Designers Extremely Frustrated with Resizing Process

This article has been provided by By Mark Hilton, CEO of Santa Cruz Software.

 

Resizing a single graphic for various platforms is a daunting task, so daunting in fact that 85% of designers say they struggle with their resizing process, according to a recent survey conducted by Santa Cruz Software. Campaigns today are multi-platform, often requiring various ads, social posts, printed flyers, and other media formats. Ensuring that visuals are optimized for different dimensions and requirements can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. In fact, 22% of designers even described their process as “extremely frustrating.”

Graphic resizing when performed hastily may not always be brand compliant or may appear unprofessional. The problem is compounded if designers are working with a disorganized DAM or have out-dated assets linked in their projects.

The average American sees 4,000 to 10,000 ads per day, and each of those need to be resized for various platforms. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter each have unique requirements for image sizes. Even in the realm of print media, flyers, postcards, and other printed materials have specific dimensions and DPI requirements.

The diversity of platforms and output sizes necessitates resizing graphics to suit each context. But resizing images for various output sizes is anything but  routine. The survey revealed that redesigning graphics places a significant impact on graphic designers’ workload, with 76% spending at least 20 hours per week resizing graphics. Alarmingly, over half of the respondents (52%) reported spending at least 30 hours on this task.

The resizing process presents a significant challenge for graphic designers as it consumes valuable time that could otherwise be spent on creating new, visually striking designs. The survey results indicated that 51% of designers delegate the resizing task to someone else, while 43% are left to resize graphics on their own. The frustration and time required for resizing graphics create distractions and hinder designers’ ability to focus on unleashing their creative potential.

One of the reasons designers spend a considerable amount of time resizing graphics is the scope of their projects. The survey highlighted that nearly 9 in 10 designers (87%) typically create at least four graphics for a single project, and a notable 33% create at least seven. When considering the types of graphics being created, 75% of designers mentioned social media ads, 59% display ads, 59% social media graphics, and 42% website graphics. With each type requiring resizing, designers are faced with a multitude of dimensions and specifications to accommodate.

Recognizing the challenges and frustrations faced by graphic designers, it is evident that streamlined resizing processes are necessary. While templates offer significant support in streamlining the resizing process, designers desire a comprehensive solution that caters to various output sizes and understands preferred element placement. In fact, 96% of designers expressed the need for an effective responsive design tool. Furthermore, three in four designers (75%) believed that such a tool would have a significant impact on their job, with 34% stating it would be life-changing.

The ultimate goal is to empower graphic designers to focus on what they do best–creating captivating designs. By streamlining the resizing process, designers can reclaim valuable time to invest in other creative endeavors. Rather than being bogged down by repetitive resizing tasks, designers can dedicate their hours to building new templates, exploring fresh design concepts, and focusing on innovative campaigns and projects. Efficiency in resizing not only enhances creativity but also improves productivity, enabling designers to meet deadlines effectively and deliver high-quality designs.

The survey underlines the urgent need for efficient solutions that strike a balance between empowering creativity and reducing time constraints. By adopting responsive design tools and streamlined resizing processes, designers can reclaim their time and channel their efforts towards creating visually stunning and impactful designs. As the industry continues to evolve and provide better tools, graphic designers can look forward to a future where resizing becomes a seamless and productive part of their design workflow, unleashing their true creative potential.

About Mark Hilton

Mark Hilton is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in senior and executive business, product, and marketing management roles within the software and cloud services industry. As the CEO of Santa Cruz Software, Mark has helped revolutionize the industry with its suite of tools that seamlessly connect Adobe and Microsoft applications to other cloud services, streamlining collaboration and boosting productivity.  Mark Hilton’s leadership continues to drive the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower teams and enhance creative workflows.

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