🎧 When Non-Designers Design Stuff

[logo] OVERTIME EPISODE 93 “If you’re trying to imagine what in the world Billie Eilish or Reese Witherspoon would have to add to the design landscape, you’re about to find out.” [hero-image] Art by [Meg Lewis]( Hey! It’s me, your host, Meg Lewis! Welcome back to [Overtime](, Dribbble’s weekly podcast where I give you design tips and more to help you make better things! This week on [Overtime](, we take a look at the new logo for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—and designers are apparently not happy about it. We also discuss the brand new bookmarking app, My Mind. Is it really an extension of your mind, or is it just adding more noise to the product landscape? Lastly, we’re joined by our buddy—illustrator and designer Kirk Wallace—who hops on in to talk about how varied and unique inspiration actually leads to the most interesting work. You ready to get this thing going? Let’s go! [Listen to Overtime Episode 93 now](. Sponsored Hey, you! Want to get noticed? Looking to get more contact from your Dribbble posts? With a Dribbble Pro Business membership you can add a ‘Hire Me / Us’ button right to your Shot pages, so prospective clients can instantly get in touch. That’s just one of the must-have features that makes Dribbble Pro worth it—and [you can get it for less than a cup of coffee a month.]( Interested in sponsoring? [Contact us]( Past Episodes [A Logo Drenched In Class This week on Overtime, get the inside scoop on the extra fancy new Rolls-Royce rebrand designed by the folks at Pentagram! Plus, what is *Auto-Tune...]( [A Party For One Can Still Be Fun This week on Overtime, where is everyone moving to because of COVID? We're digging into the most popular destinations people are relocating to, and...]( [Work Hard & Be Nuanced on the Internet This week on Overtime, we discuss why nuanced thinking is important in design and how to start eliminating binary thoughts from your head! Plus, wh...]( Subscribe to the Overtime podcast [Apple Podcasts]( [Google Podcasts]( [Spotify]( [Spotify Podcasts]( as well as on [Simplecast](, [Overcast](, [Stitcher](, [Pocket Casts](, [TuneIn](, [Castbox](, [RadioPublic]( or via [RSS](. Other Happenings 💰 Why hiring an illustrator is important for your business It goes without saying that illustration brings a tangible flair to design work—whether it’s informational or just plain expressive, illustration has the ability to solve problems, communicate powerful messages, and visualize complex ideas. And, heck, incorporating [thoughtful, commissioned illustration]( into your product design adds a human touch to your design experience, potentially rendering your product or service friendlier and easier to use. If you’re on the fence on whether you should source some more economical stock artwork, or go-tilt into hiring an illustrator for some custom work, [we’ve got a roundup]( over on the Dribbble blog on why that investment might just be worth every penny: ✨ It will differentiate you from competitors Hiring an illustrator for commissioned work means you’ll be purchasing artwork that you can own exclusive rights to. When it comes to stock art that everyone has access to, there’s no guarantee of how many other brands are using the same imagery as you. Instead of sourcing public art, it’s [much more valuable]( as a brand to invest in illustration work that was thoughtfully and strategically designed to have a unique association with your brand and goals. Hiring an illustrator will help your business stand out from the crowd while also creating brand awareness and familiarity through distinct, custom artwork. [Illustration] 📣 It will tell your brand’s unique story Work with an illustrator to create artwork specifically geared towards your brand’s audience and customer demographic. Your brand’s story is unique and deserves to be [communicated in an authentic way](, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. An illustrator will work with you to create a style and visual language that supports your brand’s message and unique personality—an indispensable tool for attracting users and earning their trust. 👁️ It will be specific to your product One of illustration’s most powerful uses when it comes to your business is visualizing how to use your product or how your service works. An illustrator will visualize these complex, abstract ideas, and make it easier for your visitors to understand what you’re all about. Some of the most admired brands use illustration to make their product friendly, approachable, and far less intimidating than described in a block of text. Using pre-made imagery comes with the risk of confusing your audience because it’s not explicitly addressing your product. Don’t underestimate [the power of custom illustration]( to accompany your targeted messaging. 👉 It will involve your direct input Nothing can replace working and collaborating with an expert in their craft. Working directly with an illustrator is meant to be a collaborative experience where you hold a [wealth of opportunity for input]( and ultimately influence the outcome of the deliverables. You’ll work together to come up with the best visual solution based on your business needs. At the end of the day, stock resources can’t replace an illustrator’s expertise and the opportunity for an inclusive, collaborative creative process. Want more insight into the benefits of bringing an illustrator onboard to help with your design projects? Head over to the Dribbble blog for our [complete article]( to learn more about the edge that custom illustration can offer! ■🧠5 Habits of great illustrators “I’ve always said that illustration is like art with a job: It has to have a purpose. It can’t just exist out of nothing.” Believe it or not, the secret to becoming a great illustrator isn’t just mastering your drawing skills. There’s plenty more to consider when it comes to an illustrator’s process, and even the most seasoned pros actively strive to refine and develop their craft. On the Dribbble blog, 5 illustrators [share their tried-and-true habits]( for producing their very best work—which include these directives: - 🗣️ Focus on underlying messages - ⚙️ Break down processes into steps - 🧪 Never stop experimenting - 📝 Keeping a running list of ideas - ❤️ Embrace imperfection Be sure to check out our [full blog post]( to dig deeper into each illustrators’ workflow and learn more about how these habits can help propel you on your journey to becoming a successful illustrator. ■You elected to receive these emails. No longer interested? [Unsubscribe]( or [manage your subscriptions](. Dribbble Holdings Ltd. [• 524 Yates St. • Victoria, BC V8W1K8, Canada]( [hero-image]