Elodia
Have you ever struggled to showcase a wonderful design idea that you had? Being unable to share your extremely fantastic invention with the world is similar to that. Mockups are useful in this situation. They serve as your designs' showcase windows, allowing you to show clients, stakeholders, or even simply your friends how the finished product will look. We will get into the specifics of creating mockups in this article. Let's begin, then!
What is a Mockup in Design?
In the design world, a mockup is like a sneak peek into the future of your product. It's not just any drawing or model; it's a high-fidelity representation that gives everyone a crystal-clear picture of what your design will look like in its final, real-world form. Whether it's an image or a digital construct, a mockup is an absolute essential in the design journey.
Let's say you're cooking up a new app. Your mockup would display the layout of each screen, the color scheme you've chosen, and even how different elements on the screen interact with one another. It's exactly like watching a trailer for an upcoming movie. You get a taste of all the excitement and action that the full-length film has to offer, but without having to sit through the entire thing. In the same way, a mockup gives you a preview of your design without the need to build the whole product right away.
Why Bother Creating Mockups?
An excellent mockup elevates your design to a new level. It improves stakeholders' comprehension of your vision. It's similar to using a visual rather than just words to communicate a difficult concept. A client can see right away how the pages will flow and what the user experience will be like when you show them a prototype of the website.
Additionally, mockups aid in the early detection of design faults. It's similar to going for a test drive before purchasing a vehicle. Before it's too late, you can check whether the colors are too bright or too dull, as well as whether the navigation is easy to use. Not to mention that they are excellent for product promotion. A well-designed mockup can draw in potential customers and improve the appearance of your goods.
How to Create Mockups
After understanding what is a mockup in design and why bother creating mockups, we will check how to create mockups now.
Using Mockup Templates
It can be scary to start a design from scratch. It's like not knowing where to start when you're standing at the edge of a blank canvas. Mockup templates can help with that. They provide you with a head start, much like pre-built frameworks.
You may quickly access a wide range of pre-made templates with Pixso. You can select a template that works for your project. There are templates specifically made for Android or iPhone that you can use while creating a mobile application. Additionally, there are several resource websites available if you require additional options. You can even create your own custom template if you find yourself working on similar projects.
The pros of using templates are clear. Because they are reachable, you can get to work immediately away. They save you time on the initial setup because they are quick. Additionally, they can be reused, so you'll be ready for any future projects that have comparable components. They can serve as a fantastic source of inspiration as well. However, there are drawbacks as well. They may lack originality, and there may not always be a great template available.
When is it OK to use mockup templates? Templates are an excellent option if you're pressed for time or need some inspiration. To make your mockup stand out, just make sure you add your own special touch.
Using a Mockup Generator
Mockup generators are like the fast-food of the mockup world. They're quick, easy, and require minimal effort. These tools are especially popular among non-designers, but they can be useful for us designers too.
There are many mockup generators out there, like Artboard.studio. With these tools, you can create mockups by simply dragging and dropping your images into pre-made templates and making some basic customizations. It's like building a Lego set; you just snap the pieces together.
The advantages of mockup generators are that they're accessible from any browser, require low skills, and are fast. They're also often low-cost. However, they do have some drawbacks. The designs can lack originality, the quality might be a bit lower, and there are limitations in customization.
So, when should you use a mockup generator? If you need to create a quick and simple mockup, especially if you're not too worried about uniqueness or high-quality design, a mockup generator could be the way to go.
Using Mockup Plugins
Mockup plugins are like the secret weapons in a designer's toolkit. They're similar to templates in that they save time, but they have a different focus. Instead of starting your design, they help you present your existing designs in a more professional way.
Plugins like Angle and Ls (but hey, Pixso also has some great plugins for this!) let you place your artboards on various device models easily. It's like dressing up your design in the right outfit for a fancy event. You still need to design the app or website, but the final presentation becomes a breeze.
Mockup plugins offer high-quality assets and are time-saving. However, they usually come at a cost, and you might need some skills to use them effectively.
If you're a designer who frequently presents mockups in real-world settings, mockup plugins are a great option. They give you a library of professional-looking device mockups while still allowing you full control over your design.
Creating a Custom Mockup from Scratch
Creating a custom mockup from scratch is like building a house from the ground up. It gives you complete creative control. You start with a blank page and build your design step by step.
With Pixso, you can use its powerful design tools to bring your vision to life. You can collaborate with your team in real-time, just like you're all working in the same studio. It's a great way to showcase your skills and create a truly unique mockup.
The benefits of creating a custom mockup are obvious. You get a tailored design, maximum flexibility, and the highest quality. Your mockup will be one-of-a-kind. But it does come with some costs. It takes time, resources, and you need to have design skills.
When should you go for a custom mockup? If you have the time and skills, and you want your mockup to be truly exceptional, creating it from scratch is the way to go. It's perfect when you're presenting to clients or stakeholders and you want to make a great impression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how to create mockups. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific situation. So, go ahead and experiment with different methods. And remember, Pixso is there to support you every step of the way, whether you're using its templates, plugins, or creating a custom mockup from scratch. I can't wait to see the amazing mockups you'll create!
