< Gydes

Unleashing the Power of Figma

August 6, 2024

Unleashing the Power of Figma

In the dynamic world of digital design, Figma has emerged as a game-changer. Whether you're a startup or a well-established company, Figma offers a suite of tools that can revolutionize your design process. Here’s why your team should be using Figma:

1. Real-Time Collaboration

Figma stands out with its real-time collaboration feature. Unlike traditional design tools where designers work in isolation and share files for feedback, Figma allows multiple team members to work on a project simultaneously. This not only speeds up the design process but also ensures that everyone is on the same page.

2. Cloud-Based Platform

Being cloud-based, Figma allows access to design files from anywhere, anytime. This is particularly beneficial for remote teams or companies with multiple office locations. No more worrying about version control or losing progress due to local system issues.

3. Design and Prototyping in One Tool

Figma combines design and prototyping, streamlining the workflow. Designers can create high-fidelity designs and immediately turn them into interactive prototypes. This integration eliminates the need to switch between different tools, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Figma is compatible with any operating system. Whether your team uses Windows, macOS, or even Linux, Figma ensures a consistent experience. This flexibility makes it easier to collaborate with clients and stakeholders who might use different systems.

5. Extensive Plugin Ecosystem

Figma’s plugin ecosystem is robust and growing. From automating repetitive tasks to integrating with other tools like Slack or Jira, Figma plugins enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

Real-World Example: Airbnb’s Success with Figma

Airbnb is a prime example of a company leveraging Figma’s capabilities to boost their design process. Before Figma, Airbnb’s design team faced challenges with collaboration and maintaining consistency across their design system. Adopting Figma transformed their workflow by enabling real-time collaboration and seamless integration with their existing tools.

Airbnb’s design team can now prototype rapidly, share updates instantly, and collaborate with engineers and other stakeholders effortlessly. This has resulted in faster iteration cycles and a more cohesive user experience across their platform.

Featured Experts

Featured Figma Experts

Nathan Norman

Logo & Visual Identity Specialist
Dallas, TX
16
Years of Experience
Services Offered
Branding
Brochures & Flyers
Infographics & Data Visualization
Landing Page Creation & Design
Logo Design & Creation
About
I'm a formally educated graphic designer with 15+ years of experience helping brands improve their visual identity and customer experience. During this time, I've worked directly with over 50 brands across agency, in-house, and freelance environments. Whether launching a new brand or looking to freshen up and unite your existing brand, I'll ensure your visual identity scales seamlessly across each touchpoint.

Having lived and worked in cities across Illinois, California, and Texas, I've become skilled at adapting to new environments, workflows, and priorities. Using an outsider's perspective throughout the design process, I help your brand effectively communicate with the average consumer. By treating each project as part of a larger visual identity, I'll craft a design system that grows and scales with your brand for years to come.

Software Expertise:
Figma, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Sketch

Personal Interests:
Camping, Comics, Coffee, Cooking, & Craft Beer
I'm a formally educated graphic designer with 15+ years of experience helping brands improve their visual identity and customer experience. During this time, I've worked directly with over 50 brands across agency, in-house, and freelance environments. Whether launching a new brand or looking to freshen up and unite your existing brand, I'll ensure your visual identity scales seamlessly across each touchpoint.

Having lived and worked in cities across Illinois, California, and Texas, I've become skilled at adapting to new environments, workflows, and priorities. Using an outsider's perspective throughout the design process, I help your brand effectively communicate with the average consumer. By treating each project as part of a larger visual identity, I'll craft a design system that grows and scales with your brand for years to come.

Software Expertise:
Figma, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Sketch

Personal Interests:
Camping, Comics, Coffee, Cooking, & Craft Beer
Read More
Read Less

Mike Mazar

Designer, Creative Director
Westchester, New York
28
Years of Experience
Services Offered
Display & Banner Ads
Front-End Design & Development
Infographics & Data Visualization
Landing Page Creation & Design
Marketing & Brand Strategy
About

Mike is a believer in the value of communication through design. For over 25 years, he’s been a part of agencies big and small, delivering the right solutions to clients of all shapes and sizes in branding, identity, marketing and advertising.

