Graphic Design Tips; They start with your own Creative Instincts

Jul 23, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

There was a time, not really that long ago, when graphic designers learned their craft (graphic design) in “art school” … honed it slowly in a small ad agency, design firm or design studio … and, after the passage of a year, perhaps two years, blossomed into solid and reliable professionals. In this article, we will be discussing graphic design tips in detail.

Graphic design has always been an integral part of all advertising and marketing. Every company and corporation, large or small, uses graphic design in its printed materials because, when executed effectively graphic design “brings life” to all printed messages.

Older graphic designers who are still actively engaged in their craft learned how to create graphic design “by hand.” Yes … they were – and are – in effect commercial artists. But progress has changed the graphic arts landscape – dramatically.

Young graphic designers may actually have no art skills. That means they probably can’t draw or sketch anything. And yet, they are likely to be successful in their chosen profession. Why …

Today’s graphic designers have been “schooled” in the use of “art software” that allows them to create images … use countless different type faces in different fonts – to develop their very own “commercial masterpieces” … graphic designs that bring words to life … and draw viewer or reader interest.

Interestingly, whether you are an old-timer with actual art skills or a young designer who has learned his/her craft on a modern computer, the graphic design tips you need to know remain essentially the same.

That’s because “good art” — quality commercial art – never changes. So, if you can’t draw a circle, but have a “good eye” for design and layout, you are surely making waves right now … getting noticed … and building a reputation as a quality and capable graphic designer.

Are there are graphic design tips that can help you excel? The answer is yes, but the second part to that answer is that you probably learned all about these graphic design tips when you were being taught to be a graphic designer.

Nevertheless, it’s worth going over a few graphic design tips just as a reminder to you. To begin:

• Graphic Design Tip #1 … graphic design is really commercial art. You need to be able to create a layout that draws interest in your design and the words that accompany that design. One thing you need to know is that all people tend to read from “top right to bottom left.” So … make sure that your most important headline, photo or illustration appears somewhere in the primary position I’ve already mentioned – upper right.
• Graphic Design Tip #2 … always use different type faces – and sizes – as a way to help your readers look at the page and “see” what you want them to see. Avoid “block copy” because copy density is intimidating and hard to read. And … use lots of what space … as much as possible. That makes your graphic design “reader-friendly.”
• Graphic Design Tip #3 … put your creative instincts to work to “wed copy and illustrations or photos so that they work well together … invite viewing … and attract prospects.

Remember: graphic art is not fine art. Your goal is not to become a great artist … it is to become a successful commercial artist … someone who regularly helps his or her employer or client to succeed.

The effective use of photos/illustrations and easy-to-read type-faces will enable you to reach the top of your profession.

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