Crafting a Stunning Year in Review: Showcase Your Best Designs of 2023
Send the year off in style by showcasing your best designs of 2023. To the world. And to yourself.
Looking back at my accomplishments of the year inevitably reminds me of projects I’ve forgotten. It’s like I’m my very own Secret Santa. I know who Santa is, but I never know what I am going to get. Surprising myself anew with gifts I’ve previously created.
My eyes sparkling, a huge smile on my face, and a reaffirming sentence popping into mind. Look at that, you did an amazing job. What more could you ask of your Secret Santa?
Stunning Designs to Bring a Stunning Year to a Close
As a designer, I’m sure your year is filled with projects you’ve forgotten. Plenty of material to surprise yourself with.
Even if you remember everything, looking back at your accomplishments has the power of driving you to accomplish more. To keep working and to keep growing.
Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to congratulate yourself on what you’ve done this year.
Everyone deserves a pat on the back. It’s great when it comes from other people. It’s best when it comes from within. In my experience, that’s the thing that moves you forward.
Do a Recap of Your Best Designs of 2023
A moment or two of reminiscence will make you feel great. A detailed recap of your best designs of 2023 will make you feel even better. It will, in fact, do much more than that.
Reviewing and showcasing your best work of the year is a task worth the while. Let’s see why.
Progress Is Best Seen Through the Lenses of the Past
We all feel stuck sometimes. In those moments, it is quite easy for us to slip down the rabbit hole of self-doubt. When you feel you’re going nowhere, you are blind to the progress you’ve already made.
Reflecting on the past will show you where you are right now compared to where you’ve been a while back. It will highlight the progress you’ve made and fill you with pride.
If your past designs could speak, here’s what they’d say. Whatever it is you’ve put your mind to, you can do. You’ve done it before. You have what it takes.
The World Will Know of Your Accomplishments
You know those people telling you that you should create for yourself and not care what the world says? Don’t listen to them.
Sure, you shouldn’t let anyone suppress your creativity. But, you still have an audience to care about. As well as psychology principles in design to use if you really want to make a difference.
Anyway, great designers thrive from connection, not from isolation. So, do a recap of your best designs of 2023 and let the world know of your accomplishments. Sing your own praises, just this once. Because, why not?
From Reflection Comes Motivation
Creative people often have those “Wow, *I* did this” moments. Fleeting, but powerful. It’s when you become truly aware of the amazing thing you’ve created. An instant high, if there’s ever been one.
Looking back at your best designs will inspire you to keep going. To continue creating with the same vigour and to keep the audience engaged.
How to Show Off Your Best Designs of 2023
Print out some of your best designs of 2023. Go outside, start grabbing random people by their shoulders saying: “Hey, look what I made”. An app that detects art and design enthusiasts on the street is one of the must have tools for designers. It will help here.
Just kidding. No such app exists. And, this is not how you show off your best work. Unless you want to get a lot of puzzled looks and some not-so-pleasant comments (don’t ask how I know).
As tempting as the quirky idea above may sound, let’s get serious. Here’s how you really do it.
Draw Inspiration from Other Designers
Doing a recap of your best designs, with the intention of showing it to the world, is serious business. It’s also the business of other designers, so you’re not alone.
Take a look at what other industry professionals have done. Draw inspiration from their work and create a plan for your end-of-the-year project.
Inspiration drives new, original ideas. And every audience loves original ideas.
Showcase Your Best Designs of 2023 on Your Personal Website
You know how to do it, but you don’t know where to do it? Suddenly, the idea of grabbing random people by their shoulders has started growing on you? Let me stop you right there.
Random people aren’t your audience. Your website visitors are your audience. Showcase your best designs on your personal website, to the people who really want to see.
Remind your audience of what you can do, because they just might have forgotten. Show them that you mean business. And that you’re the one to rely on for any design projects they may be in need of. Build a brand they can trust.
Put Your Social Media to Work
Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok… Whatever social media platform good for designers you’re using, it’s time to put it to work.
Share, share, and then share some more. Photos, reels, stories… Use the methods you’re most comfortable with to show your best designs and let your followers see how prolific your year has been.
Don’t forget to engage the audience through your posts. Ask for their opinions, look for suggestions. Create a welcoming atmosphere that values other people’s thoughts. And let the comments speak for themselves.
Wrapping (the Year) Up
The year is coming to a close and you’re all for sending it off in style. Doing a recap of your best designs of 2023 is an idea worth exploring. It is THE idea.
Share your accomplishments on your personal website and keep building a trustworthy brand.
Let your past progress motivate you to do more in the future.
Be your own Secret Santa. Give yourself the gift of exploring the beauty of your own mind through the stunning designs you’ve created. And, when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, stand up and give yourself an applause. You deserve it. You did an amazing job.
