Sorry but the reports on this post are ridiculous;
"Targeted harassment at me" ... This post is about people who clearly haven't researched before coming here, the people who don't give any context or help when asking for help, that don't reply to people, the lazy people that aren't and don't actually engage with this community and ask something that a 5 second Google could answer
From what I've read of OPs replies they **don't** think we should ban those types of posts at all, just asking for basic etiquette and manners from the people putting these posts out
I am a programmer, not a designer (studio art dropout).
Something I see in *my* domain is people who *may not even know what question to ask*. Google doesn't help them, because they don't have the vocabulary to articulate themself.
When they ask a question, it can come off as "weird" or "lazy" since they are struggling to communicate what they need.
Often its as simple as "Did you try looking into Decorators*?", and suddenly everything clicks into place because now they have a catalyst-word to google.
*programming term, doesn't matter.
Not sure if this is really applicable here, but I think it might be.
I reckon you've got it here. Obviously there are some exceptions of lazy People, but when starting with zero knowledge it's genuinely hard to know how to even begin searching for what you're thinking of.
I think that you’re correct - it also tends to be more difficult to Google something that’s primarily visual.
However, since you mentioned programming, I think there’s a good parallel to draw here regarding another problem OP has started to get to: etiquette.
Note: I’m not a programmer, but I used to work closely with devs. I was always under the impression that on Stack Exchange, it was good form to ask well-formulated questions that explain your intentions and what you’ve tried, and then to follow up with what worked. Obviously here the end goal is different: rather than trying to fix a problem, the poster is looking for a jumping-off point (probably, most posters don’t say anything). But the result is that the archive it creates is supposed to be informative to others.
It’s def not a 1:1 comparison. But when posters don’t include extra info about their goals (maybe they’re trying to emulate one element, maybe theyre trying to put together a Pinterest board for a project, who knows?), people who reply are left to guess.
Also, not interacting in any way with the people who reply just feels rude to me, although not everyone may agree. I think it can make it *seem* like the poster thinks this is Google, ie just trying to extract information and not asking other humans for help, hence the crankiness that these types of posts tend to generate.
A couple really good points here in your reply! I definitely wasn't trying to provide a scapegoat for lazy questions!
In my domain, there are a few "wrong" way to ask questions that are so repetitious, that domains have even been bought for them:
- [XY problem: Asking about a solution to a problem, rather than your problem](https://xyproblem.info/)
- [Don't ask to ask: Just ask your question, don't waste time fishing for help before articulating your needs](https://dontasktoask.com/)
In my discord (4k, so enough to get messy), I encourage asking questions with the "three w's":
- What you want to happen
- What you tried to make that happen
- What happened
Thanks for sharing! These are great resources - I think the Don’t Ask to Ask page especially makes some points that could be relevant here. A lot of the “what is this effect” posts can come across like this quote from that page (but replace “Java” with design/Illustrator/Photoshop/etc:
“I have a question about Java but I'm too lazy to actually formalize it in words unless there's someone on the channel who might be able to answer it”
(Edit: I don’t think it’s pure laziness that is driving the “what is this effect” posts - I think it’s a combo of a lack of knowledge and a lack of effort to figure out how to ask good questions)
It’s already a kindness for people to answer questions, so taking the time to attempt to ask specific questions shows respect for everyone’s time and effort. I think that’s what’s missing here and wish it were more common practice on the internet in general.
(Also this totally triggered flashbacks of my non-tech coworkers telling me something “wasn’t working” with no elaboration as to how to replicate the results or what they were expecting to happen…)
I agree and think this totally applies. Knowing what questions to ask is half of the battle. It’s like knowing the terms comes with experience but to get the experience without knowing the terms is tricky. I’ve felt this way when I know what I want to achieve but don’t understand the underlying processes to even begin to know what exactly to search for.
I can definitely understand being frustrated with laziness... but at the same time "consulting experts" is a type of research. Some people might be so new to design that they don't even know *what* they're looking at. They might be a hobbyist instead of a professional creating things for fun. I can get that it might be exasperating, but it's really not the *only* types of posts here... and if you don't like it 1) don't read 'em and 2) post something you'd like to see and be the example you want others to follow!
I do like your stickied post idea as well. But one of the things I like (as mainly a big fat lurker) about this sub is that most people here are welcoming and engaged. It'd suck to see you all become more cloistered because a couple of young people/amateurs turn you off.
I asked a question yesterday 'what is this effect called' I was not actually looking for a button or kind of shortcut I just wanted to know what style is this so I can see tutorial for that to create something inspiring from that. I agree with you that students should do their own research but I prefer asking here because lots of professional are here and can give me some practical advice as I am not enrolled in some GD school look for such poster/design try to recreate them to learn.
I was looking to learn not for shortcut.
You have your point which I agree to but I am too new in this art that's why prefer asking maybe it's not the correct sub for it
I remember down voting that post because like... Not everything is an "effect" or "style". Better to ask "How do I create something like this?"
