1. Research the Topic
Firstly, consider what you’re designing. This may seem simple, but many things require deliberation. Ask yourself:
What’s the project’s goal? Who’s it for? Where will it be presented? What content will be conveyed? These questions will help you get started.
Then, look for inspiration, knowledge about the topic, and study competitors’ projects to improve your graphic design.
Websites like
- Canva,
- Google Images,
- Pinterest,
- or other designers’ fanpages can provide inspiration.
2. Preliminary Designs
Having familiarized yourself with the topic and analyzed the competition, start preliminary design. Make project sketches or note your ideas.
During this phase, pay attention to five key elements of design:
- typography selection,
- graphic themes implementation,
- color scheme search,
- photo choice,
- and planning (for logos or branding books).
3. Simplicity is Key
An image is worth a thousand words. Visual communication, in its simplest form, is communication through images, exemplified by hieroglyphs. A well-designed poster, logo, or cover can grab attention with a great idea or excellent execution.
When designing, remember to use a limited number of fonts (preferably one). A minimalist project is often better than a complicated one because it’s more demanding and crucial for the graphic’s readability.
Hick’s Law states that the time it takes to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices.
4. Proper Composition
Composition is a vital element of any graphic design. Simply put, it’s the arrangement of elements in a work, forming a harmonious whole. The design’s composition can be
- open or closed,
- static or dynamic,
- rhythmic,
- symmetrical or asymmetrical,
- diagonal,
- horizontal,
- or vertical.
These principles derived from mathematics and geometry can ensure a well-thought-out layout. Placing important information or products at key points will make the graphic more readable.
In conclusion
This article describes basic graphic design principles. These tips will be useful for anyone starting their journey in graphic design or with basic knowledge.
