Design Tips for Beginners

Welcome to the world of graphic design! Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, these tips will take your skills to the next level.

#1. EMBRACE THE BASICS

Understanding design principles like balance, contrast, and alignment is crucial for beginners in graphic design, as these principles form the foundation of effective visual communication. They help designers create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs that effectively convey their message. Let's discuss each of these principles and their importance:

Balance: Balance is the distribution of visual weight in a design. It ensures that the elements in a composition are harmoniously arranged and do not appear lopsided or chaotic.

When the elements in a design are distributed evenly on both sides of an imaginary line, it’s called symmetrical balance. If the visual weight is shifted one way or another, it’s called asymmetrical balance. While it may seem less formal, it can create dynamic and engaging designs.

Understanding balance helps designers create compositions that are visually pleasing and structurally sound. It ensures that no single element dominates the design, leading to a more harmonious and effective visual message.

Contrast: Contrast refers to the difference between elements in a design, such as colors, shapes, and sizes. It creates visual interest and makes certain elements stand out. Contrast can be achieved by using:

• Color (Using colors that are opposite on the color wheel (complementary colors) or using one dominant color against a neutral background can create a powerful contrast.

• Size: Varying the size of elements within a design can draw attention to specific areas and create a sense of hierarchy.

• Typography: Using different fonts, sizes, and weights can create contrast in text, emphasizing key information.

Contrast helps guide the viewer's eye to the most important elements of a design. It adds excitement and ensures the message is clear and easily understood.

Alignment: Alignment is the positioning of elements relative to one another or to a grid or guideline. Proper alignment creates a sense of order and cohesion within a design. There are several types of alignment:

• Left: Elements are aligned along the left edge, creating a clean and organized look often used in text.

• Center: Elements are centered horizontally or vertically, creating a balanced and formal appearance.

• Right: Elements are aligned along the right edge, less commonly used but can be effective for certain design styles.

Alignment ensures that elements in a design are visually connected and structured logically. It helps maintain consistency and readability, making the design more user-friendly and visually appealing.

#2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLS

This could be a huge blog post all on its own… but I’ll just list a few of my favorite resources here. I encourage you to research other software and tools that may be beneficial for your own needs.

• Design Software:

  Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe's suite of design software is considered the industry standard. While it may come with a subscription cost, it offers powerful tools for vector graphics (Illustrator), photo editing (Photoshop), and layout design (InDesign). Adobe also provides online tutorials and resources to help beginners get started.

• Canva:

  I know what you’re thinking… How can a professional graphic designer recommend an online design service? Canva is an excellent choice for beginners because it offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates for various design needs, from social media graphics to posters and presentations. I recommend that you look at some designs that stand out for you. Study them to find out if they are using the design principles listed above. Look at their choices of layout, colors, and text options… then change any of the elements to suit your design. Available in both free and paid versions.

• Online Courses:

  Have you heard of Skillshare? Skillshare is a learning community for creators. Anyone can take an online class, watch video lessons, create projects, and even teach a class themselves. You can explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more. I have been an annual member of Skillshare for at least 5 years now. I personally have taken courses for watercolor painting, beginner guitar lessons, language lessons, and so much more. It’s totally worth it! Use this LINK for a FREE one-month trial.

• YouTube:

  Everyone knows that this is a great resource for all things. Simply search for what you want and bam! …more than you ever asked for.

• Design Books:

  There are so many different paths when it comes to graphic design… website design, logos & branding, social media, marketing, etc. Look for popular books from your favorite designers on Amazon or anywhere new/used books are sold. For a few of my favorite books and other design resources, check out my recommendations.

• Stock Photos, Illustrations, Templates, Mockups & other resources:

  Websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Freepik offer high-quality, free stock photos, illustrations, and design elements that can enhance your projects. I also recommend that you check out Envato PlaceIt, Envato Elements, Vecteezy, Creative Market and DesignCuts. Many stock sites will send you free elements if you sign up for their newsletter!

#3. COLOR CHOICES

Selecting the right color scheme for a design or brand is crucial because . Here are some tips to help you choose color schemes and understand their emotional and branding impact:

• Gain a basic understanding of color theory. It’s important because colors evoke emotions and can greatly influence how people perceive a brand. There are a lot of free resources on this subject including books, blogs and YouTube.

• Know your audience. Think about the demographics and culture of your target audience. Different cultures have unique associations with colors. For example, while white signifies purity in Western cultures, it can represent mourning in some Eastern cultures.

• Understand Brand Personality. Your color scheme should align with your brand's personality. For example:

  • Corporate Brands: May use cooler tones like blue and gray for professionalism.

  • Creative Brands: Might lean toward bold or unique color combinations like purple or pink to stand out.

  • Eco-friendly Brands: Green and earthy tones are often used to signify environmental consciousness.

• Color Consistency Across All Platforms - A strong color scheme should be consistent across all brand materials—website, social media, packaging, etc. This consistency builds brand recognition and creates a cohesive visual identity.

• Limit the Number of Colors - Stick to a primary color, a secondary color, and one or two accent colors. Too many colors can overwhelm the audience and dilute your brand's message. A balanced palette typically consists of:

  • Primary color: Main color associated with the brand (e.g., Coca-Cola red).

  • Secondary color: Used to complement the primary color and add variety.

  • Accent colors: Used sparingly to highlight important information or calls to action.

• Understand Accessibility - Ensure your color scheme is accessible to all users, including those with color blindness. Use tools like contrast checkers to make sure the text is easily readable over your background colors.

#4. FONTS MATTER

Font choices are essential in graphic design because they contribute significantly to the design's overall tone, readability, and impact. Just like colors and images, fonts communicate messages beyond the text they display. Here’s why font choices matter:

• Fonts help express a brand’s style and personality. Traditional fonts show professionalism, while modern fonts feel fresh and innovative.

• Sets the Mood. Fonts evoke emotions. A formal font feels serious, while a playful font feels casual and fun.

• Impacts Readability. The right font makes the text easy to read. For digital designs, sans-serif fonts are often clearer, while serif fonts are great for print.

• Creates Visual Order. Different fonts help organize information. Bold fonts for headings grab attention, while simpler fonts make body text easier to follow.

• Boosts Brand Recognition. Consistent use of specific fonts helps people recognize your brand over time.

• Supports Accessibility. Clear, well-spaced fonts are inclusive and help people with visual or reading difficulties interact with the design.

• Ensures Consistency. Using the same fonts across all platforms (web, print, social media) makes your brand look unified and professional.

• Matches Design Style. Fonts should complement the overall design. For instance, sleek fonts fit modern designs, while decorative fonts work better for vintage or artistic styles.

#5. LESS IS MORE

• Simplicity in design enhances clarity, usability, and aesthetic appeal. By limiting your elements, focusing on key content, and paying attention to spacing and alignment, you can avoid clutter and create clean, effective designs that communicate with impact.

• Stick to a simple color palette and font choices. Always create hierarchy with your content so the most important visuals and text stand out. Less is more.

• Be Mindful of Alignment and Symmetry. Proper alignment creates a clean, organized appearance. Ensure that text and graphic elements are neatly aligned and balanced. Symmetry, grids, and consistent margins can help keep your design looking polished and simple.

Congratulations! With these graphic design tips, you're well on your way to creating stunning visuals like a pro! Keep experimenting and have fun! 🌟