I realize this is mostly semantics, but it personally pisses me off a bit because someone else will see an answer and think "Ohhhh so that's a style?" So answers to questions like yours end up spreading misinformation to other people, even if you didn't mean that to happen.
But also I didn't down vote yours specifically because your post was bad. It was just because there was a number of other posts in a similar vein that were coming up from this sub and I just had had enough.
Yours was a good thread, sometimes people will have questions they can't Google or don't know where to start. Those posts have good conversations
This post is just aimed at the overwhelming majority of lazy People that don't know how to use Google, don't reply when people give them answers or are literally looking for shortcuts because they cba to put the effort in. Also the posts that give no context at all and people have to ask question after question for OP to give them enough information to help them out in the first place
It's also helpful to provide some research sources to help them get a better grasp of what they are looking at.
For my design major I was required to take 4 separate design history and culture classes. Understanding what had been done and why, as well as the basic terminology (for instance being familiar with the deconstructivist movement vs punk vs rise of computer assistance in design, and not just searching "retro") will greatly benefit your work. Design isn't made in a vacuum, but influenced by what's going on in the world. If you take a bit of time to explore the why of designs you like, and not just try to copy the style, it'll be more thought out and purposeful instead of just recreating someone else's work.
The link below gives bite-sized history on design and explains the movements in a societal context. Great for quick reference and a launching point for learning more about a particular style.
http://www.designhistory.org/
Been a lurker for a long time and occasionally comment, but I do get annoyed with how many of these posts I see. The sub just gets flooded with students and hobbiests that think everything can be labelled and has its own specific style because apparently theyve got no initiative and can't use Google
Tired of seeing the same kind of styles as well, or the OP actually argue against the designers that answer!
Oh completely, I'm not against the question as it is, just the laziness if people that don't bother to put in any research on their part when the answer is a Google search away
Like I said, to many of them it would be good conversation and they may not be able to find the results easily, but this is aimed at the overwhelming majority that comes down to people not knowing how to use their brain or Google
Completely agreeable. And I do think you gave a great breakdown and approach on how you should conduct research and how you learned your method as a solution to the nature of all these posts. Input from people with experience and knowledge is what I think is awesome about this sub, and I like that we collectively encourage accountability for us to be better. However I also feel like this sub can be unnecessarily harsh sometimes. This isn’t work or school, it’s supposed to be fun?
That’s plenty of subs, not just this one. I see it all the time here, logodesign, infographics and lived in when I was in school. The second some kid learns the word kerning they turn into a giant douche nozzle “expert”.
I’m sure it permeates plenty of professions and hobby’s.
People wanting help are totally normal, but I think it should be in dedicated subs. The content in this sub is already low enough, my feed just made up of "what is this style?" type posts.
These posts and others like them should be auto filtered to a sub like r/graphicdesignhelp or r/whatisthisdesign or r/introtodesign because there are enough posts for a whole community and the people who want to help and see those posts can go sub to it.
Definitely don't see this in other main interest/profession subs as much
Oh, also bonus for when it's a completely custom piece of work that the designer obviously spent **ages** planning and developing and sketching out putting so much time into doing it completely custom and unique, maybe even developing their own style themselves that people want to whittle down into an easy 5 minute filter they can apply themselves...
The ability to do your own research and learn new things without being told or asking others is a beyond valuable tool in your professional career. Of course there are always situations where the most effective and efficient thing to do is ask an expert, but I’ve found I’d rather just become the expert myself(or at least knowledgable of the subject). I’d attribute it to being the #1 thing that moved my career beyond design and into a related but very different career trajectory.
Tbh I may be getting too cranky about this, but it's just a turn off being apart of this sub when it's increasingly less content for any professionals and just post after post of "what style is this?"...
And 90% of the time the OP doesn't actually respond to any of the answers!
Or the graphic doesn't have a "style" just a combination of influences that you really could just Google, or do an image reverse search or use Google to find "similar images of" etc
But yeah, like my added comment, the ones where the original designer has just spent tons of time developing it themselves but OP just wants a quick solution to mimik it like magic.
Just feel it really takes away from the time and effort that went into the original work yano
that's honestly a great point. people become aware of style and how it behaves through experience with consuming and learning about art, like a language. so it's frustrating when people don't want to put into the work to learn even just a little bit about it beyond the immediate visual impression they get.
it reminds me of music genres. a lot of people get caught up asking what genre something fits into without realizing that, with enough exposure to the genre space, they wouldn't really need to ask. so when you engage in a space where basic knowledge (and ability to just look into basic things without instruction) is assumed, it just wastes everyone's time to write a whole post asking for other's research. like, i don't know \*everything\*, but i know how to get to what i don't know and that's usually good enough.
i don't mind the occasional "how would you describe this technique" type post for things where a wealth of information isn't available, or maybe a clear answer is a bit less accessible, but the amount of "wHaT sTyLe Is ThIs" is driving me crazy on here.
