Creating visuals for your business can be intimidating when you're just starting out. There is a lot of decision-making when it comes to settling on logo design, social post layout, and any other marketing materials your business might need, and so many different programs out there to help you create them.
But what do you absolutely need to know about graphic design before you get started?
We sat down with one of our graphic designers, Maryann, and she has three tips for you to keep in mind when you're building your graphics to make sure they stand out. Maryann has worked in the industry for three years with expertise in design and branding and is eager to share her plentiful knowledge.
3 Tips to Make Graphics That Pop
1. Don't overthink it.
People have this feeling when they're starting out with marketing content creation that in order to make a graphic stand out, you have to add tons of different elements. That's not the case.
What you end up doing is distracting your audience so much that they can't focus on the message you're sharing.
Instead of adding everything into a graphic, what you should focus on is how you can use colours, font sizes, and other subtle design elements to help your visuals capture your target audience's attention — just not every single one available at the same time.
Any visual you create is a hierarchy of information that's presented as an easy story to follow. Use images that appeal to your target audience to give them a reason to follow up and engage with you.
2. Use drop shadows or outlines for impact.
Drop shadows and text outlines are subtle yet powerful ways to draw attention to the key part of your message. A drop shadow gives an object extra dimension and allows it to stand out even more.
A text outline around part of the text will draw attention to the most important part of the message.
3. Never underestimate the power of a unique crop
Unique image cropping can also make an image grab attention more effectively and draw the viewer to the right detail. A unique crop also allows you as the creator to better control what your audience sees and interprets from your visual's message.
Bonus Tip!
If you're just starting to make your own graphics, a quick search of current design trends will help you see what's really working right now so you can incorporate it into your own content. And, any time you hit a creative block, looking at what other people are doing and what’s popular will give you some inspiration.
Conclusion
To make graphics that pop, you don't need to add a ton of different elements. Less is more, so designing with thought and intent will go a lot further. Outlines around a piece of text add emphasis and show your audience what's most important. Getting creative with the way that you crop your images will help to draw in your audience and give them something to think about.
