When it comes to graphic designing, a huge amount of work and effort is needed. This is especially so when the design is used to represent a company’s reputation and reflect its brand message. As such, there should be no mistakes made in your logos, posters, and business cards (to list a few). This is because the mistake made can make a huge impact on the way your clients and customers view your business. A well done graphic design can help act as a starting point that draws people to your business and give them a good impression.
Typically when you look at a company’s logo or any of their other graphic design products, one that is done well and attractive is sure to catch your eye and leave a long-lasting impression in your mind. This is because these logos have been made with proper thought and purpose. A strategy has been done behind the scenes to make sure that whatever they create will be impactful. Let’s take a look at a very simple example, McDonald’s. When you see the bright yellow M, you would think of their family-friendly restaurant with welcoming services and delicious fast food. As you can see, the concept chosen here is simple yet memorable. This is why the decision you make when it comes to designing a logo has to be done thoroughly for it is either a hit or miss. This is because when the customer sees a company’s logo, packaging, company website, and blog, it will immediately affect their impression of the company. As such, the color scheme, typefaces, symbols, images, and so on must also be taken into consideration. When your company does not put in effort into creating a definitive and good logo, you would immediately lose out. This is especially so for start-up companies, which are usually lacking when it comes to their graphic designs. Unfortunately, this could cost you to lose customers to other competitors who are better able at presenting themselves as more credible – 10 Most Common Graphic Design Mistakes.
Without further ado, here are the 10 mistakes you should be avoiding:
Miscommunication/Not fully understanding
Between the designer and the client, communication is very important. Firstly, the client has to make sure that he explicitly states everything that he wishes to have in his design and give detailed instructions. However, the designer must also make sure that he fully grasps and understands the needs of the client. If there is any doubt, do not make a guess about what the other person might be thinking, ask immediately. Send countless emails if need be. Make it clear to the designer that if there is anything they do not understand, they should clarify it with you. It is better to hash things out in emails than receiving a product that does not reflect what you want. Consider using Sortlist in the UK to find a reputable and reliable graphic design company.
Use a fixed set of fonts
While it may seem fun and cute having a bunch of fonts on your design, it might come off as childish and annoying at some point. The number three seems to be the golden rule when it comes to a single layout. However, it is highly advisable to stick to one font as it creates a sense of uniformity and the eye is able to move smoothly between different parts of the design.
Spacing between Fonts
The spacing between letters matters. Sometimes adjusting this spacing can help make the words more reader-friendly and less harsh on the eye. However, if the spacing is not done properly too, there is a chance that you might destroy the design’s cohesiveness.
Be unique
As the phrase goes, “think out of the box”. When there is an interesting design, clients and customers are more inclined to have a second look. What’s more, it becomes even more impressionable for its difference. When you stick to the usual formats and ‘safe’ logo designs, you are immediately making a huge mistake. Creativity is the key to success, experiment with different things, and explore other options until you get what you want.
Simplicity
As much as we would like to see something different and creative, having a crowded or complicated design could turn out to be an eyesore. There is something magical about simplicity, it makes it easy for the eyes and there is not too much going on for the public to take in. If there are too many things going on in the design, the message that wants to be put out might get lost in all the chaos too. Having blank spaces is not bad, it provides breathing space.
Grammar
Punctuation has to be made use of properly. Done wrongly and the message is immediately changed. When customers notice grammar mistakes, they will start taking you less seriously.
Spelling
Design is important, yes. But spelling must not be compromised! Make sure to check for any spelling mistakes. Check your work thoroughly and go through it again a few times to make sure that everything is alright before submission. If there are texts in your design, you have to make sure that everything is spelled properly or the message might be ruined. Submitting work with spelling mistakes would leave a bad impression on customers and they might not come back.
Stock Images
Try not to use too many stock images. When there are too many, the design could end up looking cheap and unprofessional. It is very easy to obtain stock images out there and it would be rather embarrassing if your customers recognize where the image originated from. Additionally, when customers see that your designs make use of stock images, they might think that your products are as cheap as the designs you make.
Remember, the design should work for you
It is good to stay professional and come up with a design that will work for your company, and not what you personally feel looks good. Try not to make any adjustments that you think would make it look ‘better’ if it doesn’t fit the company.
In the end, mistakes are bound to be made but hopefully, this gives you a heads up on what to avoid. It is good to make sure that you are fully aware of what needs to be done and to make sure that the design is pleasing to the eyes. Keep things simple and come up with a design that makes you happy!
10 Most Common Graphic Design Mistakes