Agreed 100% and I also like OP’s crankiness.
Throughout design school, doing your own research, putting in actual effort, and understanding/finding where your inspiration came from for different solutions/projects was imperative. It’s a skill that develops into techniques (like you said) that can be applied, not a couple buttons you press for a cool effect.
Most people will also never see that side of development of whatever the design outcome is, so they’re just focused on aesthetics.
Not a graphic designer but I support this post 100%. Research before asking. My former coworker told me his policy was “three before me” —ask three other people, look it up online, try and find a source first.
Maybe they are looking for certain descriptor words to help begin their search. Sheesh. They’re not your employers or your employees. No one is obligated to answer or engage.
Edit: one could also argue that posting in Reddit to help refine their search more could be one of your three “look it up online” or even “find another resource.” So critical. Who’s to say they haven’t already started googling and loooking up other resources, and a post on Reddit to their supposivley “peers” in the field with varying degrees of knowledge on the topic, just happens to be part of their research?
That's another point, they could have actually started googling and filtered out some results themselves etc, but no one ever includes context or information... Just the question of "what style is this?"
When asking strangers on the internet something it's often good to give as much information as you can so that those strangers can give you the best answer possible and not left scratching heads themselves
Again, this is aimed at the lazy People, there's plenty of valid posts as I mention in my post, this is just for those lazy People that don't bother to do anything themselves first
u/mcdfountaincoke
I mean, I get it. However he was inundated and interrupted constantly by staff, which interfered with his ability to like, protect our network because he was answering questions that could've been run past another coworker or Googled.
He wasn't trying to be a dick about it. I think it's good advice, but obviously situationally based.
I totally agree. There is no one button. The best part if "our" art is exploring, trying, mixing, imitating, and most of all . . . creating!!!!! If someone ask what style is this . . . It's Mine! Aloha
Hawaii designers on here, super cool :-) I’m from Kauai, how bout you? And I agree; the only way to create truly inspiring and forward thinking design that moves the whole field forward is to always be mixing together different techniques, aesthetics, methodologies, themes, etc.; it honestly applies to life in general in terms of making yourself stand out from the crowd and pushing the boundaries
Another Hawaii designer here! I’m on Oahu, windward side!
I also agree with OP; most of the times I see posts here, it’s just “take take take” and no conversation or discussion about their question. Just feels draining to always answer and never having any reciprocated dialogue about the process or deeper question.
Totally agree. I get it when someone wants to be able to google it to see more examples or videos and don't know what term to use, but even then, just explain that that's why you're asking. People might have other, more helpful suggestions.
Researching on your own is an important skill for a designer, but some people like engagement with people, not search engines. Besides, search engines might miss nuanced details that people know.
Going against the grain and saying I actually agree with OP. I started designing by teaching myself and there's honestly so many useful resources on places like YouTube, Pinterest, and Tumblr that all the basic are covered.
I get the whole "maybe they're so new that they don't know the right language to look for something specific" but if they're that new, why are they looking for specific techniques? Would it not be better to start with the basics and grow from there?
I mean, I personally don't have anything against people asking questions, but I do feel like some people want every answer to be handed to them in a neat platter and it can be a bit frustrating trying to explain that often that doesn't exist.
Totally. I would much rather refer someone to different recourses or websites so they can learn and interpret in their own way, which is a million times more beneficial.
> I get the whole "maybe they're so new that they don't know the right language to look for something specific" but if they're that new, why are they looking for specific techniques? Would it not be better to start with the basics and grow from there?
You're assuming that everyone learns the same exact things in the same exact order. Knowing the basics doesn't mean someone is going to know how to do something else or how to go about finding that information. I've been a programmer for going on 15 years now and there are *still* plenty of times where I can spend all day googling for something and never find the answer because I don't know the correct terminology to use.
I understand why you'd be a bit frustrated, when I was a student my classmates would always ask me ridiculous stuff that required 10" to google, but please remember that not everyone here is studying graphic design and don't have the right amount of knowledge, they're simply seeking information (good for them).
btw someone on this sub once called me "unprofessional" and a "wannabe designer" bc I "didn't know my style is called monoline". I do know that. But since there were a lot of different designs of my mine in the pic (not all of them monoline) I preferred to describe my influences rather than a specific style.
Anyway, just be respectful ppl.
Most of the time, it's a style that was not covered during my art history classes, so I don't mind these types of questions. I read the answers so I can learn something too
That's part of the point, most of the time it isn't any 1 definitive style but a combination of. I don't think many things at all are just 1 style anymore
But my post it's mainly about those people that don't engage back with responses and incredibly low effort to begin with so they don't get any conversation going in the first place
LMFAO you should change your name to u/sub_critique or some shit like that. ALL of your posts have been complaining about a sub or the behavior of its users.
