Is it valuable to learn to code as a designer?
🔥 Campfire 29: Learning to code is invaluable if you want to be an outstanding designer. You start thinking about problem-solving in new and abstract ways.
It’s Friday, and here we are with a new Campfire 🔥 edition sent by truly yours, Alex Dovhyi. Each week I answer questions from readers about design, freelancing, building skills, switching careers, and anything else that makes you scratch your mind.
This week's question is... 🥁
Is it valuable to learn to code as a designer?
There are many people out there arguing whether designers should code.
Learning to code is invaluable if you want to be an outstanding designer.
I chose to study computer science at university because it completely transforms your thinking.
You start thinking about problem-solving in new and abstract ways.
Code can be challenging, but it never hurts to learn. Applying a computer science mindset to design helped me become a better designer, and learning to code can help you do the same.
Start with the basics
There are fantastic resources and communities for coders, especially for beginners. Build your foundation before diving into something like iOS or web development.
Find a focus
Creating web apps was the lowest barrier to getting my work out there. For example, you could begin by learning HTML and CSS and then see how those skills translate well to a framework like React. You're now on your way to creating a web app.
Learn by doing
There is no substitute for experience. You can sit and watch educational videos all day, but you won't get better at coding until you put what you've learned into action on the front lines.
Combine your skills
As a designer, you're probably used to handing over your designs to a developer for implementation. Take a shot at doing both yourself this time. Having complete control will make you happy.
Conclusion
Coding is a powerful skill. You'll realize how influential the ability to create things from scratch and have an impact on the lives of others is. There's nothing else like it. You can do incredible things.
🧭 This week's discovery
Food for thought
Thought-provoking things to read, listen to, and watch.
Why do we always worry for no reason?
It sounds paradoxical and absurd to think that some of us might need to find something to worry about in order to recover our equilibrium. Worry is, after all, something we should rightly hate to have to suffer and should engage with only when absolutely necessary.
On Needing to Find Something to Worry About — Why We Always Worry for No Reason - The School Of Life
It’s Time to Rethink Retirement
Pursuing your hobbies, traveling, resting — everything you postponed during a lifetime of work so you can do them when you retire. That’s the problem with the retirement mindset. It makes you live in the future.
“Do whatever you want now. The past? That’s what we call our memories. The future? That’s what we call our imagination. Neither exists outside of your mind. The only real time is this moment. So live accordingly.”
It’s Time to Rethink Retirement - Darius Foroux
Tools & apps
Useful apps, tools, and websites.
Happy Hues
Happy Hues will help you find the color palette that fits the context of your design. It's great for situations when you're unsure what colors to use in your designs or where to use them.
Happy Hues - Curated colors in context.
Learn the logic of great typography
Great typography plays a major role in the design.
Practice creating stunning typography layouts with an interactive typography tutorial from LearnUI.design
Interactive Typography Tutorial
Typeface of the week
Messina Sans
Messina consists of three styles. She is designed for large editorial projects, corporate identities, or advanced online applications. The Sans Version reflects the 20th century and its affinity for reduction.
Messina Sans Font – Luzi Type Foundry
Aesthetically pleasing
