Five Easy Rules of Graphic Design

Like any other art form, Graphic design is an art and there are no limitations to it. The beauty of art is that it is always evolving and the same resonates true with graphic designing. In fact, this form of art is the one that is evolving with unlimited speed. The reason is simple. This form of art is not appreciated in museums but in practical life. It is the businesses and brands that realize the full value of the art of graphic designing. It is an essential tool that is indispensable in the world’s corporate and creative world alike. And when it comes to tools, they must be used with caution and precision to get the desired results.

Keep Design Simple


Keep it simple. Keeping your graphic designs simply gives them a timeless elegance and, it always works. No matter what the ongoing trends are. When you keep it simple, especially as a beginner, it also makes your work easier. Also, you can handle various design challenges like mixing the fonts and other elements like shapes.

When you are in the initial stages, it is best to stick to rules and something that has already worked for you. You don’t have to be minimalistic but keeping an eye on the simple designs and expressions can prevent you from making dire mistakes.

Play With Colors & Fonts

Colors play an essential part in our lives. Nature is full of colors, and our mind was training to see colors and pay attention to visual details, especially color coordination. When it comes to graphic designing, colors play a vital role. From the basics of black & white to a whole spectrum of colors, there is a big, wide ocean of colors where you can take your pick from. A simple but well-executed design using basic black & white has the power to leave a lasting impression on the audience. 

If you have laid your foundation well, that is the design; you have the liberty to play with colors. Although it is usually advised to stick to three basic colors, you may still play with a variety to see if you can hit the jackpot like Google. One thing is mandatory and that is the blending and coordination of the colors. If the colors are not coordinated well, it may totally ruin your design. 

Stick Your Design Portfolio to Originals

There is nothing wrong with imitate famous works or take inspiration from them. Learn and see techniques is definitely a vital part of the graphic designing process. But, unless this inspiration is being taken from the finest, it is best to stick to originals. Sticking to your original designs and aesthetics will allow you to experiment and come up with a design that is truly yours. Something that is completely unique and exclusive. 

It is a common belief that is hardly possible to come up with something that is completely original and unique, and it is quite true to an extent in graphic design. However, it is a vast field that goes way beyond one’s imagination and there are still lots of aspects and avenues that remain to explore.

Graphic design is a wide field and you can create something completely unique if you dare to explore the depths no one has explored till now.  If you really want your “signature”, then stick to your originals and do not go for a copy. 

An Eye for Details

Keep an eye on the details when you are designing something graphical. As the typography, fonts, color scheme, and white spaces – you need to consider everything when it comes to details. The quality of an expert graphic designer is that he or she pays attention to minute details like grids, alignments, and the overall design. 

When it comes to fonts, it is best to stick to three basic fonts and it is of utmost importance to never stretch the fonts. Another detail that skilled graphic designers pay attention to is the white spaces. It is important that you respect the white spaces and not overcrowd the design while trying to cover them up. Simply, keep an eye on these minute details that may make or break your design.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize – Your Audience

Your audience is the most important factor in the success of your designs. When you are designing keep your target audience in mind, and for that, you need to be aware of what they wants and how to communicate with them.

So, how can you determine and design what your target audience wants? For this, a very good example is that of children. If you are designing a poster of a concert by school children, you can’t go for somber colors like black or gold. To catch the eye of the children’s parents who are your targeted audience, it is essential to have a bright and colorful palette so that it resonates with the main theme of the concert as well.  An appealing design will catch their attention and it will set the mood for the festivities that the concert promises. 

However, before finalizing anything though it may look really good, it is best to refer to your notes and remind yourself whether the design will work for the audience or not.

BONUS RULE – Be a Rebel 

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
― Pablo Picasso

The human brain responds to incoherency, imperfection, illogicality. It is natural to spot an error even before our minds register the message that was being conveyed. So, use it in your favor. Make the unusual work for you by rebelling from the norms. 

The rules are there for us to break, don’t be hesitant to try. If you want to become a trendsetter and be unique, then you need to break the very rules that you have mastered. This is how you will set yourself apart and create a unique and distinctive design that is exclusive to you.

Author bio:

As a professional logo designer Henry has expertise in graphic design. He loves to talk about branding and graphic design. He is a full-time designer and loves to write he passionate about i.e. designing and branding.

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