Maybe it’s your love for art or your undying interest in visuals that has led you to the world of graphic design. Or maybe it’s just the monetary benefits that this domain offers. Whatever may be the case, this field is sure to open for you a plethora of opportunities.
However, graphic design isn’t something that can be mastered overnight. Becoming a successful graphic designer takes patience and dedication, especially if you’re not from an artistic background. But don’t lose heart. Here are five graphic design tips, especially for non-designers and beginners, that can help you get started and make your designs look professional and impactful.
Understand the Basics of Design
First things first. No matter how creative you are, if you don’t understand the fundamentals of design, it will be hard to create something amazing. It is, therefore, important to learn the basics of design principles such as composition, typography, color theory, and contrast. Once you understand these fundamentals, you will be able to create visually appealing designs.
For instance, understanding the psychology of color and how to use them in combination can help enhance your designs. Knowing about the various font families and their usage can help you create dynamic designs. Also, understanding the fundamentals of composition will help you achieve balance and harmony in your design.
Brainstorm and Sketch It Out
Designs don’t just appear out of thin air. You need to first brainstorm ideas and sketch out rough drafts of your design. Brainstorming is an important step in the creative process, as it helps you come up with multiple ideas and pick the best one. Once you have the idea, sketch it out on paper or create digital drafts and later refine your design concept.
Suppose you are needed to create a flyer for a new energy drink. Look for related images and symbols to get ideas that you can use in the design. Then, sketch out a few mockups using various graphic elements. After some revisions, you will have the perfect design that best communicates the brand’s message.
Say No to Clichés
Every industry has its own set of clichés. In the design world, this means using standard effects and colors that have been overused in the past. But if you want to offer exceptional graphic design services even as a novice, think outside the box and look for subtle, unseen ideas. Regardless of how generic the project seems, you should always provide your client with something that looks fresh and unique.
Suppose you are tasked with designing a logo for a beauty salon. Instead of using the classic pink and white color palette, why not go for something more daring like blue and yellow? Or perhaps you can break the traditional logo mold by creating a bold 3D element instead of the usual flat design.
Keep Up With Trends
It’s essential to stay on top of the trends when it comes to graphic design, as it can help you stay ahead of the competition. As trends come and go, they can also give your work an extra edge that helps you stand out from the crowd. Researching current design trends and trying out new techniques can help you come up with innovative ideas that will make your work distinct.
This holds especially true if you are doing graphic design predominately for industries that are constantly changing and evolving such as the events and exhibitions industry. This industry sees new trends and technologies emerging regularly. So, to offer your clients the best exhibition design services for their booths and stands, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in graphic design and make sure that your work always looks fresh and modern.
Embrace Negative Space and Simplicity
One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of graphic designing, even by experienced designers, is negative space. Negative space refers to the area of a design that doesn’t contain any content or elements but it can be used to give your design a sense of balance, structure, and focus.
For example, if you look at FedEx’s logo, you’ll notice how the white space between the ‘E’ and the ‘X’ forms an arrow. This is intentional, and the use of negative space can help make your designs carve their own niche.
In addition, embrace simplicity when working on graphic design projects. Keeping it simple is the key to creating a successful design that communicates your message effectively without being overly complex. Remember, “Beauty lies in simplicity.”
Wrapping Up
We hope you will benefit from the graphic design advisory for non-designers and beginners delineated above. These tips should help you get started on the right track and provide you with a better understanding of this highly creative activity. You will surely improve with practice and create beautiful designs that make a lasting impact. Good luck!