9 Essential Design Principles You Need to Follow
Are you a budding designer looking for ways to make your designs stand out? Designing your own artwork can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, and not just from a creative perspective. It can also be a highly lucrative career path when done correctly! To help you make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and design principles, here are nine essential design principles you need to follow in. These principles cover the basics of design, from color theory to typography, and can
1. Use Color Theory
No matter what kind of design work you are doing, color theory needs to be one of the first things you learn. Color theory is the study of how different colors interact with each other and how they can influence the mood of a design. When you understand the basics of color theory, you can better understand how your choices can affect the viewer. Some of the basics of color theory include using analogous colors, playing with contrast, and harmonizing your palettes.
2. Pay Attention to Typography
Typography is another important design element that can have a huge impact on the overall design. It’s important to think about the type of font you’re using, its size, its weight, and any other special properties it might have. Every typeface has a different feel and “voice”, so make sure you are choosing the right typeface for your project to ensure it will convey the right message.
3. Understand Your Dimensions
When it comes to design, you also need to consider size and proportion. This can be tricky, as different sizes and proportions can completely change the look and feel of a design. Knowing the right measurements and aspects make all the difference when it comes to making sure your design looks professional.
4. Utilize White Space
White space, also referred to as negative space, plays a remarkably important role in design. This often underutilized design element can do more to make a design look clean and minimalistic. Be sure to take your time to consider how much white space you use and why.
5. Consider Your Layout
Layout is key when it comes to design—it’s how all of your elements are arranged together to create a cohesive and professional-looking design. Consider how everything in your design interacts with each other, from the colors to the typography and even the shape of the elements.
6. Make Sure Your Design is Accessible
Accessibility is an incredibly important aspect of design, and it’s becoming more and more of a focus for everything from website design to app design. When creating your design, make sure you are considering how people with different disabilities interact with your design, as well as being aware of how different cultures perceive and understand the design.
7. Know How to Create Hierarchy
Good design includes creating hierarchy in your design—this lets viewers know the importance of different elements and what they should focus on. To do this, you can utilize various design elements such as scale, color, typography, and more.
8. Pick the Right Images
Images are a great way to tell a story and heighten emotion. Carefully consider which images will work best for your design and ensure they are relevant to your project. If you are using stock images, be sure to choose ones that have quality and are tastefully done, as visuals can make or break a design.
9. Incorporate Iconography
Iconography is a great way to concisely display information in a visually appealing way. Make sure to pick icons with a minimalistic style and be aware of how they interact with other design elements, as icons that are too busy or colorful can detract from your main design.
By following these nine design principles, you can make sure your design is both creative and eye-catching. Remember, the basics of design are all important, so take the time to brush up on these essential design principles before you jump into any projects.
Good luck!
