hand, I do still love development so much more. I can’t wait to start developing the designs I’ve been doing :D Can’t wait!