Graphic design is tedious work, involving more than just the need to create pretty visuals. It compels designers to research companies thoroughly, as delivering a good brand message is the key to success. Any mistake in the visuals, including business cards, logos, and even websites, can affect the brand‘s reputation. In the worst cases, it can damage a brand‘s journey to success.
With a properly thought out graphic design strategy, however, the results can be rewarding. It attracts the attention of prospective customers, ensuring that an image of trustworthiness and reputability lingers.
The question now stands—how do you create compelling visual images that help ensure success? Striking at the foundation is the first step, which means you need to learn graphic design mistakes to avoid them.
Without further ado, here are some of the most common (and deadly!) mistakes to avoid:
MISTAKE #1: USING TOO MANY FONTS IN A SINGLE DESIGN
When it comes to coming up with the best graphic designs, brainstorming is crucial. You will be compelled to play around with fonts, especially when figuring out which works best with the colour palette and visual references.
Unfortunately, using too many fonts can affect readability, which can easily tire and annoy your audiences. No one likes to read through ten different fonts on a single poster, so make sure to play by the 2-font rule.
Use a bold font for titles, but your main content should be presented in a simple and easy-to-read font. This way, you‘ll be able to hold your audience‘s attention better.
MISTAKE #2: FOCUSING TOO MUCH ON STOCK IMAGES
Finding the right graphics to use can be difficult, and most fall under the notion that stock images must be used at all times. While there‘s nothing wrong with using stock images, you‘ll be better off using them at a minimum. Too much of it can quickly cheapen your project and in the worst-case scenario, make everything look unprofessional.
It‘s also worth noting that stock images are incredibly common. Most end up using the same images over and over, leaving your project to look basic, unrefined, and completely void of appeal. If you wish to create an impact and get the message across, design beyond stock images.
MISTAKE #3: FAILING TO SEE GRAMMATICAL ERRORS
Apart from getting the design and layouts right, you‘ll want to review problems in spelling and grammar. Your copy should be as good as your design, as anything less can make your brand message look cheap.
Misused commas and punctuation marks, for instance, may not seem like much of a problem. When it comes to your audience‘s perspective, however, small mistakes can dampen your reputation—no matter how well-designed the post may be.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Most people assume that graphic design only entails the process of stitching visuals together, but it‘s serious work that requires skill, practice, and continuous learning. Pitfalls surrounding the art of graphic design are aplenty, and the only way to avoid them is to know about them. From there, you‘ll be able to come up with a design strategy that works, one that can help your business grow.
If you want unlimited access to a creative agency, 55 KNOTS has you covered. We offer you Australia‘s leading graphic design subscription, dedicated to helping businesses grow in visual and style. Let‘s make good design happen—book a demo today!
