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Graphic Design 101: 5 Graphic Design Tips for Non-Designers

Thanks to the advancement of computers people today can do everything from creating their own birthday cards to creating a business logo without hiring a professional.

Programs like Photoshop have made it easier than ever to let your creative self shine when creating graphics for just about everything.

Most people don’t have a graphic design background and have to learn everything as they go. It usually means they have a few failures before they create their first masterpiece. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a little graphics design 101.

Graphic Design 101: Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Design

The whole point of creating your own graphic, whether it’s baptism invitations or a company newsletter, is that it’s your design. Copyright is a major issue these days with companies being fined thousands of dollars for ripping off another artist’s work.

It’s one thing to use other works for inspiration and another to just copy it. While it’s not quite as litigious for birthday cards, a company logo or other design element could get you in trouble. Don’t be afraid to create your own design using others as inspiration, but make sure you add your own touches to make it your design.

Choose Your Colors Carefully

Certain colors go with certain situations. Bright fun colors for birthday invitations, white and black for weddings and baptisms, but don’t be afraid to be daring. The colors for your design need balance or else it can become overwhelming.

Take time to choose the right colors and don’t be afraid to try a few different combinations or color palettes.

Negative Space is Your Friend

Many new artists want to create something massive and grandiose for their first graphic, so they fill it up with images, text, and colors in the hopes of impressing everyone with their skills. Sadly, this makes the graphic look too busy and it may be confusing for people looking at it.

Instead, dial down the images and texts and allow for negative space. The open space frames your items and brings them to the forefront of the graphic.

Fonts Don’t Need to be Flashy

People can spend hours going over endless fonts to find the perfect one for their graphic. When it comes to fonts, consider the event or the audience for your graphic. If you’re creating birthday invitations, feel free to grab fun writing, but make sure it’s easy to read.

If you’re creating a business logo, keep the fonts muted and go for something sleek and professional. Think about the image the company wants to create and plan accordingly.

Every Design Element Goes Together

One of the most important rules when it comes to creating a graphic is that every element complements the other. The images, background, font and anything else you use must connect together to complete the overall look of the graphic.

They may be individual elements, but it’s a single graphic. You don’t want a crazy colored background clashing with a more austere font.

You Can Create Beautiful Professional Graphics

There’s something magical when all the elements come together and you finish your first graphic. This graphic design 101 should help you get started. You’ll learn more with each graphic you create.

If you want to learn more about graphic design, explore our site.

Written by CrazyLeaf Editorial

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