Graphic Design Rules Every Designer Knows
As a graphic designer, you feel like you have superpowers, but your superpowers are battling fonts, figuring out vague client requests, and building a sixth sense for perfectly aligned pixels. Sense a pattern? Then, these 10 graphic design rules will definitely hit home for you:
1. The Evils of Comic Sans
We all have things that bother us. You know, those fonts, colours, or effects that make you feel a little queasy? Most people think of Comic Sans first when hearing about bad fonts. Even if you secretly want a world without design crimes, clients will sometimes ask you to do something that isn’t allowed.
What should I do? Take a deep breath, connect with your inner Zen master, and remember that a beneficial creator teaches. Help your client make a better choice by explaining why it would be better for their business and the people they want to reach.
2. Deadlines: A Mythical Being?
After the deadlines, there are dates. As if they were a magical beast, they loom over us, roar with urgency at times, and whisper sweet promises of a finished job at other times. What’s the truth? How often do we really meet a goal without getting stressed out or staying up all night?
Design is really a process. It takes time to come up with ideas, try them out, and make them better until you find the best mix between creativity and usefulness. It’s important to keep track of goals, but don’t be afraid to tell clients what a realistic plan looks like and how to handle their expectations.
3. Figuring out the Feedback Mystery
“Make it pop!” “I’ll know it when I see it.” Oh, those old-fashioned feedback problems that make designers scratch their heads. We really care about our clients, but reading their feedback can be like trying to figure out old writing.
The most important thing is to communicate clearly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make things clearer. What do they mean when they say “pop”? Could they show you some ideas they like? Keep in mind that input works both ways. Clear and usable feedback improves the outcome.
Being a graphic designer is 90% client communication and 10% moving pixels around until they stop complaining. – Graphic Design Rules
4. A Love Story About a Font and a Hoarder
We’ve all been there. Discovering a stunning new font feels like unearthing a long-lost gem. You receive it, add it to your collection, and promise to use it in your next project. But then the truth comes out. You finally decide to use your favourite and most trusted fonts. You know how to use Times New Roman, Helvetica, and Arial.
It’s similar to collecting for designers, but the focus is on fonts rather than physical items. Hey, there’s no shame in it. Everybody has a favourite font that they always use. You might want to hold off on downloading every free font you find. Also, your computer’s internal drive will thank you.
5. Graphic Design Rules: advantages and disadvantages
Is there a one-pixel error? Is the design slightly off-centre? Most people probably wouldn’t notice these small flaws. But for a graphic artist, they’re like a “FIX ME!” bright sign. This never-ending quest for pixel accuracy is both a gift and a curse.
On the one hand, this is what makes our designs look clean and expert. On the other hand, making small changes can waste a lot of time. It’s important to find a balance between wanting to do your best and knowing when to stop.
6. Bad Communication’s Colour Wheel
“Add more colour, but don’t make it too bright.” The colour should be a little more blue, but not too much. Also, could you make it warmer?” Other people have heard similar things about colour. When it comes to colour, clients often have trouble putting their ideas into words, which can cause a lot of back and forth.
How do I solve it? There are lots of pictures. There are lots of pictures. Give your client a variety of colour schemes and models to help them decide which ones they like best. You can also use tools like Adobe Colour to try out different colour combinations.
7. Can you just make the logo a bit bigger?
This is the well-known “Can you just…” question. It sounds pretty easy, right? Not right. Any designer who has worked with clients for a while knows that the four words “can you just” are often the start of a much bigger request. Something that seems like a small change can quickly turn into a big redesign.
Being clear about your expectations from the outset is the best way to handle these requests. You should let your client know that even small changes can affect the style as a whole.
I knew I’d become a real graphic designer when I developed an irrational hatred for Comic Sans and an uncanny ability to spot a 1px misalignment.
8. Logos on Steroids: Graphic Design Rules
It’s not always better to be bigger. This is particularly clear when we talk about logos. A lot of the time, clients want their logos to stand out and be big. But whether it’s on a sign or a business card, a favourable mark should be simple to read and make an impression.
Don’t make your logos bigger than they need to be. Instead, concentrate on creating a style that is visually appealing and accessible to a wide audience.
9. Stuck in the land of stock photos
I see stock pictures. This is the stuff that keeps many creative projects going. Finding the right stock picture, on the other hand, can be hard. You could spend hours looking through pages and pages of fake smiles, odd poses, and just plain weird pictures.
Don’t worry, though, fellow creators! There are safe ways to get around in the dangerous world of stock photos. To start, use specific terms and filters to make your search more specific. Crop and edit the picture creatively to make it your own.
10. The Art (or Lack of Art) of Naming Files
Do you know what “Final_v10_definitely_final_final2.psd” means? We’ve all been there. When you have a tight schedule, it’s easy to forget how to name files correctly.
But believe us when we say that taking a few extra seconds to name your files in a way that makes sense will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. You will thank your future self and anyone else who needs access to your files.
There are just 10 graphic design rules that all graphic designers can agree on. Somebody has to do it, even though it’s hard. It’s worth it to see your ideas come to life and make a difference. Do not stop planning, my friends!
FAQ’s – Graphic Design Rules Every Designer Knows
What are some common graphic design mistakes to avoid?
- Using Comic Sans or other unprofessional fonts: Stick with classic, legible fonts or explore unique typefaces from reputable sources.
- Overcrowding the design: Whitespace (negative space) is your friend. It improves readability and visual appeal.
- Using too many colours without a clear palette: A cohesive colour scheme (2-3 main colours) creates a more harmonious and professional look.
- Ignoring image resolution: Use high-resolution images (300 dpi for print) to avoid blurry or pixelated results.
- Not proofreading: Typos are a major no-no. Always double-check your work, or have someone else proofread it.
How do I choose the right colours for my design?
- Consider your target audience: Different colours evoke different emotions and appeal to different demographics.
- Think about your brand identity: Use colours that align with your brand’s personality and values.
- Utilise colour theory: Explore colour harmonies like complementary (opposite on the colour wheel), analogous (next to each other on the colour wheel), or triadic (three colours evenly spaced on the colour wheel) to create visually pleasing combinations.
- Test your colours in different contexts: Colours can look different on screens vs. printed materials.
What’s the difference between a vector and raster image, and which should I use?
- Raster images (like JPEGs, PNGs, and GIFs) are made up of pixels. They lose quality when enlarged. Best for photographs and images with lots of detail.
- Vector images (like AI, EPS, and SVG) are made up of mathematical equations and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Best for logos, illustrations, and graphics that need to be resized frequently.
How can I get feedback on my designs to improve?
- Ask fellow designers: Join online communities or find local design groups for constructive criticism.
- Show your work to non-designer friends and family: Get fresh perspectives from people outside the design world.
- Be specific in your requests: instead of asking “What do you think?” ask “How does this colour palette make you feel?” or “Is this layout easy to understand?”.
How do I handle difficult client feedback?
- Listen carefully and try to understand their perspective. Even if you disagree, there’s usually a reason behind their feedback.
- Ask clarifying questions: Don’t be afraid to dig deeper to fully grasp their concerns and expectations.
- Present different options: Offer alternative solutions that address their feedback while staying true to your design expertise.
- Set clear boundaries: Be upfront about your process, timelines, and the scope of revisions included in your pricing.