Have you ever looked at a beautiful design and wonder if you might cry - cos it's just so good? And have you ever seen a design that makes you cringe so much you just want to flog the graphics designer? From the Ones to the Hundreds, we've seen it all and, the difference between the one you liked and the one that made you roll your eyes is what we'd delve into.
Graphic design is a blend of creativity, technical skills, and strategic thinking. As with any craft, mistakes are part of the learning curve. However, being aware of common mistakes can help you turn out more badass designs in record time, thereby landing you more jobs and yes, more money.
Here are five common mistakes graphic designers make and how you can avoid them:
This generally makes bad designs and as you know, research is broad. From a designer view, adequate research to the project is required. Read and understand the brief properly and ensure you understand what exactly you're meant to do. If you're not, ask questions.
Also, do a general search on SES (search engine sites) like Behance, Freepiks, Pinterest, Vecteezy, Unblast, Unsplash, Facebook and Google to mention but a few. Look at different designs on these sites to get inspiration for your project (be it logo or flyer or branding).
Too Many Effects:
Effects are necessary but not compulsory, so the usage of effects should be minimal. If you don’t know what you are doing, don't put blurred tomatoes on a burial design, or falling leaves on a memorial design.
Poor typography:
This refers to inconsistent font usage, incorrect font sizes, and inadequate spacing. Poor use of typography is a major mistake designers make. Because Helvetica looks good on a certain project doesn’t mean it will on another. Also,the heading ratio should not be ignored as well, from H1 - H6. Ensure that the most important information stands out and guides the viewer’s eye through the design logically.
To avoid making the mistake of poor typography, study typography principles, use font styles consistently, and ensure proper spacing.
Communication skills:
Communication is Key! Good communication skills are essential for graphic designers. Talking to your clients, understanding their needs, and managing their expectations can make or break a project. Clear communication helps you avoid misunderstandings and ensures you deliver a design that meets (or even exceeds) their goals or expectations. Learning soft skills like proper communication would go a long way
Colour clashes:
Inappropriate color combinations can mar the design. Color usage or mixture is an aspect that should not be take with levity. The color wheel should be studied and mastered. Learn color theory, use color palettes, and test color combinations.
Over-designing:
Too many elements can make the design cluttered. “Make it pop” should not be your driving force. Always keep it simple. Effective use of white background, some relatable elements, your text or information, small rectangle here and there and you can achieve great design. Practice minimalism and prioritize content over quantity. Do not focus solely on aesthetics and neglect fundamental design principles such as balance, contrast, alignment, and proximity.
Avoiding these common mistakes requires vigilance, continual learning, and a user-centric approach. By paying attention to the details and consistently refining your craft, you can create designs that not only look stunning but also effectively communicate and resonate with your audience. Remember, the key to exceptional design lies not just in creativity but also in the thoughtful application of design principles and a deep understanding of your audience's needs.
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