I always love a good infographic that explains design. Here’e one by Canva, a design app that lets you create your own layout to create stunning graphics on your smart phone, iPad, tab, or laptop. No, they are not paying me to mention them, nor am I associated with them in anyway. I simply discovered their infographic below, and explored their website.
Anyways, I just wanted to share this useful infographic with you. A detailed explanation for each design principle can be explained here: https://www.canva.com/learn/design-elements-principles/
As a graphic designer, what I always keep in mind are Typography, Composition, Direction, Color, Symmetry, Rules, Randomness (to experiment), and Balance. I’m the minimalist type, and symmetry and rules are always my principles. But sometimes I break free from it and do something fun, especially if asymmetry and rule breaking will go well with the design brief.
For color, I refrain from using more than 3. My font colors are not always just black or white, I always try to match it with the image used. I like to use contrasting colors, or monochromatic. I don’t stick to primary; tertiary colors are preferred, if suitable.
In typography, I have to admit, it’s not my greatest strength. Mixing and matching type faces is something a graphic designer should not take for granted. It’s easier to just stick to one font, but where’s the fun in that? Hmm.. maybe I should blog next about mixing font types..
Now, composition, direction and balance are my cup of tea. I love it when a layout is sound and easy to follow. What do I mean? Some people tend to just place a piece of info anywhere on the artboard. N O. Without direction, how will your audience know where to start reading and where to end? A perfect layout gives its audience an invisible guide as to where to start. It usually starts with an attention-grabbing, eye-catching image or header. The audience then scans for details/information. Sometimes, the company logo is the very last thing they will see at the bottom, or it will be the second thing and will see it at the very top. The flow of your texts/elements will determine the effectiveness of your layout. Your layout is good if the audience doesn’t have to waste time searching for the details you placed somewhere in there. Create a flow, direct/lead your audience to the right path! How you achieve that is up to you as the designer.
