The dirty little secret of graphic design
SHAKING THE TREE #51
Psst!
Wanna know a dirty little secret about graphic design that most graphic designers don’t want you to know about?
Graphic design is easier than you think it is, but ONLY IF you’re familiar with a few basic concepts and ONLY IF you’re willing to learn what they are.
If you’ve ever wondered why so much of the DIY graphic design you see these days looks as bad as it does, there’s a perfectly good reason.
It’s because too many would-be graphic designers are told they can do design with no training or knowledge by platforms that invite them to dive straight in without having to bother learning the basics of layout, composition, type and image choice, and visual hierarchy.
Now, before anyone says “Hold on there, Gary. You can’t say things like that!”, my 38+ years experience as a graphic designer working in organizations on both sides of the Atlantic say otherwise.
Signing up for Canva won’t make you a graphic designer.
Downloading every application in Adobe Creative Suite won’t magically give you creative chops.
As with learning any new skill such as a new language or learning to play a musical instrument, you’re not going to be fluent from day one; you’re not going to be prolific after one chord.
The same rules apply with graphic design.
While familiarizing yourself with a few basic concepts will help get you started, it’s the time you take to learn, practice, and master things that will set you apart from every other creative wannabe on the block.
But if you have no design experience (and going back to college isn’t an option), and if you have no budget to outsource things yet your business or job requires you to know about graphic design (despite you being completely clueless), where do you start?
Well, you could wing it, do your own thing and see how things work out. Your results will probably be questionable but at least you’ll have given it a go.
Or—you could buy an easy to read book and learn more about graphic design in a day than most degree courses will teach you in four years.
And no, I’m not exaggerating.
The book is The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams (this is Robin Williams the author and designer, not Robin Williams the comedian and actor who died in 2014).
Despite its title, The Non-Designer's Design Book is a gold mine of inspiration and information—a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced designers alike—that offers practical advice, eye-opening insights, and useful guidance on the principles and techniques of modern graphic design.
Even if you’re an old hand, don’t let the title fool you into thinking that it’s got nothing to teach you.
The Non-Designer's Design Book has become a cornerstone for anyone looking to dive into the fascinating world of graphic design.
Published in various editions over the years, this book has earned its place as an indispensable guide for designers of all levels.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered:
Chapter 1: Understanding design basics
At its core, The Non-Designer's Design Book serves as a bridge between the world of professional design and those who may not have much or any formal training in the field.
Williams begins by introducing you to the fundamental principles of design—the essential cornerstones of design that underlie every aspect of page layout, image use, and typography.
Without a basic grasp and understanding of these essential elements little of what follows will make much sense.
Those cornerstones are proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast (often referred to as the "PARC" principles). I always think of them in reverse order because it’s a lot more fun and easier to remember.
The principles of proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast are explained in an easy to understand and intuitively straightforward and approachable way, making them instantly accessible and memorable, even to those with no prior design experience.
Chapter 2: Working with type
Typography is a cornerstone of graphic design, and Robin Williams dives deep into this crucial aspect.
Through clear explanations and visual examples, she demonstrates how font selection, spacing, and hierarchy can significantly impact the visual appeal and readability of a design.
Her practical advice on combining fonts and avoiding common typographic pitfalls is invaluable.
Chapter 3: Understanding color
Color is another essential element of design, and Williams explains color theory in a way that is easy to grasp. Readers learn about the color wheel, about complementary colors, and about the emotional impact of varying color choices.
This chapter empowers designers to make informed decisions about color, ensuring that their creations effectively convey the desired message.
Chapter 4: Using images and other elements
In the digital age, the integration of images and other visual elements is paramount.
Williams provides insights into selecting and incorporating images, icons, and other elements effectively.
Her guidance on using white space and visual hierarchy aids designers in creating balanced and visually appealing compositions.
Chapter 5: Putting it all together
The final chapter ties all the concepts together. Williams walks readers through practical examples, showing you how to apply the principles of design to real-world projects.
This hands-on approach helps designers transition from theory to practice, building their confidence and competence.
The Non-Designer's Design Book is a gem in the world of design literature.
Its clear, concise, and approachable style make it accessible to a wide range of readers, from novices looking to get started to seasoned designers looking for a refresher.
Williams' emphasis on fundamental design principles, typography, color theory, and practical application gives you the tools you need to create visually compelling and effective designs.
In an industry where the gap between experts and beginners can often seem vast, Robin Williams' book bridges that divide, ensuring that design is not an exclusive realm but a skill that can be acquired and honed by anyone with the desire to learn.
I’ve read The Non-Designer's Design Book several times and each time I learn something new.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why it’s important to be authentic