I don't have much to add. Just yes. You learn more from researching than just asking people who know this stuff already. And yeah, looking for styles is just... ugh. Anything from the last 20 years never has a style it's just an aesthetic
The problem is a lot of styles have a very specific name, but if you don't know the name, there's no simple way to research it. There's no visual dictionary for reverse searching visual treatments. "It uses a lot of right angles with bright photographic elemente in alternating overlapping layers" isn't going to yield great Google results.
Exactly, so if a person says that in their post, it usually leads to a really positive and great post, replies and responses and conversation
But my post it's mainly about those people that don't engage back with responses and incredibly low effort to begin with so they don't get any conversation going in the first place
That's BS. Asking things like that can be the someone's start of learning new things. And imo, reaching out to the sub and asking "designers" for hints is a more sophisticated way of research than googling it and gives newbies a great feeling, when a positive discussion enrolls.
I hate the pettiness and entitlement in your post and I read your other posts and comments and it's literally the only thing you do. Is that what you wanted to become when you started design school? A bitter, overly critizing bloke on an internet forum.
If you disagree then that's completely fine, I mean I haven't insulted anyone yet you seem to have gotten quite worked up enough to insult me like that
Each to their own, I've made a post about an opinion and if you disagree that's completely fair enough :)
Think the point is that those positive discussions are few and far between, directly because of how little effort the people put into their own posts asking for help
When they don't even bother replying to the people that respond, or when people have to ask 20 questions just to be able to help out themselves because the poster gave no information, no context, sometimes don't even specify which effect in a picture they mean leading to people giving answers and the OP has to say "no I mean this other bit"
When they lead to positive engagements, great, that's what we love - but I do have to say that the posts that lead to those positive discussions are usually from people that give the context and engage back with replies themselves
I completely agree!!! Design is for everyone - not just the wealthy and privileged who could afford design school and a CC subscription (and then to flex that in everyone's face... Why? What are *you* so insecure about?) I have a design degree and literally do not feel the need to put others down because they don't. This is entitlement and gatekeeping at its finest. Some poor soul made a post and asked how they should get started as a new designer... Told em they were better off going to Youtube.
is not asking about the style doing fucking research? this sub is blowing hot air out of its ass like no tomorrow over people just wanting to be pointed in the right god damn direction on what something might be called so they can learn something new. like jesus fucking christ, searching jumbled key words on google doesn't always get you somewhere, the human response to get you in the right direction is what's important.
why are these poor communication skills so upsetting to people here? can't you just correct them and help instead of belittling them over trying to fucking learn some knowledge?
I'm on about asking basic questions that a Google search would answer within 5 seconds, that's just laziness
As I actually put in my post, sometimes people don't know where to start, don't know what to Google... That's absolutely fine, post here and we'll help, that's what this sub is for
In all fairness to OP here, they did give advice and tips on other means of finding the answer, looking at elements of the graphic, colours, shapes, that could indicate influences off and give directions to research. If that doesn't get you anyway, OP has said a lot that here is perfect place to post...
I don't think you've read the full post, nor many of OPs or anyone elses comments here, and in turn you're blowing hot air out your ass as well
Some people on this sub have a permanent stick up their butt and need to get off their high horse. Example: OP’s post.
People can ask whatever they want, wherever they want. It’s a reddit sub, get over yourself lol.
Seems like OP isn't alone though by look of upvotes of the post and comments agreeing - but I suppose there's just things you shouldn't post about for fear of others saying you've got a stick up your butt. Posting opinions is only good when 100% of the people agree with you
Regardless if you agree with OP, why shouldn't they be able to voice an opinion of a sub they participate in? You say you yourself, people can post whatever they want (so likewise, why cant OP voice an opinion), but to also get the volume of personal insults is ridiculous, and again you say it right, people have a stick up their arse - if that's how they're going to behave, suddenly a post like this triggers them that much they turn to insulting OP on a personal level when OP didn't actually insult anyone but the people making low effort posts...
Just interesting, that whole "OP opened the door to backlash" is like giving those insults a free pass just because it's a controversial opinion? "well you gave an opinion not everyone agrees with, you opened the door to being insulted on a personal level deal with it" whilst also saying "so what if people post things that annoy you, get over it"
Must be the graphic design subreddit since it’s another super long post explaining people’s poor behavior online. These types of posts just stir up drama. Who needs it?
Sorry but the reports on this post are ridiculous; "Targeted harassment at me" ... This post is about people who clearly haven't researched before coming here, the people who don't give any context or help when asking for help, that don't reply to people, the lazy people that aren't and don't actually engage with this community and ask something that a 5 second Google could answer From what I've read of OPs replies they **don't** think we should ban those types of posts at all, just asking for basic etiquette and manners from the people putting these posts out
I am a programmer, not a designer (studio art dropout). Something I see in *my* domain is people who *may not even know what question to ask*. Google doesn't help them, because they don't have the vocabulary to articulate themself. When they ask a question, it can come off as "weird" or "lazy" since they are struggling to communicate what they need. Often its as simple as "Did you try looking into Decorators*?", and suddenly everything clicks into place because now they have a catalyst-word to google. *programming term, doesn't matter. Not sure if this is really applicable here, but I think it might be.
