5 tips for aspiring print designers

If your advertising budget is small, investing in graphic design may seem too expensive. However, you should not neglect the high-quality design of marketing materials, because it is your face. It is printed products that are designed to convey the uniqueness and philosophy of the enterprise to potential customers.

Developing a design on your own, without involving additional employees, will help solve the problem at the initial stages. This prospect can be daunting for many, so we've put together some helpful tips to help you get started on the right foot.

1. Color palette

The color palette is a very memorable part of the image. When we think of IKEA, we immediately think of the dark blue and bright yellow colors that are constantly used in their advertising and stores.

It is also no secret that colors can evoke a psychological response or association for the consumer. Let's say red is one of the most commonly used colors for food packaging because it attracts attention and evokes appetite.

You need to think about what kind of mood you want to create among consumers and choose colors that evoke the reaction you want. Let's say you want to be associated with luxury and sophistication - then purple may be your ideal shade. And if you want people to associate your brand with reliability, stability and calm, then blue may be your choice.

Based on the main shade, you need to choose additional tones. You might prefer high-contrast color palettes (those colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange). You can also choose a simpler approach: use different tones of the same base shade.

2. Fonts and Styles

Typeface is another defining feature of your brand. The right choice will make it possible to convey a certain mood: accessibility and fun, seriousness, adherence to tradition.

Remember that the most important thing is readability. Fonts that are too elaborate do not meet this parameter. Laconic, strict and modern design is in fashion. It is also very important not to use more than two or three fonts so as not to visually overwhelm your flyer or brochure.

3. Layout

Layout is very important for readability and creating a professional final product. Use a grid to group information and keep it visually organized. The simplest thing is to take a large image, headline, or text block, and then arrange smaller blocks, thus creating a visual hierarchy. Align headings, paragraphs and images for a neat and pleasing layout.

4. White Space

An important point in graphic design for beginners is to use white space. Don't overload the page with redundant text or images. The fewer any elements, the more pleasant the product looks.

5. Uniformity

All marketing materials should be executed in the same style. It is necessary to maintain the color palette, fonts and composition, use the same paper and printing finish. This way your company will look professional, and the brand will be remembered by consumers faster.

So, at the initial stage, even a beginner can develop beautiful printed products. However, as the company develops, it is still better to resort to the services of a professional who will help create truly impressive and memorable advertising products. A good option in terms of price and quality ratio could be the “Design Exchange” - a special online platform where you can post your requirements and choose the most suitable offers from freelancers.