5 Graphic Design Mistakes You Might Be Making
The things that make good graphic design are nearly subjective; there are many design elements that are fundamental across the board. As years pass, so do the trends that make graphic design ‘cool’, think geometric shapes in the 80’s, bold colour-clashing in the 90’s, then fast-forward to current minimalism.
But just because trends change quickly doesn’t mean the human brain adapts swiftly too. We’ve all been in positions where we are just getting to grips with something or trying to fashion the latest trend, and then something newer and more important pops up.
The good news is that there is something in design for everyone. Even if you’re not a graphic designer, be sure to avoid these common graphic design mistakes so that you can create outstanding work!
Mismatching Fonts
Using a handful of fonts can initially be a tempting way to make your work more eye-catching, but overdoing it can lead the design to look unorganised and unprofessional. A general guide is to stick to 2–3 fonts and play around with the weight of your typeface.
Inconsistency
Having a lack of repetition of your aesthetics should be avoided. Visual elements and layouts should be consistent but also find the balance of not making everything look too similar. Pick your fonts, colour schemes and project/brand mission and stick to it.
Lack of Negative Space
Change your perception of negative space from something that needs filling, to something that is actually an important part of graphic design. Negative space should be kept blank in order to divert the viewer to the main point of focus and to improve readability. One example is the Nike logo, for them a strong font and the classic tick logo is all that’s needed to be an instantly recognised brand.
Inadequate Contrast
Another colour-related problem is failing to create contrast. Not knowing how to create contrast can make or break a noticeable, well-working design. A rule of thumb is to mix a light, dark and bright colour — such as Pepsi’s white, navy and red.
Ignoring Visual Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy indicates to the viewer the importance of each design element and should cue viewers on what to read first. Ignoring it may confuse the viewer and make the design look unorganised as a whole.
Author: Sophie Hall