Co-founder of an interactive agency in 2000 (RedStapler) which merged to form a mid-size marketing agency (Tenthwave) which was then acquired by another agency (Wirestone) which was ultimately acquired by Accenture Song, he has a track record of reliability and trust with clients. Mike approaches every opportunity with a creative flair, underpinned by his exceptional character and motivation. Some of his recent work at past and present agencies include:

  • Redesigning the website experience for Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods (Website Design)
  • Re-branding of an oral rinse for gum care (Logo, Branding & Identity, Packaging, Website Design)
  • Brand awareness campaigns for Irish airline Aer Lingus (Campaigns, Display Advertising, Social)
  • Jamaica Tourist Board’s latest global advertising campaign (Display Advertising, Social, Print, Custom Font)
  • U.S. Government recruitment marketing efforts for the TSA/DEA/CBP/BOP (Website Design, Display Advertising, Social)  



Getting back to his roots, Mike is bringing all of his hands-on Digital Advertising Agency experiences to brands and agencies as a solo operation as Mazar Design Group. A nimbler design studio can better service the creative needs of brands and agencies with the same level of professionalism and talent.

Mike is a believer in the value of communication through design. For over 25 years, he’s been a part of agencies big and small, delivering the right solutions to clients of all shapes and sizes in branding, identity, marketing and advertising.

Co-founder of an interactive agency in 2000 (RedStapler) which merged to form a mid-size marketing agency (Tenthwave) which was then acquired by another agency (Wirestone) which was ultimately acquired by Accenture Song, he has a track record of reliability and trust with clients. Mike approaches every opportunity with a creative flair, underpinned by his exceptional character and motivation. Some of his recent work at past and present agencies include:

  • Redesigning the website experience for Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods (Website Design)
  • Re-branding of an oral rinse for gum care (Logo, Branding & Identity, Packaging, Website Design)
  • Brand awareness campaigns for Irish airline Aer Lingus (Campaigns, Display Advertising, Social)
  • Jamaica Tourist Board’s latest global advertising campaign (Display Advertising, Social, Print, Custom Font)
  • U.S. Government recruitment marketing efforts for the TSA/DEA/CBP/BOP (Website Design, Display Advertising, Social)  



Getting back to his roots, Mike is bringing all of his hands-on Digital Advertising Agency experiences to brands and agencies as a solo operation as Mazar Design Group. A nimbler design studio can better service the creative needs of brands and agencies with the same level of professionalism and talent.

Read More
Read Less

Work is Play Studio

Design specialists. Joy experts.
Los Angeles, CA
15+
Years of Experience
Services Offered
Visual Design
Illustrations
Logo Design & Creation
Typography
UI/UX Design & Development
About
Creating delightful experiences for tech companies through human-first, data-informed brand, marketing, and product design.

We’re a fun-size, full-service design studio led by Dinesh Dave and Sofya Leonova, backed by the firepower of our incredible collective of brand and product designers, a strategic copywriter, and creative engineer. Collectively we’ve worked with tech brands such as Apple, Meta, Loom, Slack, Shopify, and Ramp. We partner with founders, marketers, and creative directors in tech to bring to life brands, websites, campaigns and digital experiences infused with your unique flavor of joy.

If you’d like to chat about design, the perfect shot of espresso, or the latest design projects you have in the hopper, drop us a line – hey@workisplay.studio 👋
Creating delightful experiences for tech companies through human-first, data-informed brand, marketing, and product design.

We’re a fun-size, full-service design studio led by Dinesh Dave and Sofya Leonova, backed by the firepower of our incredible collective of brand and product designers, a strategic copywriter, and creative engineer. Collectively we’ve worked with tech brands such as Apple, Meta, Loom, Slack, Shopify, and Ramp. We partner with founders, marketers, and creative directors in tech to bring to life brands, websites, campaigns and digital experiences infused with your unique flavor of joy.

