For a runner to win a marathon they must first condition and discipline themselves to continue at a high rate of output over a long duration of time. This analogy can be true for designers as well. Just as a runner must maintain a high level of energy and consistency throughout the course of a race, so must a designer maintain a high level of design throughout the entire course of development.

Often designers have a tendancy to expend all their creative efforts on the initial design of the site or application. While the hours spent on the initial design may give the audience a great first impression, upon further review of the subsequent pages it has been found to lack a desired creative depth. Somewhat like getting a nicely wrapped chocolate easter bunny, taking a big bite and realizing you got shafted. A half a millimeter of chocolate and hello hollowness. You'ld be better off buying a tootsie roll.

As a designer progresses through his or her career they begin to understand the importance of carrying the same level of creativity throughout the entire course of the design. An amazing site is not gauged by the first impression alone (although it is highly important) but also by the creative flow of the site as a whole.

It is easy for a designer to fall into the trap of being unmotivated by the project they are working on, and as a result, not giving the maximum effort that is demanded over the extended period of time it takes for the project to be completed. Some projects get designers considerably more motivated than others but every client expects and demands the highest level of creative output possible. This is where designers must condition themselves to push through and have the self discipline and endurance to continue until the finish line is crossed.

So what are some of things you can do to maintain a high level of design output and consistency?

1. Work on Multiple Projects Simultaneously
One of the best things you can do is take on several projects at the same time. When you focus too much of your attention on one project you can get burned out and a develop a sort of apathetic attitude towards the project. Stepping aside for a short period of time and going back to your work will allow you to see flaws and shortcomings in your design and refocus you. Sometimes you just need to step away and to get your design mojo back.

2. Motivate Yourself through the Work of Others
Often times designers get in a funk where their creativity level is just not there. One of the best ways I have found to beat this is by jumping online and looking at the work of others. Their is something inherant in most designers to want to "one-up" the other guy, to create something bigger and better than the previous person. Looking at the work of others will bring your creativity and competitive drive to life and help you focus on creating a masterpiece that you can be proud of.

3. Focus on The Present Task
When you begin working on a new section or page of the site make it the single most important thing in your head to the success of the site, while still mainting content hierarcy of course. It is important to develop this mindset to maintain a high level of output. A website will have certain sections or pages of content that are more important to the success than others and the design should reflect appropriately. Even things that are unimportant have a level of importance that can be represented through the design.

4. Look At your Project as an Opportunity to Learn
As a designer you could be working on projects ranging from hardware stores to medical centers to unique industries like reverse osmosis water pumps or tree nursery fasteners. The possibilities of the content you will be working with can be endless. Look at all of these different projects as an opportunity to learn more about a particular subject. When you enjoy and are knowledgeable about the subject matter you are working with you tend to design better and target your audience more effectively.

By maintaining a high creative level you and your clients will be far more satisfied with your work and you can say with pride and confidence "I designed that".