Frank Lloyd Wright Had Critics; So, will You

So, Be like Frank

Web design, like any form of creative expression, is subjective. What one person finds beautiful, another might find garish, unappealing, or simply boring. This subjectivity is what makes design such an exciting and dynamic field, with endless possibilities and perspectives. Web design is no different, and as such, it’s important to remember that your work will be viewed through this lens.

To better understand this, consider Edvard Munch’s famous painting, “The Scream.” To some, this piece of art is a profound representation of human anxiety and existential dread. They see in it a perfect encapsulation of modern angst, and praise it as one of the greatest masterpieces of all time. However, others might see it as amateurish, even childish. They might find its bold lines and bright colors off-putting, or dismiss it as merely sensational.

The same holds true for architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs have been widely praised for their harmony with nature, their innovative use of materials, and their groundbreaking open floor plans. His work is often seen as some of the best examples of mid-century modern architecture. However, there are those who dismiss Wright’s designs as pedestrian, uninspired, or even overrated.

The point is, you can’t please everyone. And in the field of web design, that’s okay, and even expected. Your job as a designer is not to cater to every individual’s tastes, but to create something that fulfills a certain purpose and appeals to a certain audience.

As a web designer, your main goal should be to create a website that’s functional, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. However, what looks good to you might not look good to someone else. What’s important is to learn from the feedback, both positive and negative, and use it to improve your work. You should always be seeking to grow and develop as a designer, experimenting with new ideas, techniques, and styles.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of web design – understanding HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX principles, and so on – you have a solid foundation to start building your style. From here, it’s a matter of finding your voice as a designer, of carving out your niche.

Remember, just as “The Scream” and Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs have their critics, your work will too. But they also have their admirers. By focusing on creating high-quality, thoughtful, and innovative designs, you will find your audience – the people who appreciate and connect with your work.

At the end of the day, design is subjective, but great design resonates. It speaks to people, moves them, and meets their needs in a way that is unique and memorable. So don’t be disheartened by the critics. Learn from them, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with web design.