Top 5 Graphic Design Tips and 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Top 5 Graphic Design Tips and 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Top 5 Graphic Design Tips and 3 Mistakes to Avoid

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Graphic design has been instrumental in many areas, such as branding, 3D modeling, and programming, contributing to ultimate usability and visual appeal.

With so many graphic design work opportunities, wages, and remote vacancies, aiming at this profession is no longer unusual. Whether you’ve always wanted to create something crafty and eye-catching or just recently discovered this impulse, there is still enough room for you in the niche. After all, graphic design includes different branches you can occupy and popularize.

Read on to discover the top five graphic design tips to help you start in the field and three mistakes to avoid to ensure steady progress.

5 Tips to Follow in Graphic Design

1. Research Different Types of Graphic Design First

Starting your graphic design journey might not be easy because of the variety of types the field offers. Wrapping your head around all the types requires research to understand what sounds interesting to you.

Research different types of graphic design first

Nevertheless, it’s best to start your introduction to graphic design by comprehending key fields. You’ve probably heard of visual identity, advertising, and UI graphic design. What are other types of design to consider, you might ask? Besides the mentioned types, you might as well look into:

  • Motion graphic design;
  • Publication graphic design;
  • Packaging graphic design;
  • Illustration design.

2. Find Your Ideal Type of Design

Investing time in learning more about different sub-branches will help you devise a list of the types you like most, eventually choosing a field to work within. The best way to land on your ideal branch is to:

  1. Sift through as many types as possible.
  2. Create a comparative list of subfields outlining their upsides and downsides.
  3. Narrow down the list and step away from it.
  4. Check relevant projects and graphic design portfolios to visualize the types better.
  5. Talk with experienced graphic design experts, comprehending their views on the field.
  6. Compare the results and make the final decision.

3. Learn Unique Features of Various Design Eras

Learn unique features of various design eras

Graphic design has evolved from many past design movements, so it pays to immerse yourself in previous eras. Improve your knowledge of distinct features and compositions of movements like Pop art, Minimalism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Bauhaus. Doing so will also help diversify your style to deliver more creative projects.

The best thing is that this knowledge is free. For example, the following Depositphotos blog article provides comprehensive information on the Bauhaus era, laying out its key ideas and elements. The Depositphotos blog offers many more articles related to graphic design from previous eras and the present, so don’t hesitate to check them out, too.

4. Prioritize User Experience in Design

How the end user views and interacts with the design determines whether your work is customer-oriented. Whatever field you operate within, you should master your understanding of color and typography.

Color and font choice goes beyond mere aesthetics, although the latter is equally crucial. However, the main point is to be aware of your target audience and the core message and emotions you want to convey.

For example, if you target a younger generation, averaging 25–30 years, you should study their preferences first to ensure your project draws their attention. Remember that the alignment of shades, tints, tones, and typefaces can neutralize some blunders in the functionality of your design, so it’s always best to perfect these components.

5. Create, Get Feedback, Learn

Create, get feedback, learn

There’s no recipe for overnight success, especially in fields like graphic design, where you can’t but polish your style through working with different customers.

If it were to boil down into a fundamental tip, it would sound like, “Do your work, seek client comments, learn from your mistakes, and keep practicing.” The more projects you complete, the more errors you will correct and remember to avoid, becoming a better graphic designer.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to set aside some time to view the works of others to get an idea of how your peers create. Feel free to turn on your critical thinking, listing things you’d do differently. This activity will help you flex your brain and think more creatively, sprucing up your future graphic design portfolio.

3 Mistakes to Avoid in Graphic Design

You’ll arguably stumble upon numerous unique mistakes along your graphic design journey, and that’s completely fine. Here, however, are the most common rookie errors you want to keep in mind and avoid when starting in your dedicated field:

1. Overloading Design With Too Many Elements

Overloading design with too many elements

Cramming too much information, text, or visuals into a design can confuse the audience and derail your main message. The golden rule is to aim for simplicity by focusing on critical elements that support the project’s purpose.

Also, consider eliminating inessential features using the reduction method, e.g., replacing too much information with icons. Regularity and contrast are other things to pay attention to as they enhance visual hierarchy and guide the viewer’s eye to the most important aspects of your design.

2. Using Low-quality or Unlicensed Images

Blurry, pixelated, or unlicensed images can degrade your design’s quality and even lead to legal issues. If designing visuals is your cup of tea—go for it. Otherwise, opt for high-res, licensed content from reliable sources, like Depositphotos, EyeEm, or Alamy.

3. Ignoring Accessibility in Design

While technology has made enormous strides, people with diverse abilities have not fully benefited from these advancements, particularly in terms of PC and smartphone user experience. Neglecting to consider color contrast, readable fonts, or alt text for images can alienate people with impairments.

Although it can introduce additional layers of work and considerations, aim for simplicity by focusing on components that support your design’s purpose. This approach will make it easier for people to find the information they need.

Conclusion

Many types of graphic design continue to captivate aspiring creators, prompting the industry to explore new areas. Whether you are drawn to motion design, illustration, or are still undecided, following these tips and avoiding common mistakes is essential.

After all, being prepared is one of the key pillars for achieving progress and long-term success, regardless of your field. Stay focused, keep practicing, and stellar opportunities will eventually arise.

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Christy Bella
Christy Bella
Blogger by Passion | Contributor to many Business and Marketing Blogs in the United Kingdom | Fascinated with SEO and digital marketing and latest tech innovations |