Designing for the Non-Designer: Part II Tips and Tricks
This post is for those who get thrown into graphic design without any formal knowledge of what makes a good design, or, what causes unforgettable disasters. Once able to recognize the basics of designing principles you will be more in control of your work and marketing materials. This can range from printed articles to website design. This three-part series will help you understand basic design principles, tips and tricks, typography, and how each can help you.
Reviewing C.R.A.P.C.R.A.P.
Be bold. Leave plenty of blank space for a place for the eyes to rest. Be asymmetrical, it typically makes your efforts stronger. Don't be afraid to make text or images big or small. Proximity is where related items should be grouped together. Separate items that are not directly related. Alignment: make sure to keep pieces unified and keep alignment with other elements on the page. Repetition is the stronger form of being consistent, see what you already consistently use and make one of the elements stronger. Contrast draws the eye to the page, the strong black versus white space.
Extra Tips & Tricks
Identity Packaging - the most prominent features of an identity package are cohesive repetition throughout.
Business Cards - Use second colors sparingly. Talk to the print shop on how to set up your business cards on a page. Standard business card size is 3.5 inches by 2 inches (vertical or horizontal). Some pitfalls to avoid on business cards are to keep things out of the corners, avoid using Times, Arial, or Helvetica typefaces. They're dated. Try to avoid using 12-point size font business cards. Typically, 10-point or smaller is used. Finally, don't feel like you have to use the entire space. There's no need to have the words email or website on the card. A left or right alignment gives a more professional look than a center alignment. Use periods instead of dashes or parentheses, it gives a much cleaner look.
Letterhead & Envelopes - Use a similar format on the letterhead, envelope and business card. Make one element dominant, but avoid having the boring center aligned across the top layout. If you make a second page take a small element from the first page and use it alone on the second page. Since you'll invariably be faxing or copying your letterhead avoid dark or speckled paper.
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Reviewing C.R.A.P.C.R.A.P.
Be bold. Leave plenty of blank space for a place for the eyes to rest. Be asymmetrical, it typically makes your efforts stronger. Don't be afraid to make text or images big or small. Proximity is where related items should be grouped together. Separate items that are not directly related. Alignment: make sure to keep pieces unified and keep alignment with other elements on the page. Repetition is the stronger form of being consistent, see what you already consistently use and make one of the elements stronger. Contrast draws the eye to the page, the strong black versus white space.
Extra Tips & Tricks
Identity Packaging - the most prominent features of an identity package are cohesive repetition throughout.
Business Cards - Use second colors sparingly. Talk to the print shop on how to set up your business cards on a page. Standard business card size is 3.5 inches by 2 inches (vertical or horizontal). Some pitfalls to avoid on business cards are to keep things out of the corners, avoid using Times, Arial, or Helvetica typefaces. They're dated. Try to avoid using 12-point size font business cards. Typically, 10-point or smaller is used. Finally, don't feel like you have to use the entire space. There's no need to have the words email or website on the card. A left or right alignment gives a more professional look than a center alignment. Use periods instead of dashes or parentheses, it gives a much cleaner look.
Letterhead & Envelopes - Use a similar format on the letterhead, envelope and business card. Make one element dominant, but avoid having the boring center aligned across the top layout. If you make a second page take a small element from the first page and use it alone on the second page. Since you'll invariably be faxing or copying your letterhead avoid dark or speckled paper.
To Read More...
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