1 - Limit your typefaces.
Even for aesthetical purposes it better to have a font that is visible to the reader. It can be jarring to the reader if the message is not conveyed clearly and having too many different fonts in one digital artwork can throw off the reader as it deters the attention.
2 - Don’t be afraid to scale!
Scale shapes to enhance the design, play with different shapes, font sizes. To drive attention to the focal point of conception, use appropriate colors while using this technique.
3 - Space
Make sure your elements aren’t running into each other what makes a design stand out from the latter is proportional spacing. Make sure you respect the space of your elements. Nobody likes a sloppy design.
4 - Color Contrast
Be playful with your colors keeping in mind the selected colors compliment each other. The color scheme is one of the most significant factors in the making of the design. Finer typefaces will need stronger distinction against a colored background.
5 - Minimalism
A clean, crisp design is the new minimalism, turn up the contrast of your image adjusting the brightness of the background image so that it offsets the text color, making the design clear and easy to read it is a great way to apply white or black text over an image.
6 - Fonts
Typefaces with rounded edges are usually a friendlier note and hard-edged geometric fonts (sans serifs) are solid and strong; serifs provide a classier look and increase the minimalism and sleekness of the design.
7 - Alignment
Respect the alignment of your design, the anatomy of design lies within the arrangement of the elements but not within the elements used to create the design perhaps using lines against a block of text.
8 - Multi-page documents. Instead of recreating the design multiple times copy paste the layout and edit the elements accordingly.
9 - Experiment
Nobody was a born genius or was born with designing abilities, experiment, find your trigger. Play with styles, find what pleases you and make that as your signature. Learn to leave a touch of your signature within your designs, as it helps to create consistency within your portfolio.
10 - Take a break
Sometimes it helps to take a break and come back to the design; nature specifically can be a significant contribution to your design. There’s symmetry everywhere around us. Relaxing can provide a third eye for the design.
11 - Keep a notebook.
Make a habit of carrying a notebook with you at all times. Inspiration can kick in at any time you’d never know.
12 - Ask for criticism
Nobody likes to be told their work is not up to the standards, always learn to take criticism positively. Ask for criticism from people around you. You’d be surprised to learn the crucial details you could be missing out.
13 - No Rules, No Boundaries
There isn’t a guide for graphic design such as graphic design for dummies and there are no rules as well to convey your message. Break the rules, experiment, create your reality because you owe to yourself.
14 - Think outside the box
It comes down to one thing, originality! Sketch, improvise, don’t be afraid to express. Be true to your thought process and avoid cliches as much as you can. Example: using a speech bubble for representing an idea or thought.
15 - Research
Look-up resources, go through tutorials, learn & practice. You can only be good at something if you consistently practice. Designing isn’t Rocket Science. It’s a skill that develops over time with patience.
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