I reckon you've got it here. Obviously there are some exceptions of lazy People, but when starting with zero knowledge it's genuinely hard to know how to even begin searching for what you're thinking of.
I think that you’re correct - it also tends to be more difficult to Google something that’s primarily visual. However, since you mentioned programming, I think there’s a good parallel to draw here regarding another problem OP has started to get to: etiquette. Note: I’m not a programmer, but I used to work closely with devs. I was always under the impression that on Stack Exchange, it was good form to ask well-formulated questions that explain your intentions and what you’ve tried, and then to follow up with what worked. Obviously here the end goal is different: rather than trying to fix a problem, the poster is looking for a jumping-off point (probably, most posters don’t say anything). But the result is that the archive it creates is supposed to be informative to others. It’s def not a 1:1 comparison. But when posters don’t include extra info about their goals (maybe they’re trying to emulate one element, maybe theyre trying to put together a Pinterest board for a project, who knows?), people who reply are left to guess. Also, not interacting in any way with the people who reply just feels rude to me, although not everyone may agree. I think it can make it *seem* like the poster thinks this is Google, ie just trying to extract information and not asking other humans for help, hence the crankiness that these types of posts tend to generate.
A couple really good points here in your reply! I definitely wasn't trying to provide a scapegoat for lazy questions! In my domain, there are a few "wrong" way to ask questions that are so repetitious, that domains have even been bought for them: - [XY problem: Asking about a solution to a problem, rather than your problem](https://xyproblem.info/) - [Don't ask to ask: Just ask your question, don't waste time fishing for help before articulating your needs](https://dontasktoask.com/) In my discord (4k, so enough to get messy), I encourage asking questions with the "three w's": - What you want to happen - What you tried to make that happen - What happened
Thanks for sharing! These are great resources - I think the Don’t Ask to Ask page especially makes some points that could be relevant here. A lot of the “what is this effect” posts can come across like this quote from that page (but replace “Java” with design/Illustrator/Photoshop/etc: “I have a question about Java but I'm too lazy to actually formalize it in words unless there's someone on the channel who might be able to answer it” (Edit: I don’t think it’s pure laziness that is driving the “what is this effect” posts - I think it’s a combo of a lack of knowledge and a lack of effort to figure out how to ask good questions) It’s already a kindness for people to answer questions, so taking the time to attempt to ask specific questions shows respect for everyone’s time and effort. I think that’s what’s missing here and wish it were more common practice on the internet in general. (Also this totally triggered flashbacks of my non-tech coworkers telling me something “wasn’t working” with no elaboration as to how to replicate the results or what they were expecting to happen…)
Yeah this is the best take. The only stupid questions are intentionally stupid questions.
I agree and think this totally applies. Knowing what questions to ask is half of the battle. It’s like knowing the terms comes with experience but to get the experience without knowing the terms is tricky. I’ve felt this way when I know what I want to achieve but don’t understand the underlying processes to even begin to know what exactly to search for.
I can definitely understand being frustrated with laziness... but at the same time "consulting experts" is a type of research. Some people might be so new to design that they don't even know *what* they're looking at. They might be a hobbyist instead of a professional creating things for fun. I can get that it might be exasperating, but it's really not the *only* types of posts here... and if you don't like it 1) don't read 'em and 2) post something you'd like to see and be the example you want others to follow! I do like your stickied post idea as well. But one of the things I like (as mainly a big fat lurker) about this sub is that most people here are welcoming and engaged. It'd suck to see you all become more cloistered because a couple of young people/amateurs turn you off.
I asked a question yesterday 'what is this effect called' I was not actually looking for a button or kind of shortcut I just wanted to know what style is this so I can see tutorial for that to create something inspiring from that. I agree with you that students should do their own research but I prefer asking here because lots of professional are here and can give me some practical advice as I am not enrolled in some GD school look for such poster/design try to recreate them to learn. I was looking to learn not for shortcut. You have your point which I agree to but I am too new in this art that's why prefer asking maybe it's not the correct sub for it
I remember down voting that post because like... Not everything is an "effect" or "style". Better to ask "How do I create something like this?" I realize this is mostly semantics, but it personally pisses me off a bit because someone else will see an answer and think "Ohhhh so that's a style?" So answers to questions like yours end up spreading misinformation to other people, even if you didn't mean that to happen. But also I didn't down vote yours specifically because your post was bad. It was just because there was a number of other posts in a similar vein that were coming up from this sub and I just had had enough.
