How to create better graphics

Apr 29

Understanding Colors

Colors are not just visual elements; they evoke emotions, communicate messages, and influence perceptions. Understanding the psychology of colors is essential in selecting the right palette for your graphic. For instance, blue can evoke feelings of trust and calmness, yellow can evoke the feeling of happiness and comfort, while red can signify passion and attention.

Creating a harmonious color scheme is crucial for the aesthetic appeal of your graphic. Understand the color wheel and the relationships between colors, such as complementary, analogous, and triadic schemes. Harmonious color schemes enhance the visual coherence of your design, making it more pleasing to the eye. If you want to learn more about color psychology, read more in this blog post: XXX.

In addition to color harmony, contrast is a key factor in making your graphics eye-catching and legible. High contrast between text and background improves readability, especially for people with visual impairments.

Don't overload your graphic with too many colors. I recommend sticking to two to three colors per graphics. To add more dimension while not looking clutters in a graphic you can create a different hues by adjusting a color's opacity.

Practical Tips for Selecting Colors

Use color palette generators to find complementary colors.
You can test your designs in grayscale to ensure adequate contrast.
Use two to three colors per graphic.
Create different hues by adjusting a color opacity.

Understanding Placements

The Rule of Thirds is a fundamental principle in design and photography that suggests dividing your design into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections. Using this technique can help create balance in your graphics. Using the rule of third grids can help to create graphics faster, especially for someone who is new to creating graphics.

Using a grid can also help when creating a visual hierarchy. Visual hierarchy is important for guiding the viewer's eye through the design, emphasizing the most important elements first. Size, color, and placement can all be used to establish a visual hierarchy. For example, larger, bolder elements are likely to attract attention first, followed by smaller, subtler details.

When creating graphics utilize negative space. The space around and between elements of your design, is just as important as the elements themselves. Proper use of negative space can help to prevent your design from feeling cluttered, improve readability, and highlight key components of your graphic.

Practical Tips for Effective Placements

Use grid systems to help balance your design.
Experiment with different layouts to see which offers the best emphasis on key elements.
Remember that less is often more; do not overcrowd your graphic.

Understanding Elements

Typography is a critical element of design that involves selecting the right fonts and arranging them in a way that is both visually appealing and readable. Consider the mood you want to convey and ensure that the typography complements the overall design and message of your graphic. Fonts can be formal, informal, happy, cool, warm, or friendly.

Images, whether photographs, illustrations, or icons, play a significant role in graphic design. They can convey complex messages quickly and evoke emotions effectively. Selecting high-quality, relevant images is key to enhancing the overall impact of your design.

Icons and shapes can be used to add interest, support your message, and guide the viewer's eye through the design. They should be used purposefully and in alignment with the overall style and message of your graphic. Shapes can also help to fill empty spaces on a graphic. I like to decrease the opacity of shapes to they add dimension without overpowering it.