Graphic Design Tips for Non-Designers
JUNE 12TH, 2020
In today's visually driven market, compelling graphic design is essential for businesses looking to stand out and communicate effectively with their audience. However, not every small business or startup has the resources to hire a professional designer. For business owners or marketers tasked with handling their own graphic design, mastering a few fundamental principles and tools can make a significant difference. This blog provides practical design tips and highlights easy-to-use tools to help non-designers create visually appealing and effective designs.
Understand the Basics of Design
Before diving into design, familiarize yourself with some basic principles that can dramatically improve the quality of your work:
Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy guides the viewer's eye to the most important elements first. Use size, color, and placement to establish a clear order of information.
Contrast
Contrast helps to differentiate elements on the page and make your design stand out. Experiment with contrasting colours, sizes, and fonts to add interest and focus.
Alignment
Proper alignment creates a cleaner, more organized look. Align elements to a grid or to each other to enhance the visual connection between them.
Repetition
Repeating visual elements throughout your design creates consistency and unity. This can include colours, shapes, fonts, or patterns.
Proximity
Group related items together to create a connection and organize information logically. This helps to declutter the design and makes it easier to process.
Choose the Right Tools
The right tools can simplify the design process for non-designers. Here are some user-friendly options:
Canva
Canva is a popular graphic design tool that's incredibly user-friendly. It offers a wide range of templates for various purposes, from social media posts to business cards. Canva's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to customize designs without any graphic design experience.
Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark is another excellent tool for creating graphics, web pages, and short videos. It provides a wealth of templates and design options, making it simple to produce professional-looking designs.
Snappa
Snappa is a straightforward design tool with a focus on social media graphics. It offers templates sized for different platforms, stock photos, and easy-to-edit features.
Tips for Effective Graphic Design
Start with a Template
Templates are a great starting point. They can provide inspiration and structure, which you can then customize to fit your brand.
Keep It Simple
Simplicity is key in design, especially for non-designers. Avoid cluttering your design with too many fonts, colors, or elements. Stick to two or three colors and fonts for a cleaner, more professional look.
Use High-Quality Images
High-quality images can elevate your design. Use stock photo websites like Unsplash or Pexels to find free, high-resolution images that fit your needs.
Be Consistent with Your Brand
Ensure your designs reflect your brand identity consistently across all materials. Use your brand's color scheme and fonts to maintain recognition and cohesion.
Seek Feedback
Don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your designs from colleagues, friends, or even your target audience. Fresh eyes can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
Practice and Learn
Graphic design is a skill that improves with practice. Don't be discouraged by initial challenges. Use online resources, tutorials, and courses to learn more and refine your skills.
Graphic design for non-designers doesn't have to be daunting. By understanding basic design principles, utilizing user-friendly tools, and applying practical tips, even those without a design background can create effective and visually appealing designs. Remember, the goal is to communicate your message clearly and attractively to your audience. With a little practice and patience, you'll be producing professional-quality designs in no time.
