You’re a designer. You have aspirations, goals, and dreams. You want to be the best version of yourself that you can be, and you want to help your clients do the same. The best way to achieve these goals is by avoiding common mistakes in design. Mistakes can cost you time or money or even make you lose credibility as a designer.
In this article, we’ll go over 14 common mistakes made by designers in their day-to-day lives with clients and other people they work with on projects.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Common graphic design mistakes to avoid include using too many fonts, mismatching colors, and not considering the target audience. |
| Following essential graphic design rules such as using appropriate typography, creating a visual hierarchy, and leaving enough white space can lead to effective designs. |
| When designing a logo, it’s important to consider factors such as the target audience, industry, and brand message. Simple and unique designs, appropriate colors, and testing with different mediums can help avoid mistakes. |
| Best practices for creating effective graphic designs include understanding the purpose of the design, keeping it simple, using high-quality images and fonts, maintaining consistency, and designing with the target audience in mind. |
1. Not Giving Any Exclusive Thought And Time To The Project In Hand
It’s easy to get distracted, especially when you’re working with a client or clientele who may not be easy. Getting into the design mindset means giving your full attention and focus to the project at hand. If you have a tendency to multi-task and have trouble focusing on one thing, this can be hard. Even if it’s something simple like checking email or answering texts while designing a logo, it can hinder your ability to produce good work.
As a designer, you don’t want to work with a developer who lacks the necessary skills and experience to bring your designs to life. If you notice any of these red flags, it may be time to consider firing your freelance web developer. Check out our post on 8 signs your freelance web developer needs to be fired to avoid common mistakes.
2. Lacking A Purpose Before Starting The Designing Process
Lacking a purpose before the designing process is a common mistake that you don’t want to make. Why is having a purpose important? It can help guide the direction of your design and determine what types of elements you want to include in it.
What exactly is a purpose? It’s essentially your motivation or goal for creating the product, logo, or another design element. For example: if your client wants an app that helps people find local businesses, then their purpose could be “to promote local businesses” or “to keep users up-to-date with local events”.
If you don’t have a clear idea of what they’re hoping to achieve by using this app then chances are high that their experience won’t be as good as it should be.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years working with clients on hundreds of projects over at Go Media (we’ve been around since 2001), it’s that there are many ways to express yourself through logos and brand identities; some successful companies have built entire empires around them!
Some businesses choose not just one but several different logos throughout their lifetimes; others create several variations on one theme which serves multiple purposes such as seasonal themes like Christmas versus summertime holidays like Fourth Of July fireworks shows.”
3. Not Read Your Client’s Brief
It’s important to read your client’s brief very carefully, as there is often quite a lot of information in there. If you don’t understand any part of the brief, ask for clarification. Don’t assume that you know what the client wants from you; they may have given you an idea in their brief and then changed their mind later on (for example, maybe they thought about it more and realized that what they wanted was something completely different).
Don’t assume that because your first few ideas were rejected by the client that what came next will be rejected too. In fact, after several rounds of feedback from clients and iterations on designs with them, I tend to find my designs become better with each pass.
It can also help if designers engage with the project – if we see ourselves as part of an interdisciplinary team working together towards a common goal then we’re less likely to get frustrated when feedback isn’t positive or when things take longer than expected!
Are you considering becoming a freelance web developer? It can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy, you can set yourself up for success. Our comprehensive guide on how to become a freelance web developer provides a step-by-step approach to help you achieve your goals.
4. Not Using Grid System While Designing
A grid system is a framework that helps you to design your website systematically. It provides a set of rules that you can follow to make your website look organized and attractive. The grid system helps you to create a balanced layout for your website.
A well-designed grid system allows the designer to focus on content without worrying about other issues like alignment and spacing. A good grid system uses large blocks of space so that there is ample room for text or graphics, which gives the reader a sense of openness and freedom when browsing through the site’s pages.
If used properly, it can give any design project an air of sophistication even if only minor changes are made from page-to-page or section-to-section within one site.”
5. Not Doing Research About Your Target Audience
It’s crucial to know your target audience. If you’re not familiar with who your company is marketing to, how can you prepare content that will resonate with them?
If you don’t understand your target audience, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking they want what everyone else wants but if everyone else has already designed a similar product, then guess what: No one needs yours! For example, if I’m designing a simple website for my brother-in-law’s dental practice in Toledo, Ohio (a small town), chances are he doesn’t need me to design him a flashy website with state-of-the-art technology and video capabilities.
