Design is a skill that improves with practice. I can tell you from my own experience—when I first started, I didn’t realize how much improvement comes from just showing up every day. The more you design, the better you get. But I get it—life gets busy, and it’s hard to find the time. So, how do you practice design every day and speed up your growth? Let me share some practical strategies that have worked for me, and I believe they can work for you too.
🔹 Set Clear, Achievable Goals
I used to dive into design projects without a clear direction, and honestly, it was a bit frustrating. Then I realized that setting goals made a huge difference. When you know what you’re working toward, your practice becomes more purposeful and effective. It’s like having a roadmap—you know exactly where to go.
For example, when I started focusing on typography, I set a small goal: “Master one new font style this week.” It was specific and achievable. And it worked! Slowly but surely, I began to feel more confident with my font choices. The key is to start small, track your progress, and stay consistent. Even 20-30 minutes a day can make a big impact over time.
Another tip I found helpful is breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, if your goal is to master logo design, start by learning about the basics of shapes and forms, then move on to typography and color theory, and eventually try to create your own logos. This incremental approach will keep you on track and motivated.
🔸 Create a Daily Design Challenge
One of the best ways I’ve found to practice design every day is by participating in a daily design challenge. It’s like giving yourself a mini-project each day that pushes you to experiment with new ideas. The challenges can help you focus on specific skills and let you try different techniques without the pressure of a big project.
For instance, I once joined a challenge where each day I had to design something related to a theme, like “Create a logo in 30 minutes” or “Design a web page with minimalistic elements.” What I love about challenges is that they’re time-limited and fun, but they also help you build a solid portfolio. Don’t forget to join design communities like Dribbble or Behance—they often host challenges where you can get feedback from other designers.
These challenges also help push you outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s designing under a strict time limit or trying out a style you’re not familiar with, these challenges force you to grow as a designer. I’ve found that I often discover new techniques or design styles that I hadn’t considered before.
🔹 Break Down Existing Designs
Another technique I use to improve quickly is breaking down existing designs. This doesn’t mean copying them, but rather analyzing how the design was made—what fonts were used, how the layout was structured, and why certain color schemes were chosen. By understanding how successful designs are built, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t.
When I first started, I would recreate my favorite designs to understand their structure. It wasn’t just about the visuals, but also about learning the design process behind them. I highly recommend starting with simple designs and moving to more complex ones as you gain more experience. This exercise has helped me view design from a different angle and improve my own execution.
Breaking down existing designs can also teach you how to incorporate feedback. Many designers share their work online, so seeing critiques from others can provide valuable insights that will improve your own designs.
🔸 Experiment with New Tools and Techniques
The world of design is always evolving, and staying up to date with the latest tools and techniques is key to improving. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new software out there, but the more I explored, the more I realized that experimenting with different tools can open up so many creative possibilities.
I encourage you to try software like Figma or Sketch if you haven’t already. And don’t forget about learning the shortcuts and features within the tools you already use. Mastering these will speed up your workflow and make your design process much more efficient. Also, try experimenting with new design styles—whether it’s minimalism, 3D elements, or even a bold, colorful aesthetic.
By learning how to use various tools, you can streamline your design process, making it more efficient and fun. You’ll also discover which tools you feel most comfortable with, allowing you to focus on creating, rather than wrestling with software.
🔹 Build a Design Routine
When I started treating design like a daily routine, everything changed. Establishing a design practice didn’t just happen overnight, but by setting aside a specific time every day, it became easier to stick to. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening, having a designated time for design ensures that I’m always improving.
A routine also helps you stay focused. I make sure to eliminate distractions during my design sessions—no phone, no social media, just me and my work. And here’s another tip: incorporate feedback. Every week, I set aside time to get feedback from peers or online communities. That’s been a game-changer for improving my designs.
A routine also provides structure, helping you stay productive. Whether it’s dedicating 30 minutes every morning to creating quick sketches or spending an hour each evening learning new design concepts, consistency is key. Over time, these habits will pay off.
🔸 Study Design Theory and Inspiration
I’ll admit, early on I didn’t always understand the importance of design theory, but once I started diving into topics like color theory, typography, and user experience, everything clicked. Understanding the “why” behind design decisions has been incredibly useful in my own practice.
I love reading design books like The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams and Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton. I also take online courses on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy. They’ve helped me deepen my understanding of design theory. By combining practical practice with a solid understanding of theory, I’ve been able to make smarter design choices that resonate with my audience.
Design theory is the backbone of creating meaningful, impactful designs. The more you learn about concepts like balance, contrast, and typography, the more confident you’ll feel when applying them to your own projects.
🔹 Participate in Design Communities
I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to engage with other designers. Being part of a design community has motivated me, helped me learn new techniques, and kept me inspired. Whether it’s joining online groups on Dribbble, Behance, or Reddit, or attending webinars and meetups, being involved in the design community has been an invaluable resource.
Collaboration is another great way to improve. Teaming up with other designers on projects has opened my eyes to new perspectives and approaches. Participating in challenges and giving/receiving feedback from others also pushes me to grow as a designer.
Design communities are a source of endless inspiration and support. You can learn new techniques, stay up to date with trends, and build a network of like-minded individuals who encourage each other to grow.
🔸 Reflect on Your Progress
Finally, don’t forget to reflect on how far you’ve come. Self-reflection is an important step in any creative journey. It helps you identify what’s working, where you need to improve, and what goals to set next.
I often look back at my past designs and think about what has changed—how I’ve improved, what mistakes I’ve learned from, and what techniques I’ve mastered. I also track how much time I spend designing each week, which helps me see if I’m sticking to my routine and making progress.
Tracking your progress helps you stay motivated. It also gives you a clear picture of how much you’ve improved, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. Celebrate small wins and use setbacks as opportunities to learn.
🔷 Conclusion: Evolving as a Designer Through Daily Practice
Becoming a better designer is a continuous journey, and practicing every day is key to evolving faster. Setting goals, participating in challenges, experimenting with new tools, and engaging with design communities will accelerate your growth. Over time, you’ll notice how much more confident and capable you become as a designer.
By making design practice a daily habit, you’ll find that your skills improve, your creativity flourishes, and your confidence grows. Keep going, and watch yourself evolve into the designer you’ve always wanted to be.
From zero to design hero — keep creating!
by Cris