Why Designers Break the Rules on Their Own Websites: A Deep Dive into Creative Portfolios

The aesthetic choices on many designers' personal websites often stand in stark contrast to conventional web design wisdom, leading to questions about their usability and appearance. This intriguing phenomenon can be understood through several lenses, ranging from practical professional realities to fundamental aspects of creative expression.

The "Shoemaker's Children" Effect

A prominent explanation for unconventional designer portfolios is the "Shoemaker's Children Syndrome." This adage suggests that professionals often neglect their own needs while diligently serving their clients. For designers, this means their best, most polished work is dedicated to paying projects, leaving their personal websites as either a lower priority or a space for quick, less refined experimentation. Experienced designers frequently acquire new clients through repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, diminishing the direct need for a perfectly curated public portfolio that strictly adheres to commercial best practices. Those who do find designers primarily through their personal websites might often be shopping on price or seeking less ideal projects.

The Freedom Paradox: When No Boundaries Lead to Over-Design

Creativity often thrives within boundaries. When designers work on client projects, they are typically given specific constraints, brand guidelines, and target audiences that naturally channel their creative energies into practical, effective solutions. However, when designing their own websites, these external limits disappear. Without a client to provide a "box within which to operate," designers might feel compelled to push boundaries excessively, leading to designs that prioritize novelty and personal artistic expression over universal usability. This can manifest as unusual font choices, unconventional layouts, or experimental color palettes that, while demonstrating skill, may not always be universally appealing or easy to navigate. Examples like Hollywood blockbusters with unlimited budgets sometimes falling flat, or authors struggling to finish manuscripts without deadlines, illustrate how an abundance of freedom can sometimes hinder valuable output.

Art vs. Legibility: The Quest for Distinction

Some argue that the purpose of design, especially in an artistic context, isn't always about immediate legibility or universal pleasantness. Influential figures have pushed the idea that design can be a form of art intended to grab attention, send a message, or differentiate. A junior designer might create a very clear, safe website, but a more experienced designer might deliberately employ elements that are polarizing, aiming to attract clients who appreciate a particular style or an edgy approach. A website might include seemingly "pointless" decorative elements that, in aggregate, convey a brand impression – for instance, precision or innovation – rather than serving a direct functional purpose. This approach suggests that if a design is pleasing to everyone, it might stand out to no one, implying a strategic choice to be unique, even if it alienates some.

The Subjectivity of Style and Evolving Definitions of "Good" Design

Ultimately, preferences in design are subjective. What one person perceives as "repugnant"—such as a non-traditional font or an abstract layout—another might view as a refreshing display of artistic prowess and a deliberate move to buck trends. Creative individuals often feel a compulsion to innovate and differentiate themselves, which is easier to do with personal web projects that are, in essence, just software. This drive can lead to designs that are different for difference's sake, exploring new aesthetics even if they challenge common user expectations.

However, it's also worth distinguishing between genuinely innovative design and design that prioritizes flash over function. True design masters like Tufte and Vignelli were known for their restrained, user-focused approaches, where the design served the content rather than overshadowing it. A common critique is that some modern design, influenced perhaps by a misinterpretation of calls for "insanely awesome products," focuses on making tools so overtly "finely crafted" or visually distracting that they detract from the user's ability to engage with the actual content. Inexperienced or insecure designers, sometimes working for clients who can't discern truly good design, might gravitate towards ostentatious displays rather than prioritizing clear, effective user experience. Good design often allows the user to focus on the task at hand, making the tool feel like an extension of themselves, rather than drawing attention to itself.

Practical Takeaway

For those encountering websites with challenging aesthetics, especially regarding readability (e.g., small, gray text on subtle backgrounds or narrow columns), many modern browsers offer built-in "readability" modes or extensions. Alternatively, using a custom print stylesheet can often simplify and clarify content, allowing users to access information more effectively regardless of the original design choices.