Instead of wasting time creating something innovative or flashy for him that no one would use anyway (to them), I should focus my efforts on finding ways to build an experience that makes things easier for his patients while providing value in terms of convenience and affordability all while still looking professional enough so as not too stand out but also not look like something made in 2004 by someone who has no idea how websites work.
6. Following What Your Competitor Is Doing
There are three main reasons why this is a terrible idea. First, following your competitor will make you look like an amateur and it will damage your credibility as a designer. Second, you may be tempted to copy certain aspects of their design (for example, if they have a unique style that people recognize).
But this is also a bad idea because it means that you’re copying someone else’s work and not developing your style and ideas. Thirdly, following the competition doesn’t lead to innovation it leads to imitation of what already exists on the market today.
7. Not Knowing How To Say No To Clients
There are a lot of reasons why a designer might want to say no to a client. Maybe it’s because they don’t have the right skill set for the project, or maybe they can’t afford it. Whatever the reason, there are many ways in which designers can say no without hurting their relationship with those clients or making them feel like their services aren’t needed anymore. Let’s take a look at some ways:
Saying No In An Email: Start by writing “Thank you for reaching out about our services! I understand that your project requires… but unfortunately, we do not have any available resources at this time. We hope that your search goes well and will keep an eye out for new opportunities when they arise.” Then end by saying “Thank you again!” If you don’t have time to write something more detailed than this generic statement, then this is sufficient!
Saying No During A Meeting: When meeting with clients face-to-face in person over Skype (or whatever other platform), let them know that unfortunately, you won’t be able to help them with their project due to scheduling conflicts or budgetary constraints before moving on quickly – don’t worry about the awkwardness or seeming unprofessional if necessary!
You could also try bringing up another potential client who would benefit from working with someone like yourself instead; this way both parties get what they need while maintaining good relationships between themselves too.”
Starting a career in web design freelancing can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the industry. But don’t worry – our guide on web design freelancing for dummies is the perfect resource to help you get started. From setting your rates to building your portfolio, we cover everything you need to know.
8. Ignoring Important Things Such As Buttons, Links, Icons Etc
If you’re a designer, chances are that you are familiar with the importance of buttons, links, and icons. But have you ever considered why they are so important?
Buttons help users navigate the pages of your website or app. They help them do the tasks that they have come there to perform. This is why it is crucial to make sure that your buttons look good and provide an easy way for people to find them on your website or app. It’s also important to make sure these button styles match with the rest of your design elements so that they don’t stand out like sore thumbs!
Links provide users with access to other parts of sites/apps – which means they need to be easily identifiable as well as visually appealing enough so as not to distract users from their goal/purpose in visiting said site/app (the homepage).
While most people know what an arrow icon means when used by itself in this context – but if we look at some recent examples from popular websites such as Facebook (see below), Google+, or even Instagram (see below), you’ll notice how many times designers forget about adding visual cues so users can easily identify where each link goes before clicking on it…
9. Focusing on Visual Appeal Instead of Functionality of the Design
It’s important to understand that functionality and visual appeal are two different things. If you focus on the functionality of your design, then it’s likely that you’ll be able to make a lot more money with it. Functionality is what people want it’s how they will get their job done. If you don’t focus on this, then your client will not be happy with their new website and may never come back for future projects in the future.
Visual appeal is something else entirely. This is something that designers tend to focus on much more than they should because it allows them to show off what they can do with graphic design skills and other tools like Photoshop or Illustrator (which we’ll talk about later).
Managing clients as a freelance designer can be tough, but it’s a crucial part of running a successful business. To help you navigate this aspect of freelancing, check out our post on 11 tips for successfully managing freelance design clients. From communication to contracts, we cover the essentials for a positive client relationship.
10. Not Considering The Future And Reusability Of The Design Elements Used In The Project
One of the most important things about designing is to make sure that the elements used in a project are considered for reuse across other projects. This can be done by creating a library of design assets that can be accessed and reused as needed, or by working with another designer at your company who specializes in this area.
Another reason why reusability is so important is that it will help you save money in the long run by allowing you to spend less time on developing new assets every time a project comes up. Reutilizing existing designs also helps keep consistency across all platforms, which is good for both brandings and for ensuring users can navigate seamlessly from one platform to another.
Finally, if done properly, being able to reuse parts of your designs means being able to scale easily when needed you won’t need additional designers if demand increases!
11. Being Afraid To Try New Things And Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Don’t be afraid to fail. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try something new.
Start small and work your way up: don’t try to learn everything at once or design an entire website before even knowing how to use the software properly. Take advantage of the resources available on the Internet (here are some great ones) and start with simple things like banners and buttons before moving on to more complicated projects like flyers or business cards.