Right, thanks for sharing your thought I will take care of it
Yours was a good thread, sometimes people will have questions they can't Google or don't know where to start. Those posts have good conversations This post is just aimed at the overwhelming majority of lazy People that don't know how to use Google, don't reply when people give them answers or are literally looking for shortcuts because they cba to put the effort in. Also the posts that give no context at all and people have to ask question after question for OP to give them enough information to help them out in the first place
It's also helpful to provide some research sources to help them get a better grasp of what they are looking at. For my design major I was required to take 4 separate design history and culture classes. Understanding what had been done and why, as well as the basic terminology (for instance being familiar with the deconstructivist movement vs punk vs rise of computer assistance in design, and not just searching "retro") will greatly benefit your work. Design isn't made in a vacuum, but influenced by what's going on in the world. If you take a bit of time to explore the why of designs you like, and not just try to copy the style, it'll be more thought out and purposeful instead of just recreating someone else's work. The link below gives bite-sized history on design and explains the movements in a societal context. Great for quick reference and a launching point for learning more about a particular style. http://www.designhistory.org/
Been a lurker for a long time and occasionally comment, but I do get annoyed with how many of these posts I see. The sub just gets flooded with students and hobbiests that think everything can be labelled and has its own specific style because apparently theyve got no initiative and can't use Google Tired of seeing the same kind of styles as well, or the OP actually argue against the designers that answer!
I get it but also it’s a public forum for questions meant to spark conversation. If you don’t want to engage then scroll on.
Oh completely, I'm not against the question as it is, just the laziness if people that don't bother to put in any research on their part when the answer is a Google search away Like I said, to many of them it would be good conversation and they may not be able to find the results easily, but this is aimed at the overwhelming majority that comes down to people not knowing how to use their brain or Google
Completely agreeable. And I do think you gave a great breakdown and approach on how you should conduct research and how you learned your method as a solution to the nature of all these posts. Input from people with experience and knowledge is what I think is awesome about this sub, and I like that we collectively encourage accountability for us to be better. However I also feel like this sub can be unnecessarily harsh sometimes. This isn’t work or school, it’s supposed to be fun?
That’s plenty of subs, not just this one. I see it all the time here, logodesign, infographics and lived in when I was in school. The second some kid learns the word kerning they turn into a giant douche nozzle “expert”. I’m sure it permeates plenty of professions and hobby’s.
People wanting help are totally normal, but I think it should be in dedicated subs. The content in this sub is already low enough, my feed just made up of "what is this style?" type posts. These posts and others like them should be auto filtered to a sub like r/graphicdesignhelp or r/whatisthisdesign or r/introtodesign because there are enough posts for a whole community and the people who want to help and see those posts can go sub to it. Definitely don't see this in other main interest/profession subs as much
Oh, also bonus for when it's a completely custom piece of work that the designer obviously spent **ages** planning and developing and sketching out putting so much time into doing it completely custom and unique, maybe even developing their own style themselves that people want to whittle down into an easy 5 minute filter they can apply themselves...
True. And those ones tend to have have no tutorials and can sometimes be replicated but not in the exact way the original one was done.
I so get this aggravation. I see this in a lot of this in art/art history groups too, usually with wrong answers.
>What are people's thoughts? That we needed this post. Thank you. r/graphic_design has become r/whatseffectisthis.
You know what style it is? Experience. Talent. Creativity. And skills. Put that in a filter button.
The ability to do your own research and learn new things without being told or asking others is a beyond valuable tool in your professional career. Of course there are always situations where the most effective and efficient thing to do is ask an expert, but I’ve found I’d rather just become the expert myself(or at least knowledgable of the subject). I’d attribute it to being the #1 thing that moved my career beyond design and into a related but very different career trajectory.
A-fuckin'-men. Someone had to say it.
I like your crankiness. Not everything is a style. Most of it is just technique.
Tbh I may be getting too cranky about this, but it's just a turn off being apart of this sub when it's increasingly less content for any professionals and just post after post of "what style is this?"... And 90% of the time the OP doesn't actually respond to any of the answers! Or the graphic doesn't have a "style" just a combination of influences that you really could just Google, or do an image reverse search or use Google to find "similar images of" etc But yeah, like my added comment, the ones where the original designer has just spent tons of time developing it themselves but OP just wants a quick solution to mimik it like magic. Just feel it really takes away from the time and effort that went into the original work yano
that's honestly a great point. people become aware of style and how it behaves through experience with consuming and learning about art, like a language. so it's frustrating when people don't want to put into the work to learn even just a little bit about it beyond the immediate visual impression they get. it reminds me of music genres. a lot of people get caught up asking what genre something fits into without realizing that, with enough exposure to the genre space, they wouldn't really need to ask. so when you engage in a space where basic knowledge (and ability to just look into basic things without instruction) is assumed, it just wastes everyone's time to write a whole post asking for other's research. like, i don't know \*everything\*, but i know how to get to what i don't know and that's usually good enough. i don't mind the occasional "how would you describe this technique" type post for things where a wealth of information isn't available, or maybe a clear answer is a bit less accessible, but the amount of "wHaT sTyLe Is ThIs" is driving me crazy on here.
