7 Graphic Design Tips Graphic Designers Need to Know
Do you want to sharpen your graphic design skills but have no idea where to start?
You’re not alone!
In fact, there are over 200,000 graphic designers in the U.S. who were once new.
While there are graphic design standards, the latest and greatest trends are always changing.
As a graphic designer, there are an endless amount of tools and tricks to have in your back pocket.
As a graphic design you should have knowledge in:
- Specialized design services
- Using graphic design programs
- Visual ideation
- Color theory
- Print design
- Web design
- Typography
Think you have a lot to learn?
You do! But thankfully there are plenty of graphic design tips to make learning a little easier.
And thankfully our brains can hold an endless amount of information.
The importance of graphic design
Many people underestimate the skills that are required for effective graphic design.
In a world where 65% of the population are visual learners, graphic design is more important than ever!
With the right graphic design knowledge, you can turn images from boring to amazing.
And you can create graphics that wow your clients!
Are you ready to boost your graphic designer toolkit?
If so, keep reading to learn 7 graphic design tips that you’ll want to know!
1. Embrace transparency
Transparency is a simple but useful graphic element to incorporate into your designs.
Do you need to add more design elements to a background image? Need to add text to a busy background?
Transparency to the rescue!
Transparency can be applied to images, icons, and text.
Using transparency adds a new level of creativity to your design.
Transparency is also useful for making text legible.
Flat text on a busy background can be hard to read.
But, by using transparency, the text will be much more legible. If users can’t read the text on an image, the meaning is lost.
2. Contrast isn’t just for colors
Graphic design is more than just editing images.
Font is just as important.
When designing any image that uses text, be sure to use contrasting fonts.
Using high contrast fonts is useful for two purposes.
- It focuses the viewers’ eyes on the text. You want your viewer to read the text first and then see the bigger picture.
- It balances the design. Using one super busy font can be distracting. It can also make the image look unbalanced. By using two contrasting fonts, a fun balance is achieved.
Don’t be afraid to play around with colors and sizes as well.
3. Understand saturation
When working with photographs, saturation is crucial.
Typically photographs are used as background images.
You may use a picture of a lake for a vacation website.
Or maybe you’re using a photograph of fruit for a foodie’s blog.
Typically the images we take need a saturation fix.
But do you understand what saturation is and how it impacts a photograph?
Let’s keep it simple:
- Is the image dull and washed out? If so, the image’s saturation needs to be increased.
- Is the image overly bright with too much contrast? The image’s saturation is too high and needs to be decreased.
The saturation levels used in a photograph will depend on the purpose and location of the image.
Saturation levels are also dependent on the overall look and feel of the media that is being designed.
4. Use colors, but not too much
Everyone likes color! Color is fun. It’s attention-catching. It’s flashy.
Who wants to look at a monochrome graphic?
No one!
Don’t be afraid to embrace colors in your graphics, but be aware of your color threshold. It’s easy to go overboard.
Rainbows are beautiful but your graphic should not look like one!
So how many colors are too many?
We recommend using no more than 3 primary colors. An additional 3 colors can be used as accent colors.
The colors you select should contrast but should also be complementary.
Create a color palette and stick to it!
5. Create symmetry using alignment and lines
Not everything has to be middle aligned.
Sometimes text looks better when it’s offset to the left or to the right.
Don’t be afraid to play with different alignments! You know what placement works best for your graphic.
The important part is that your graphic is symmetrical. Graphics need to be balanced and proportional.
Line thickness and font weight should be fit within the big picture.To focus a viewer’s eyes, consider using vertical and horizontal lines. Lines are simple but proven ways to create balance.
To focus a viewer’s eyes, consider using vertical and horizontal lines. Lines are simple but proven ways to create balance.
6. Respect space
Aretha Franklin isn’t the only one who demands R E S P E C T.
Elements in your graphic need their space respected!
When creating a graphic, pay attention to the space of other elements.
Text, images, and icons need breathing room!
Overcrowding elements in a graphic is a poor practice.
If your design starts to look too cluttered:
- Reduce text sizes
- Remove text if possible
- Reduce line spacing
- Resize icons and images
- Rearrange elements for a better fit
7. Consistency is key
No matter if you are creating graphics for a website or designing a company logo, always practice consistency.
Consistency applies across the board. Every element must go together!
Logos, images, fonts, and colors should be consistent throughout the brand.
Headers should be the same color, size, and font.
Subheaders should be consistent but should not look like headers.
Font used on a company’s business card should mimic font used on the website.
Visual recognition is important when building a business’ brand.
Gone are the days when a logo solely identified a business.
Don’t pass up on these graphic design tips!
No matter if you have 6 months of experience or 6 years, there are always new graphic design tips to learn!
The graphic design tips above are useful for everyday graphic design work.
Are you ready to put all of your graphic design knowledge to work?
Companies all over the world need freelance graphic designers!
Sign up with Boonle to find open positions. There is sure to be a position that suits you!
Get your work seen and make some money in the process! This is a win-win!