If you’d like to chat about design, the perfect shot of espresso, or the latest design projects you have in the hopper, drop us a line – hey@workisplay.studio 👋
Read More
Read Less

Julia Laughter

Graphic Designer // Web Design and UX/UI Specialist // Creative Brand Strategist
Tampa, FL
5
Years of Experience
Services Offered
App Design & Development
Interface Design
Landing Page Creation & Design
Logo Design & Creation
Packaging Design
About
Hey! I'm Julia Laughter, a graphic designer specializing in branding and web design (UX/UI, product design, you name it!). My mission is to be consciously creative and seamlessly integrate with brands. From day one, I am fully committed to your brand's success. I believe top-notch design separates your brand from competitors, reaching your audience both internally and emotionally. Let's tackle their pain points together and develop solutions that benefit everyone involved.

I have 5 years of design experience and hold an M.F.A. in Graphic and Media Design from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Currently, I design and develop websites and apps for a SaaS start-up, focusing on creating responsive sites that meet user needs. I solve high-impact business-user problems by incorporating feedback to create tailored solutions, including visual interaction designs based on thorough research into targeted businesses and their cultures, and developing custom design systems.

I've also designed and developed landing pages for a popular PCB software company's creator sponsorship program, tailored to each creator's content and brand to promote the PCB software’s free trial sign-up. This initiative boosted sign-ups from an average of 900 per quarter to 3,000, with approximately 75% of users purchasing a subscription by the end of their trial.

This is just a part of my journey, but I would love to share more about my successes to help your brand shine. Let's find a time to chat – I'm ready to help you become the best brand you can be.
Hey! I'm Julia Laughter, a graphic designer specializing in branding and web design (UX/UI, product design, you name it!). My mission is to be consciously creative and seamlessly integrate with brands. From day one, I am fully committed to your brand's success. I believe top-notch design separates your brand from competitors, reaching your audience both internally and emotionally. Let's tackle their pain points together and develop solutions that benefit everyone involved.

I have 5 years of design experience and hold an M.F.A. in Graphic and Media Design from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Currently, I design and develop websites and apps for a SaaS start-up, focusing on creating responsive sites that meet user needs. I solve high-impact business-user problems by incorporating feedback to create tailored solutions, including visual interaction designs based on thorough research into targeted businesses and their cultures, and developing custom design systems.

I've also designed and developed landing pages for a popular PCB software company's creator sponsorship program, tailored to each creator's content and brand to promote the PCB software’s free trial sign-up. This initiative boosted sign-ups from an average of 900 per quarter to 3,000, with approximately 75% of users purchasing a subscription by the end of their trial.

This is just a part of my journey, but I would love to share more about my successes to help your brand shine. Let's find a time to chat – I'm ready to help you become the best brand you can be.
Read More
Read Less

Amie Colosa

Digital Designer & Front-end Developer
Long Island, New York
10
Years of Experience
Services Offered
E-Commerce
Email Marketing & Campaigns
Front-End Design & Development
Landing Page Creation & Design
Newsletters
About
Hi there, I'm Amie! I help agencies & passionate business owners transform purpose-driven ideas into digital reality through a thoughtful synergy of web design & development.

With over a decade of experience in the digital realm, I've worn many hats—often taking web projects from concept to build. My multifaceted expertise is focused on web development, web design, and email design & coding.

I thrive on building out sites from design mockups. My design background enables me to make informed user experience decisions, particularly in areas like mobile responsiveness—saving you valuable time!
Hi there, I'm Amie! I help agencies & passionate business owners transform purpose-driven ideas into digital reality through a thoughtful synergy of web design & development.

With over a decade of experience in the digital realm, I've worn many hats—often taking web projects from concept to build. My multifaceted expertise is focused on web development, web design, and email design & coding.

I thrive on building out sites from design mockups. My design background enables me to make informed user experience decisions, particularly in areas like mobile responsiveness—saving you valuable time!
Read More
Read Less

Recent Posts

All Posts