Are you ready to launch your own freelance graphic design business? Congratulations! Our post on how to launch a freelance graphic design business is a must-read before you get started. We share 15 essential things you need to do to set yourself up for success, from defining your niche to building your brand.
12. Always Following the Same Working Pattern For Different Types Of Projects
It is always a good idea to develop a working pattern that you can follow. A lot of designers tend to stick to their working patterns, even if it doesn’t fit the project they are working on. This can be detrimental as it will lead them into trouble when they need to change their approach.
There are certain situations where you may have to change your usual process, here are some examples:
- If there is no set deadline for a project and you have ample time at hand
- If you don’t want your client or employer noticing that the work has been outsourced (the best way is using fake names)
13. Follow Trends And Being Creative At The Same Time (This Is Not Possible)
There is a misconception that trends are creative, when in fact they are just solutions to a problem. Trends are not creative solutions, they are just a solution.
Trends create the illusion of being innovative and original, but in reality, they follow patterns that have already been established by other designers before you. They play into the same color palettes, fonts and motifs over and over again until we end up with another Starbucks or Apple store clone on every corner of every street in America (or whichever country you live in).
Final Thoughts
After reading this article, you might be feeling like a design pro. But don’t rest on your laurels! We’re always learning and growing in this industry, so make sure you stay up-to-date on current trends and techniques by following us on our social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). And if there’s one thing we would like to leave you with, it’s that there is no such thing as an “easy” project; every job has its challenges. The key is to take those challenges head-on and never give up.
Further Reading
Common Graphic Design Mistakes to Avoid: This article provides a comprehensive list of common graphic design mistakes that designers should avoid to improve their work.
10 Graphic Design Rules You Should Never Break: This blog post outlines 10 essential graphic design rules that every designer should follow to create effective designs.
Logo Design Mistakes that can Kill your Business: This post discusses common logo design mistakes that can negatively impact your brand and provides tips on how to avoid them.
FAQs
What are some common graphic design mistakes to avoid?
Common graphic design mistakes include using too many fonts, mismatching colors, using low-quality images, and not considering the target audience.
What are some essential graphic design rules to follow?
Some essential graphic design rules to follow include using appropriate typography, choosing a color scheme that works well together, creating a visual hierarchy, and leaving enough white space.
How can I avoid mistakes in logo design?
To avoid mistakes in logo design, make sure to conduct thorough research on your target audience, competitors, and brand message. Use simple and unique designs, choose colors that match your brand, and test your design with different mediums.
What are some important factors to consider when designing a logo?
Important factors to consider when designing a logo include your target audience, the industry you’re in, the message you want to convey, and how the logo will be used in different mediums.
What are some best practices for creating effective graphic designs?
Some best practices for creating effective graphic designs include understanding the purpose of the design, keeping it simple, using high-quality images and fonts, maintaining consistency, and designing with your target audience in mind.
What Is A Designer?
A designer is someone who creates something. It’s not just about making pretty things, but also about creating products and experiences that solve problems for others. A good designer should be able to understand their users and create solutions that solve their problems. They must also have an eye for detail, as well as the ability to communicate the value of their work effectively with others (including clients!).
How Do I Become A Designer?
Becoming a designer requires you to study extensively in school, or through online classes or self-teaching materials like books or videos about design theory & practice; learn how to use design software such as Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop/ InDesign, etc.; practice your craft by taking on small projects at first until you are confident enough before trying bigger ones; then finally start networking with other designers so that you can exchange ideas & inspirations from each other!
How Long Does It Take To Design A Web Page?
The length of time it takes to design a web page depends on how complex your project is, and the number of pages you want to be created. Generally speaking, however, you can expect that your designer will be working with you for at least two weeks.
If they aren’t able to complete the process in this amount of time (for example, if they’re not getting enough information from you), they may need more time than originally expected. As such, it’s best to discuss with your designer what their schedule looks like so that both parties are aware of what’s going on as the project progresses.
How much does it cost to design a web page? Websites vary widely in price based on their complexity and features but average between $1-$3 per square foot (depending on which site builder tool is used).
What Is The Difference Between Graphic Design And Web Design?
Graphic designers use software like Photoshop to create images and designs for print advertisements, books, magazines, websites, etc. Web designers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build websites with different elements such as text boxes or buttons that help users navigate through the site easily.
I am a content writer, and I love what I do! Writing makes me feel like the words are flowing through my fingers, and then onto the keyboard, like magic. My experience as a writer has taught me that writing makes me feel good, as well as helps others to feel better too!