7 Key Principles of Graphic Design That Everyone Should Know

Graphic Designing

Graphic Designing

Graphic design is the process of putting together visuals, words, and concepts to convey a message. Because this is something with which all graphic designers must constantly contend, they have developed a wide range of strategies for maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in their practices.

To fully grasp what design components are all about, think of them as the bricks and mortar upon which every project rests. Lines, shapes, and fonts are the building blocks from which even the most intricate graphic design portfolio may be constructed. In contrast, the principles of design (sometimes called “the principles of art”) are a set of guidelines for defining and regulating the interplay between these components and the surrounding environment and the intended viewers. Understanding the elements and principles of design is vital since they are the building blocks of any visual design. If you can master these fundamentals, your graphic design portfolio will soar.

  1. Line

Many lines have more going on than merely connecting points. Depending on their shape, thickness, and length, lines may be used to show movement, convey a sense of emotion, and coordinate details. When picking out the lines that best represent their ideas, Brandripe Singapore designers have a lot of leeway. The orientation of a line might be vertical, longitudinal, or diagonal. The nearby graphic design schools I attended provided me with the same education.

You may go in a straight line, do a U-turn, zigzag quickly, or make any different patterns. It might be unbroken or fragmented or even implied. In print, idea grids’ invisible lines provide essential advice and structure for every project. Meanwhile, a designer’s finished work will have recognizable outlines of weight and form, which may be read to express a wide range of messages and emotions.

  1. Shape

In graphic design, shapes are best understood as areas, buildings, or figures inside a border or closed diagram. There are two basic types that each designer should be acquainted with: linear and organic.

Geometric shapes may exist in either the two- or three-dimensional plane. They are made up of a succession of points linked by straight or curved lines and are usually conceptual and easy to understand. Some common geometric shapes are triangles, trapezoids, pentagons, octagons, circles and ellipses.

Shapes in nature are less regular, symmetrical, or fixed than artificial ones. They might have a symmetrical shape or an asymmetrical one.

  1. Texture

Surface texture describes how something feels to the touch, whether hairy, smooth, rough, soft, sticky or shiny. Most graphic designers have to use optical illusions to provide the impression that the viewer can feel the texture of their work.

Use texture in various ways to see what works best for your designs. Leaves, tree bark, stones, fur, flowers, grass, and dirt are all organic textures that might be used in a design that takes its cues from the natural world.

Alternatively, you may generate textured backdrops by creating an abstract pattern by consistently repeating two-dimensional objects. Using textured typography is something to think about if you want to spice up your design.

  1. Color

Graphic designers may utilize a single color or combine colors harmoniously or discordantly with the help of color theory and the color wheel.

Any colors used in a design may be broken down into specific categories. All additional colors may be derived from the three main hues—red, yellow, and blue. Red, yellow, and blue cannot be created from other color mixtures.

The results of mixing two main colors are known as secondary colors. When yellow and red are mixed together, they create orange, whereas red and blue make purple, and yellow and blue produce green. Combining a main and secondary color produces a tertiary color.

  1. Type

When working on a graphic design project, picking a readable and appropriately themed typeface or lettering style is essential. When designing, consider if the letters should be printed or text and whether they should have sharp or rounded corners since these choices will affect the overall feel of the design.

The heft of your letters is also a significant part of your style. The significance of the communicated words is often reflected in the size or density of the letters used. However, without proper care, they might seem excessively tall or throw off the balance of a layout. Small letters might be sophisticated and modern, but they can also appear fragile.

  1. Image

Portraits and sketches show how graphic designers utilize imagery to grab attention and communicate meaning. In addition to conveying the intended purpose of the designer’s message, an image may also heighten tension, provide additional movement and set the mood.

Photos added to a project should tell the right message while also looking good. Use an image with plenty of contrasting colors and textures to keep your audience interested. Alternatively, you might emphasize a certain part of an image to show where the viewer’s interest is otherwise directed.

  1. Space

All designers need to have access to spacing as a tool. It will give a design room to breathe, boost its visual impact, lighten heavy visual features, and bring attention to the most memorable parts. Without enough breathing room, an idea runs the danger of becoming visually overwhelming.

Points may be separated by spacing, or they can be linked together using the same technique. Tighter spacing between graphic elements indicates a stronger connection, whereas wider spacing indicates less of one. Using negative space around an object or idea may highlight its value while also evoking feelings of isolation.

Posters, billboards, brochures, and even packaging may all benefit from including design aspects since they all rely on the interplay of words, pictures, and concepts to convey a message. If you can master the art of selectively applying each idea to your graphic design projects, you’ll soon be producing original, effective, and aesthetically pleasing work.