Creating a Brand Style Guide: Why and How
What is a Brand Style guide? Creating a brand style guide serves as a foundational document that ensures consistency and coherence across all aspects of your brand’s visual and verbal identity. Think of it as a holy text for anyone creating or modifying your brand’s assets, providing clear guidelines and standards for how your brand […]
Exploring the role of emotion in design
Is there a place for emotion in design? Aesthetics and functionality often take the spotlight in the design world, but there’s an unsung hero silently shaping our experiences: emotion. Emotion plays a pivotal role in the success and impact of design, steering user perceptions, interactions, and decisions. Understanding this facet unveils a world of opportunities […]
Illustration in the digital era: why it still matters
Illustration in digital design In a world dominated by pixels and screens, the artistry of illustration stands resilient, weaving its narrative through the digital landscape. Despite the proliferation of photography, advanced digital technologies and even AI art, illustration remains a potent force in digital design with a unique charm and versatility. We will delve into […]
The significance of keeping up with design trends
Investigating design trends You may not be able to identify the latest design trends, but most of us can spot when something looks a bit out of date. So much so that we will dismiss it in favour of something that looks a bit fresher. Let’s explore the profound impact of staying current with design […]
The Power of Personal Branding: Design Tips and Techniques
The Power of Personal Branding If you’re not used to crowing about your victories, talking about your personal brand can fill you with dread or at least a hefty dose of cringe. But your personal brand is everything your customers and clients love about you, and the reason they keep coming back. It’s a time […]
How to make your design project a success
What does it take to make your design project a success? Designing is so much more than making things look good. That’s actually only a tiny piece of what we do. It’s a meticulous journey that intertwines creativity, strategy, and purpose. Whether it’s crafting a website, developing a logo, or conceiving a whole new identity […]
The Impact of Typography in Graphic Design
What is the Impact of Typography? Typography is the silent hero of graphic design and wields immense power in conveying messages and shaping the visual narrative. It’s way more than the selection of fonts; it’s about evoking emotions, guiding attention, and amplifying the impact of visual communication. It’s also a key factor in readability – […]
Four quick design jobs that have long-lasting impact
Need help with quick design jobs? One of the best things about signing up to a design subscription service is the freedom of how you use your time with us. With plans starting from just four hours per month, you can use your time to work on the projects that matter. Not sure how to […]
Why a design service might be a better solution than hiring a freelance designer
Hire a Freelance Designer? Congratulations on your business success! What started out as you, a laptop and a dream, has blossomed into a new business that’s going places. When your design requirements outgrow your capabilities, it’s time to bring in some extra help. For a long time, your only choices were hiring a freelance designer […]
How to use negative space effectively in design
Want to know how to use negative space effectively? A huge part of successful design is considering what we don’t include. Sometimes, it can be equally as important as what we do. Using negative space effectively in design can create balanced, visually appealing, and meaningful compositions, but it isn’t always black and white. So, what […]
FAQs: Your design subscription service questions answered
Are you considering using a design subscription service but have some questions first? This FAQ is here to provide you with answers to some common queries you might have. If you have a specific question about Toast Design Services that isn’t answered here, get in touch. What is a design subscription service? A design subscription […]
The role of sketching in the design process
How significant is sketching in the design process? With digital platforms and AI-generated imagery steamrolling their way through the design industry, the age-old practice of putting pencil to paper could look obsolete. However, sketching remains a timeless and invaluable tool in the world of design. The humble sketch plays a vital role in the creative […]
Designing for diversity and inclusion
What is diversity and inclusion? As designers, it is our responsibility to craft solutions that not only cater to a broad spectrum of users but also celebrate the richness of human experience. This means designing for diversity and inclusion, understanding why it matters, and challenging how it can be achieved. Inclusive design is the practice […]
The importance of wireframes in web design
How critical are wireframes in web design? Think of the architectural sketch for a masterpiece or the rough draft of a novel. These things are the foundation that helps build greatness. Without them, grand projects would falter long before completion. This is the role of wireframes in creating a website, and skipping this vital step […]
Unlock your creativity with the power of mood boards
What are Mood Boards? Finding creative inspiration for design projects is hard enough, but how do you translate your artistic vision into a workable blueprint for the client and the design team? It’s time to create a mood board. Mood boards are visual collages that encapsulate the essence, style, and emotional undertones of a design […]
How to choose the right design agency for your business
Which Design Agency? A well-designed brochure, logo, or marketing materials can set your business apart from the competition and leave a lasting impact on customers. But how do you choose the right design agency to help bring your vision to life? With so many options available, it can be a daunting task. Fear not, as […]
Incorporating sustainability in design
A Time to Change Now more than ever, businesses across the UK embrace eco-friendly principles and incorporate sustainability into their designs. From architecture to fashion, we are at the forefront of this movement. Let’s explore how sustainability shapes the design industry, with a spotlight on two businesses that are leading the charge. What is sustainability […]
Design Thinking: A creative approach to resolving business challenges
Think for a Change Solving complex problems requires innovative thinking and a fresh perspective, and traditional problem-solving methods may not always cut it. That’s where Design Thinking comes into play. What is Design Thinking? Design Thinking is a human-centred, iterative problem-solving approach that places people and their needs at the heart of the process. It […]
The power of visual storytelling in branding
Humans are inherently visual beings We process visual information 60,000 times faster than text, making it no surprise that visual elements play a pivotal role in our decision-making process. When it comes to branding, visuals are the first thing that grabs a potential customer’s attention. Think about iconic logos like the golden arches of McDonald’s […]
The intersection of design and psychology
These two themes might not necessarily seem related… but how can we expect to create good design without understanding the people that the design is intended for? The fusion of these disciplines shapes not just visuals, but also emotions, perceptions, and ultimately, human behaviour. By understanding the captivating dynamics between psychology and print design, we […]
How good design enhances user trust
Authenticity and credibility are prized qualities for any company, and the marriage of design and trust becomes a strategic imperative for brands aiming to rise above the noise. We’re looking at the profound impact of good graphic design on user trust, drawing insights to illuminate this symbiotic relationship. The power of visual identity A brand’s […]
10 common design mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced graphic designers can fall into certain pitfalls that hinder the effectiveness of their work. Let’s explore ten common graphic design mistakes and how to steer clear of them, ensuring your designs don’t end up on one of these lists… Ignoring the importance of a good design brief Mistake: Neglecting to produce a thorough […]
The power of minimalism in modern design
There’s a lot going on everywhere you look, so the allure of minimalism in modern design has become more potent than ever. The day-to-day adage of “less is more” has transcended aesthetics, shaping everything from product design and architecture to user interfaces and visual arts. It’s a design philosophy with the power to create impactful, […]