This article is similar to my article on Copywriting Tips in that I group the majority of graphic design tips and tricks into 3 categories. Trying to remember all the tips you need to incorporate into your design is difficult. Instead, just remember the categories that these graphic design tips are grouped in.

Graphic design tips grouped by category

The following 3 categories include 90% of graphic design tips for beginners. Use the keywords for each category to cement in your mind the core concepts when creating your designs.

Structure and limitation category

Keywords: limitation, structure, form, restriction, order

If you take a photography course, you will learn that there should be nothing in your photo that doesn’t belong there. The same goes for graphic design! Use any of the keywords above to remember these 9 graphic design tips:

• Keep it simple: Use only 1-2 fonts, and…
• Keep colors, shapes & frames to a minimum.
• Use white/empty space: Leave negative space in your design to help avoid a cluttered design.
• Limit sentence and paragraph size: Each line should have no more than 30-40 characters
• Use lines as “separators” between elements to anchor items and create a sense of order. Use half-lines on either side of an element, or a line above and/or below elements.
• Aligning and ordering objects properly will clean up a design and eliminate the messiness or sloppiness that can occur when elements are placed randomly.
• Repetition & Consistency: Use the same design (images, colors, contrast, etc.) for a series of elements or designs. That ties together different elements and helps with organization.
• Structure: Create a hierarchy, make sure elements are correctly aligned, enough white space to give design features room to breathe, etc.
• Related elements should be grouped together to create a relationship.

Perfection and analysis category

Keywords: perfection, meticulous, detail-oriented, organization, analytical

You need to study, research and plan your designs. Use the keywords above to remember these 6 graphic design tips:

• Study, read, & research to guarantee a more thought-out design.
• Planning: Know what you want to accomplish before you start.
• Keep a notebook for notes or ideas.
• Have a swipe file: examples of great craftsmanship, skill, and of what works.
• Be meticulous with each element (reason & purpose).
• Use italics carefully & precisely.

Beauty and balance category

Keywords: Beauty, aesthetics, balance, harmony

At the end of it all, the question is “Is my design beautiful, average, or ugly?” Use any of the keywords above to remember these 3 graphic design tips:

• Choose beautiful colors that compliment your purpose.
• Take a step back and look at your design – make sure it is visually attractive.
• Find a common color palette or theme for your design: Primary, secondary, and neutral.

Final Thoughts

There are other graphic design tips and tricks but they fall into different categories. I just wanted to show the 3 categories that have the highest number of tips that correspond to them. If you are interested, here are 2 of my other categories:

Symmetry & contrast: 1. Use symmetry and contrast in your colors, fonts, font sizes, text over graphics, etc. 2. Choose a color scheme that contrasts & complements each other. 3. Use font-family variants.

Form & function: Let form follow function: make sure you know the function of your design. Match typeface (form) with your intent or purpose (function). Form = expression, words, structure, your design. Function = emotions, embodiment, will, purpose, intent.

You most likely will not include all of these tips in your designs, but try your best to use most of them. Help make the internet beautiful!