No matter how good you are at something, and graphic design is no exception, anyone can make mistakes and fall into “traps” that lead them down the wrong path.
In this article we present 5 examples of design “don’ts”, a list of things to avoid at all costs when putting together a graphic design.
1. Not listening to or understanding instructions
A graphic designer needs to have a good understanding of the client’s wishes and expectations. To do this it is good to take notes when you talk to the client and if something seems unclear ask. Don’t be afraid to ask, it’s better to ask lots of questions than to present a design that has nothing to do with the client’s wishes.
2. Using the wrong fonts or using too many fonts
As you probably know, fonts are an essential part of a graphic design. Remember that one of the main purposes of any graphic design is to convey a message and this is done through several elements including text.
If you choose a font that is too complicated or doesn’t harmonize with the rest of your design, your design will become ineffective.
Also, if you use too many fonts, the user may become confused and the overall look could be messy and chaotic.
3. Choosing the wrong colours or using too many fonts
As with fonts, colours are extremely important in graphic design. And just as with fonts, using the wrong colour or the wrong colour palette, as well as using too many colours could ruin your design.
Study the colours and always be familiar with the visual identity of the company you are designing for. Also, don’t forget to make sure that all the colours used harmonise and convey the message you want.
4. Design for yourself and not for the client
This is one of the most common “traps” you can fall into when it comes to graphic design. It is very easy to get excited about a project or to be tempted to use designs and layouts you have used in the past and liked, and while these things are not necessarily wrong, they become mistakes when they go against the client’s guidelines and wishes.
Remember, no matter how involved you are in the project, the design you create is not for you, but for the client. And this is true even when your personal views differ from those of the client. If one of the requirements seems wrong to you, you can discuss and explain it, using your knowledge in this specific field, but the decision always remains the client’s and you must take this into account.
5. Using or copying another designer’s creations
It can be tempting to copy another designer’s design, especially when you find it exceptional and a great fit for your project, but a designer needs to know the difference between being inspired by a design and copying it. It is very good, even advisable, to study the creations of other designers, but remember that each creation must be unique. Inspire without copying, by inspiring you will learn and enhance your creativity, but never risk plagiarising another designer.