Q: Do you make it a habit to sketch out ideas for a design before heading to the computer?
A: I have found that my best work has started out as a sketch. My instructors used to really emphasize sketching ideas on paper first, and I do think that it is a good habit to get in to, even if the sketch is extremely rough. Sometimes getting started on a design just takes a small idea, but if it can be generated quickly on paper you can generally tell if the idea is suitable or not.
In addition, having these remnants of ideas in a sketchbook shows potential employers that you know how to think. I personally get a kick out of looking back a year or so at some of my sketches. I tend to use it as a gauge for my abilities. I try to see where my thought process has, or has not, improved, and attempt to make changes based upon my observation.
Do you make it a habit to sketch out ideas for a design before heading to the computer? Answer this question in the comments or on your blog