Thoughts on Design

Good graphic design isn’t complicated. Even fairly complex designs are, at their base, simple communication. While web design can be more technically challenging, it’s also just a form of communication. An aspect of design that’s often overlooked is this communication. You use the best paper, you’ve checked the latest color trends, your layout is perfect… does it communicate clearly?

I’m passionate about design, but the wrong design can be worse than no design at all. When all is said in done, step back, look at your design again, and see it as if you’ve never seen it before. It’s hard to do, but it needs to be done. Look at your design as if it was a story… is it good?, is it right?, is it complete?

Does your design still say what you think it does? Most of the time it will, sometimes it won’t. It’s easy to let your preconceived ideas about a design cloud your judgment, and influence your design. To see the design based on your history with it, rather than what it currently is. To see how your perfect graphic matches a headline that the writer has since changed. To see a color choice based on a photo that’s been replaced. Worst of all is to see something explained, by something you’ve removed.

Never forget to step back and look at your design again… does it communicate clearly?