“Design is in everything we make, but it’s also between those things. It’s a mix of craft, science, storytelling, propaganda, and philosophy.” – Erik Edigard
You don’t really have to get a degree in graphic design if you’re going to design something. However, there are some techniques and tricks that even beginners should know when designing.
Below are the guidelines that will possibly aid and give first-timers an insight as to how graphics designers magically brought a dull idea to life.
1. Picking the right color palette
Ever wonder why you suddenly feel hungry after seeing the signage of your favorite fast food chain? Don’t you think about why they chose that color for their signage? It’s because color helps to infer a reaction from people. Color plays a vital role in thedesign and can stimulate reactions encouraging people to respond. One of this encouraging colors comesfrom the primary color which is red. According to various studies, red is used to captures audience’s reaction, make people hungry and stimulate their appetite. Just like red, another warm color that can capture someone’s attention is yellow. Yellow also creates happiness, joy, positivity, and warmth. Choosing the right color isn’t enough to be able to produce a good design. Sometimes, not using the right color palette can make the outcome look off. That’s why there are lots of color palette generators out there which give aids to people to create palettesthat draw out appropriate audience reactions. Adobe Color CC, Colors.co and Paletton are one of those great palette makerson the internet.
2. Understanding the significance of typography
Typography may share the same importance as color when it comes to design. Why? Simply because it also evokes emotions from people. If you want a particular emotion tobe felt by your audience, choose the right typeface (e.g. Arial, Calibri). Using Sans Serif fonts implystability, objective, clean and modern. Meanwhile,if the subject implies formality and respect, it is suggested to use Serif fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Baskerville). It is also advised to use 1 to 2 fonts. With this, you’ll achieve a consistent look for your design as well as to avoid the struggle of mixing fonts.
3. Simplicity is the new form of classiness
Imagine seeing an online advertisement that has too many texts, shapes, and pictures that are not properly placed and set. It’s a mess, right? So, the lesson here is to make sure you use the right elements and place them on the right angle. As much as possible, make it unique and simple. Also, pay attention when using negative space for it is the one who defines boundaries and brings balance to the work. It also helps the viewer to see the important things they have to know. Overcomplicating the design makes the message hard to deliver.So, the next time you design something, make it simple but significant.
4. Never be afraid of making mistakes
Every designer comes to this phase wherein their works got rejected and were called unattractive. I also came from this stage too. Yes, it’s quite painful hearing negative comments after all of the efforts and time you exert just to finish a work. Mistakes shouldn’t be the reason to quit in doing something, it should be treated as a lesson to strive harder. Think and ask yourself what you did wrong and make sure that mistake won’t happen again.
5. Be inspired
Even great designers look for a reference or inspiration on the web. Pinterest, a social media site wherein users can share new ideas by posting images and videos is a great bookmarking tool to save ideas from the internet. Use this to get aconcept as to how you will design but you should also keep in mind to never, ever copy someone’s work.
6. Practice and keep learning
One of the techniques to create a good design is through practice. Even those who are highly skilled in web and graphics design crave for learningwith the aim of producing a prominent piece of art online.Graphic design trends change almost every day, and with this, designers must know what practices should be used and implemented. It is an undeniable fact that the digital world revolutionizes so fast that there are still lots of things to learn and improve on in terms of graphic design.
What are you waiting for? Design now!
Designing is very much like storytelling. You have to use your imagination as to how you will build a connection to your audience. Consider the list given above as a headstartand from here, just practice and you’ll be able to design as a pro. So, what are you waiting for? Use your creativity now and start designing!
