10 designtips for beginners
Would you like to start designing but don’t know where to start? This uncertainty might hold you back from actually getting started, and that’s a shame! To help you take the first step, we’ve put together a few simple tips to get you on your way.
Choose the right programme
If it’s your first time designing something, don’t go straight for the most expensive programs. Many of these programmes have features you probably won’t need as a beginner. Instead, try free options like Canva or Inkscape to create your designs.
Once you’ve mastered the basics and want to create more advanced or detailed designs, you can switch to professional software like Adobe Illustrator.
Keep it simple
Keep your design simple and remember that you don’t have to create a masterpiece right away. As a beginner, it can be frustrating to deal with complex features you don’t yet understand. Save yourself the trouble by mastering the basics first before attempting more advanced techniques. Only include elements that serve a clear purpose in your design, and keep the number of elements limited to maintain clarity and organization.
Pay attention to the size
Think carefully about the purpose of your design in advance. Are you creating something for Instagram or a website? Make sure to choose the correct size right from the start. Also, consider the context in which the design will be used. For instance, a design for a billboard needs to be much larger than one for a flyer.
It's a shame if the quality of your design suffers because you didn’t select the right size from the beginning. Many design programs offer a wide range of templates, so it’s just a matter of choosing the one that fits your needs.
Font
You might wonder: what exactly is a font? A font is simply another word for a typeface, including the style and size of the letters. With countless fonts available, it’s understandable that you’d want to use multiple in your design. However, to keep your design clear and professional, it’s best to stick to 2 or 3 fonts. Using too many different fonts can make your work look cluttered and unorganized.
Font size also plays an important role, as it determines the perceived importance of a text section. Make sure that headings and key phrases are larger than subheadings so they immediately grab the reader’s attention. Interestingly, using the same typeface in different sizes technically counts as a different font!
Balance and symmetry
"Balance is key" when creating an appealing design. This doesn’t mean everything must be the same size or perfectly aligned, but it’s important to ensure there’s enough spacing between your elements. To achieve balance, you can use a grid. This helps you evenly distribute elements and ensures consistent spacing. Margins also play a significant role in a design or layout. A common rule is to maintain a 2 cm margin on all sides. This not only enhances clarity but also reduces the risk of text or elements being cut off during printing.
Consistency
Ensure your design is consistent. Use the same font sizes consistently for titles, subtitles, and body copy. Also, make sure your colors complement each other and appear consistently throughout the design. Additionally, choose photos with matching color tones to maintain a cohesive look.
Use a color palette
As a designer, it’s essential to understand how to use colors to make a powerful statement. The colors in your design should align with the subject and the message you want to convey. Effective use of color not only grabs attention but also significantly enhances the impact of your design.
It’s recommended to work with a color palette consisting of 1 to 3 primary colors (red, green, and blue—colors that cannot be created by mixing) and 1 to 3 secondary colors (created by mixing two primary colors). A balanced color palette helps make your design visually appealing and harmonious.
Keep the goal in mind
Who is the design intended for, and what do you want to achieve with it? Look at your design from someone else's perspective and assess whether your goal or message comes across clearly. Ask yourself, for example: "What will someone notice first?" If the answer aligns with what you want to convey, you're on the right track! If not, you may need to adjust your design.
Ask feedback
As a beginner, it can be intimidating to ask for feedback because you're afraid others might criticize your work. However, it’s crucial to seek feedback during this phase! You might overlook things that others notice right away. Negative feedback may not always be pleasant to hear, but it is often the most valuable feedback from which you’ll learn the most!
Type of file
Is your file ready to be exported? Make sure you know which file type to export it to, as this will significantly affect the final quality. But when should you use which file type?
PNG: Images with a transparent background (Logos).
JPEG: Photos or designs for websites.
PDF: Files for printing or sharing without altering the formatting or quality.
EPS: For logos and illustrations. Can be scaled up without losing quality. Ideal for large-format printing.
