The Cutting Room Floor

Show Notes

Show Notes and Resources Mentioned:

When designing your next project, consider these three filters:

1. Just because you got it, doesn’t mean you should use it.

We all know that just because your software comes loaded with tons of ‘bells and whistles’, doesn’t mean you need to use them.

The same is true for your lighting, audio, stage design, and video projects – just because your gear has a tool, doesn’t necessarily mean you should use it.

So how do you know which tools to use and or not to use?

Most of this comes with experience. The longer you’re in your field, the more you know if an aspect of design is an industry standard or a trend. As you learn, watch other designers. Watch network television. Look at the designs of top professionals in your field. Look, not only at their designs, but their process and the tools they are using to create their project.

Every tool in your toolbox doesn’t necessarily need to be used. Your designs can be more powerful without them.

2. The simpler the design, the more application it can have.

If you’re design is filled with thin lines or image heavy elements, its effectiveness on promotional materials, clothing, and other applications can be limited.

For example, if your design is going to be used on apparel, you want to consider the number of colors in your design and what that will mean in printing costs. Or if you’re design is going to be seen primarily on screens and devices, you want to be mindful of thin lines or colors you use as they may appear different on your monitor than other screens or devices.

If you keep your designs simple, the more application it can have.

3. It can take more creativity to be simple than complex.

There can be a misconception that more is better – more shots, more effects, more sequences must make us look more professional or more creative.

I’ve learned over the years that it can take more creativity to be simple than complex.

Sometimes your production, your project, your design would be better if you left some stuff out.

Design your project, then ask yourself what is necessary and what is not.

Use the ‘negative space’ in your designs.

Cut stuff out.

Your project may be more compelling without it.

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Quotes from this Episode:

Suggested Tweet: "With any project, it can be much more powerful to leave things out rather than keep everything in. @carlbarnhill"

Suggested Tweet: "Sometimes 'negative space' can actually help your design be simpler, cleaner and more effective. @carlbarnhill "

Suggested Tweet: "Every tool in your toolbox doesn't necessarily need to be used. Your designs can be more powerful without them. @carlbarnhill "

Sharable Content:

I want you to have the resources you need to lead your volunteer team well. That’s why in nearly every episode of the podcast I like to provide you with downloadable, sharable content that you can take back and use as you lead your teams. This content is absolutely FREE of charge. You can take it, copy it, and distribute it to your team members. May God bless your ministry as you serve Him.

FREE .PDF Version of my list of “3 Filters to Use When Designing Your Next Project”

The content of this episode was adapted from an article I wrote for SundayMag. 
Click here to read more.