Graphic design has evolved with an extended approach. Being a perpetually evolving variety, there are a number of common graphic style myths that a lot of designers and non-designers still believe to the current day. Below, we have provided a list of myths and sacred style tips on the approach.
It’s safe to mention that the idea of ‘graphic design’ has evolved astronomically since the initially emerged within the Twenties. The phrase was initially coined by artist and book designer William Dwiggins to explain work in written communications like book design, illustration, typography, lettering, and hand. By the Nineteen Fifties, the term was known to describe the creation of visual materials like posters, print advertisements, and street assemblage.
With the modification in technology, the graphic styles evolved as well. Now the list of uses for graphic design has far exceeded from simply print materials, spanning across the digital and even game worlds. Now that it’s a big thing, it’s no surprise for many misconceptions of the definition for graphic design. So, let us try to set the record straight by clearing the foremost common myths regarding graphic styles.
Myth 1. Graphic design is simply regarding creating logos
Logos are important graphic design assets for any business. They become an emblem of your company, through which people will identify your brand values and what you offer. The Nike Swoosh accompanied with ‘Just Do It’ or the McDonald’s golden ‘M’ says it all.
“Graphic style isn’t all about making logos. It is the art of making visual content to speak a particular message.”
This can be applied to a huge array of mediums—whether that’s posters, magazine spreads, album covers, infographic presenttions
— the list goes on!
Myth 2. Graphic design is simply for print mediums
Today, graphic design encompasses a large range of digital mediums, far exceeding than print mediums. This includes website banners, social media graphics, email newsletters, thumbnail images for YouTube, and much more. Many graphic designers find themselves in the roles of creating designs for Web and UX, too!
Myth 3. Graphic design solely uses still pictures
As the algorithms keeps changing, the usage of Text Graphics, Pictures, Icons, Motion Graphics are the elements which helps a social media ad to stand out from the rest of the contents. The graphic styles have evolved beyond the still images. As video and animation continues to grow into one of the most powerful advertising mediums, incorporating the graphic styles in them is vital now. Some well-known examples are GIFs, graphics for YouTube videos, animated infographics and social media ads that include a slideshow of pictures and graphics.
Myth 4. You need fancy tools for graphic design
The graphic designers who have mastered their craft, they mostly used complex design software and specialized tools like a tablet with a stylus for freehand design elements. While these resources provides additional freedom for designs, they can be quite expensive and take years to master. However, the good news is, that for starting out, a graphic designer doesn’t have to invest in these expensive tools to create graphic design elements. They can improve the tools and resources as their skills improve with experience.
Myth 5. Graphic design is simply regarding choosing the proper font
The art of arrangement of texts is one among many key parts of creating stunning designs. However, it is not all about choosing a font that appears good. You must consider the kind of message it portrays, the values and the target demographic of your business.
For example, cursive script may generate traditional feel, while solid sans serif fonts may appear modern. We also have to be mindful about the combination of different font styles within same page, the size, boldness and spacing between the letters, and the colour of the text.
However, the typography isn’t the only important consideration for graphic style. Instead, we have to understand the interaction between the text and between different parts of the page. Also take in account the pictures, graphics, shapes, lines, framing and empty spaces. All this elements has to work together in sync to make a strong style. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to reserve the text as the last elements in your design, just to make sure that the typography compliments the overall design.
Myth 6. Graphic design is regarding following visual trends
Like any creative industry, trends rapidly arrive and go out of style in the graphic design world. The trend in the year 2018 was all about handwritten fonts, pastel colours, and textures. It’s more than likely that upcoming years shall bring new trends with them.
It’s the job of the graphic designers to stay on top of these trends without being a slave to them. The same goes for the beginners who are creating graphic design assets for their own business.
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Myth 7. You need to be a natural born inventive to try and do graphic design
It’s true that many graphic designers have a natural intuitive streak and visual eye, therefore they gravitate towards the graphic design field. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we must be a natural born creative to form effective designs, like anything, graphic design is simply a skill which we can learn and teach.
Myth 8. Graphic design is regarding creating pretty things
One of the biggest misconception regarding graphic design is that it’s simply about creating things that look ‘pretty’ or aesthetically pleasing. However, this may not always be the case. Firstly, ‘pretty’ is a highly subjective term. Something that appears as smart to one person, it is possible that someone else may find it messy or tacky. Secondly, ‘pretty’ isn’t always a goal for a graphic designer. While making designs look neat and exquisite in the traditional sense may match for a women’s beauty or fashion brand, but this may not always work essentially for a men’s hardware brand.
The objective of design isn’t always to make the audience go, “Oh, that looks pretty!!” Sometimes, it is to shock the viewer, prompt thought, or even invoke the emotion of anger.
Myth 9. Graphic design is regarding what the creator thinks appears good
Graphic design is not just about the preferences and taste of the creators. Although it is necessary for a designer to use their best judgment on what shall look good, and what will work best for the page. At the end of the day, the design is neither about the creator, nor about the client, but it is for the audience. This should be at the core of the thought process while working on a design.
Myth 10. Graphic design is regarding making 100% original designs each time
Originality is an important aspect for graphic design – it allows you to set your brand identity apart from the competitors. However, this doesn’t mean you’ve got to make 100% original designs from scratch every single time you are creating visual materials. Even professional graphic designers create templates. This enables them to achieve consistency across their brand collateral.