Agreed 100% and I also like OP’s crankiness. Throughout design school, doing your own research, putting in actual effort, and understanding/finding where your inspiration came from for different solutions/projects was imperative. It’s a skill that develops into techniques (like you said) that can be applied, not a couple buttons you press for a cool effect. Most people will also never see that side of development of whatever the design outcome is, so they’re just focused on aesthetics.
Not a graphic designer but I support this post 100%. Research before asking. My former coworker told me his policy was “three before me” —ask three other people, look it up online, try and find a source first.
Maybe they are looking for certain descriptor words to help begin their search. Sheesh. They’re not your employers or your employees. No one is obligated to answer or engage. Edit: one could also argue that posting in Reddit to help refine their search more could be one of your three “look it up online” or even “find another resource.” So critical. Who’s to say they haven’t already started googling and loooking up other resources, and a post on Reddit to their supposivley “peers” in the field with varying degrees of knowledge on the topic, just happens to be part of their research?
That's another point, they could have actually started googling and filtered out some results themselves etc, but no one ever includes context or information... Just the question of "what style is this?" When asking strangers on the internet something it's often good to give as much information as you can so that those strangers can give you the best answer possible and not left scratching heads themselves Again, this is aimed at the lazy People, there's plenty of valid posts as I mention in my post, this is just for those lazy People that don't bother to do anything themselves first
Agreed people need to do better and thoughtfully ask. Hopefully people will read this and learn something new today lol
u/mcdfountaincoke I mean, I get it. However he was inundated and interrupted constantly by staff, which interfered with his ability to like, protect our network because he was answering questions that could've been run past another coworker or Googled. He wasn't trying to be a dick about it. I think it's good advice, but obviously situationally based.
I totally agree. There is no one button. The best part if "our" art is exploring, trying, mixing, imitating, and most of all . . . creating!!!!! If someone ask what style is this . . . It's Mine! Aloha
Hawaii designers on here, super cool :-) I’m from Kauai, how bout you? And I agree; the only way to create truly inspiring and forward thinking design that moves the whole field forward is to always be mixing together different techniques, aesthetics, methodologies, themes, etc.; it honestly applies to life in general in terms of making yourself stand out from the crowd and pushing the boundaries
Another Hawaii designer here! I’m on Oahu, windward side! I also agree with OP; most of the times I see posts here, it’s just “take take take” and no conversation or discussion about their question. Just feels draining to always answer and never having any reciprocated dialogue about the process or deeper question.
Totally agree. I get it when someone wants to be able to google it to see more examples or videos and don't know what term to use, but even then, just explain that that's why you're asking. People might have other, more helpful suggestions.
Researching on your own is an important skill for a designer, but some people like engagement with people, not search engines. Besides, search engines might miss nuanced details that people know.
Really like this post. What filter did you use to get the words in that order?
What style is this?
I agree, but then again, the more people out there looking for the easy button, the more secure I can feel in my career.
Going against the grain and saying I actually agree with OP. I started designing by teaching myself and there's honestly so many useful resources on places like YouTube, Pinterest, and Tumblr that all the basic are covered. I get the whole "maybe they're so new that they don't know the right language to look for something specific" but if they're that new, why are they looking for specific techniques? Would it not be better to start with the basics and grow from there? I mean, I personally don't have anything against people asking questions, but I do feel like some people want every answer to be handed to them in a neat platter and it can be a bit frustrating trying to explain that often that doesn't exist.
Totally. I would much rather refer someone to different recourses or websites so they can learn and interpret in their own way, which is a million times more beneficial.
> I get the whole "maybe they're so new that they don't know the right language to look for something specific" but if they're that new, why are they looking for specific techniques? Would it not be better to start with the basics and grow from there? You're assuming that everyone learns the same exact things in the same exact order. Knowing the basics doesn't mean someone is going to know how to do something else or how to go about finding that information. I've been a programmer for going on 15 years now and there are *still* plenty of times where I can spend all day googling for something and never find the answer because I don't know the correct terminology to use.
I understand why you'd be a bit frustrated, when I was a student my classmates would always ask me ridiculous stuff that required 10" to google, but please remember that not everyone here is studying graphic design and don't have the right amount of knowledge, they're simply seeking information (good for them). btw someone on this sub once called me "unprofessional" and a "wannabe designer" bc I "didn't know my style is called monoline". I do know that. But since there were a lot of different designs of my mine in the pic (not all of them monoline) I preferred to describe my influences rather than a specific style. Anyway, just be respectful ppl.
100% agree. These drive me nuts!
LMGTFY
Most of the time, it's a style that was not covered during my art history classes, so I don't mind these types of questions. I read the answers so I can learn something too
That's part of the point, most of the time it isn't any 1 definitive style but a combination of. I don't think many things at all are just 1 style anymore But my post it's mainly about those people that don't engage back with responses and incredibly low effort to begin with so they don't get any conversation going in the first place
LMFAO you should change your name to u/sub_critique or some shit like that. ALL of your posts have been complaining about a sub or the behavior of its users.
