In many cases, mockups can make the difference between exceptional and average results in design and product development. It’s through smart mockups, in either 2D or 3D, that designers can truly strive to create solutions that perfectly address user needs. This guide explores how to effectively integrate mockups into your branding and design process to achieve a powerful and impactful brand identity.
Mockups offer a glimpse into the real-life appearance of your product or design before diving into the complexities of prototype development. They also allow designers to gather crucial feedback from various sources, enabling them to refine their designs or products to the highest standard.
So, how can mockups be effectively integrated into your branding process? What are the best practices to follow? Where can you source the best mockups? What advantages should you prioritize? And what essential tips can enhance your overall process? This article addresses all these questions in detail.
Best practices for using mockups
While using mockups might seem straightforward, to become a designer. However, adhering to best practices often determines that level of excellence. Let’s explore some of these practices below.
Integrate mockups early in the design process
Mockups shouldn’t be an afterthought or a final step in your design process. Visualizing how your design will appear in realistic settings should be a priority from the outset. This is especially critical when designing 3D products like apparel, packaging, bottle labels, or similar items, as it allows you to see how your design will conform to the intended object.
Select the optimal tools for using mockups in your branding process
It’s crucial to utilize the most effective software for the task. Design tools and techniques vary based on the desired outcome. You might need different tools for 2D designs, 3D wraps, or designs that involve wrinkles on packaging.
Start by creating your design in 2D and save a copy for future use. Then, employ transform tools to skew or rotate your design as needed to position it correctly on your template. Finally, use techniques like blending and lighting adjustments to refine the overall appearance.
Prioritize specificity
Many designers fall into the trap of creating generic designs solely based on pre-made templates. This approach reflects a lack of effort and often results in reflected in the quality. To distinguish yourself as a skilled and valuable designer, prioritize customization and tailor the project to your client’s specific requirements.
For instance, if you’re tasked with creating wall designs for a store in a mall, use images of a mall as your template instead of a generic wall. This guide delves deeper into how to effectively use mockups in your branding and design process to create the most effective and successful brand identity.
Finding the best mockup templates online
While best practices are essential, you also need a diverse collection of high-quality mockups. Here are some reliable sources:
Yellow Images
Yellow Images is a top-tier digital marketplace offering high-quality PSD mockup templates, 3D models, and various other design elements essential to the design process. While these resources can be found elsewhere, Yellow Images distinguishes itself through its extensive selection. With thousands of templates, you’re highly likely to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Rawpixels for using mockups in branding process
Many mockup templates tend towards minimalism to avoid distracting from the design, which should be the focal point. If you prefer templates with a little more flair, Rawpixels is an excellent option.
Behance
Often referred to as the Instagram for creatives, Behance is a central hub where designers worldwide showcase their work, including mockup templates. Learn in this guide how to use mockups in your branding and design process for the most effective and successful brand identity.
Software templates
Almost every software out there for design offers some form of template library. The quantity might vary depending on the software and subscription level, but you’ll generally have access to at least a few hundred templates with any chosen software.
The benefits of using mockups
Integrating mockups into your branding process offers numerous advantages. Let’s explore some of these benefits.
Visualizing the intended design to use mockups in branding process
Imagine designing t-shirts. You might spend significant time picturing how your design will look once printed on the shirts. However, without 3D mockups, it’s impossible to know for sure if the design will translate as intended. The same applies to virtually any other 3D design.
Mockups provide valuable perspective, illustrating how designs would appear in real life under realistic conditions. Learn in this guide how to use mockups in your branding and design process for the most effective and successful brand identity.
Saving time
Traditional workflows often involve a linear progression from ideation to design, production, and finally, approval. This process often involves numerous suggestions and iterations, leading to significant time investments. Without mockups, clients or stakeholders might discover that the final product doesn’t align with their vision only after the entire process is complete.
Mockups allow for early feedback and enable addressing issues as they arise. This prevents multiple iterations and saves valuable time.
Enhancing communication between the designer and other stakeholders
One of the most significant benefits of using mockups in the branding process is their ability to enhance communication between the designer and other stakeholders involved. Having a visual aid facilitates clear communication of expectations, objections, and opinions. Without mockups, discussions might revolve around abstract concepts, leading to disconnects from reality.
In conclusion: Using mockups in branding process
By now, it should be clear that mockups are not merely another step in the design process. They should be central to your branding process, leveraging their potential to significantly improve user experience and streamline development timelines.