Blog

From my years at school and my time spent working at agencies, I’ve read a lot about design and the “rules” pertaining to it. I’ve put together some of the ones that have stuck with me the most through the years in the hopes that they will do the same for you.

1. Dark Grey is easier to read than Black

Try using the color #333333 RGB (51,51,51) instead of pure black for your text. Pure black on white vibrates and makes the letters hard to focus on.

2. Don’t be afraid of the empty space

Just because there’s an empty spot on your canvas, it doesn’t mean you should fill it in, less is more. White space, or negative space, allows the eyes to rest so the mind can start to think. It also adds a sense of sophistication and professionalism to your end product.

3. Don't dive in headfirst

Create some preliminary sketches. These can be as simple as paper and pen drawings or drafts made using a program. Start with 20 - 30 sketches and then select a few to expand upon and refine.

4. Learn to kill your work

Be prepared to kill everything you make. Be prepared to dismantle your precious design babies. The sooner you can embrace this, the better your work will become. When you realize your work isn’t good enough, kill it. Start again.

5. Keep learning

Seek out designers who you admire and learn from them, work on side projects, geek out at the design section of bookstores, take online classes, read blogs, just always keep learning.