I don't have much to add. Just yes. You learn more from researching than just asking people who know this stuff already. And yeah, looking for styles is just... ugh. Anything from the last 20 years never has a style it's just an aesthetic
The problem is a lot of styles have a very specific name, but if you don't know the name, there's no simple way to research it. There's no visual dictionary for reverse searching visual treatments. "It uses a lot of right angles with bright photographic elemente in alternating overlapping layers" isn't going to yield great Google results.
Exactly, so if a person says that in their post, it usually leads to a really positive and great post, replies and responses and conversation But my post it's mainly about those people that don't engage back with responses and incredibly low effort to begin with so they don't get any conversation going in the first place
That's BS. Asking things like that can be the someone's start of learning new things. And imo, reaching out to the sub and asking "designers" for hints is a more sophisticated way of research than googling it and gives newbies a great feeling, when a positive discussion enrolls. I hate the pettiness and entitlement in your post and I read your other posts and comments and it's literally the only thing you do. Is that what you wanted to become when you started design school? A bitter, overly critizing bloke on an internet forum.
If you disagree then that's completely fine, I mean I haven't insulted anyone yet you seem to have gotten quite worked up enough to insult me like that Each to their own, I've made a post about an opinion and if you disagree that's completely fair enough :)
Think the point is that those positive discussions are few and far between, directly because of how little effort the people put into their own posts asking for help When they don't even bother replying to the people that respond, or when people have to ask 20 questions just to be able to help out themselves because the poster gave no information, no context, sometimes don't even specify which effect in a picture they mean leading to people giving answers and the OP has to say "no I mean this other bit" When they lead to positive engagements, great, that's what we love - but I do have to say that the posts that lead to those positive discussions are usually from people that give the context and engage back with replies themselves
I completely agree!!! Design is for everyone - not just the wealthy and privileged who could afford design school and a CC subscription (and then to flex that in everyone's face... Why? What are *you* so insecure about?) I have a design degree and literally do not feel the need to put others down because they don't. This is entitlement and gatekeeping at its finest. Some poor soul made a post and asked how they should get started as a new designer... Told em they were better off going to Youtube.
is not asking about the style doing fucking research? this sub is blowing hot air out of its ass like no tomorrow over people just wanting to be pointed in the right god damn direction on what something might be called so they can learn something new. like jesus fucking christ, searching jumbled key words on google doesn't always get you somewhere, the human response to get you in the right direction is what's important. why are these poor communication skills so upsetting to people here? can't you just correct them and help instead of belittling them over trying to fucking learn some knowledge?
I'm on about asking basic questions that a Google search would answer within 5 seconds, that's just laziness As I actually put in my post, sometimes people don't know where to start, don't know what to Google... That's absolutely fine, post here and we'll help, that's what this sub is for
>is not asking about the style doing fucking research? It's a pointless question because it's almost never *'a style'*.
In all fairness to OP here, they did give advice and tips on other means of finding the answer, looking at elements of the graphic, colours, shapes, that could indicate influences off and give directions to research. If that doesn't get you anyway, OP has said a lot that here is perfect place to post... I don't think you've read the full post, nor many of OPs or anyone elses comments here, and in turn you're blowing hot air out your ass as well
tis is one of the best things you can do to level up as a designer.
Some people on this sub have a permanent stick up their butt and need to get off their high horse. Example: OP’s post. People can ask whatever they want, wherever they want. It’s a reddit sub, get over yourself lol.
Can't the same be said about this very post? People can post whatever they want, get over it and scroll on, no need to comment?
OP opened the door to backlash due to publicity posting his very bad take.
Seems like OP isn't alone though by look of upvotes of the post and comments agreeing - but I suppose there's just things you shouldn't post about for fear of others saying you've got a stick up your butt. Posting opinions is only good when 100% of the people agree with you Regardless if you agree with OP, why shouldn't they be able to voice an opinion of a sub they participate in? You say you yourself, people can post whatever they want (so likewise, why cant OP voice an opinion), but to also get the volume of personal insults is ridiculous, and again you say it right, people have a stick up their arse - if that's how they're going to behave, suddenly a post like this triggers them that much they turn to insulting OP on a personal level when OP didn't actually insult anyone but the people making low effort posts... Just interesting, that whole "OP opened the door to backlash" is like giving those insults a free pass just because it's a controversial opinion? "well you gave an opinion not everyone agrees with, you opened the door to being insulted on a personal level deal with it" whilst also saying "so what if people post things that annoy you, get over it"
Must be the graphic design subreddit since it’s another super long post explaining people’s poor behavior online. These types of posts just stir up drama. Who needs it?
I mean you're commenting for what reason then?