The beginning of a graphic design career is a journey filled with learning and challenges. Many mistakes are inevitable and part of the process, but knowing them in advance can help you avoid or fix them quickly. This not only saves time but also accelerates professional development.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common mistakes made by beginner designers and provide practical tips for fixing them.
1. Neglecting the Brief
The Problem:
Many beginners start a project without fully understanding the client’s needs, leading to deliverables that are misaligned with the request.
How to Fix It:
Always ask for a detailed brief before starting.
Ask questions about the target audience, goals, style preferences, and deadlines.
Summarize the brief in writing to ensure you and the client are aligned.
💡 Tip: Use a brief template to organize the information.
2. Not Using References or Finding Inspiration
The Problem:
Creating something from scratch without seeking references can lead to generic or purposeless designs.
How to Fix It:
Explore platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Pinterest for inspiration.
Analyze what works in the projects you admire: colors, typography, compositions.
Use references as a foundation, but add your creative touch.
💡 Tip: Create a reference board for each project.
3. Choosing Inappropriate Fonts
The Problem:
Using fonts that are incompatible with the project’s tone or mixing too many typefaces can hurt the design’s aesthetic.
How to Fix It:
Choose fonts that reflect the project’s message. For example, modern fonts for startups, classic fonts for sophisticated brands.
Use a maximum of two fonts: one for titles and another for the body text.
Ensure the text is legible at all sizes.
💡 Tip: Tools like Google Fonts help find harmonious font combinations.
4. Overloading the Design with Too Many Elements
The Problem:
Adding too many elements, colors, or textures can create a cluttered and disorganized visual.
How to Fix It:
Prioritize simplicity. Ask yourself, “Is this element really necessary?”
Use white space to balance the layout.
Adopt the minimalist design principle: less is more.
💡 Tip: Gradually reduce elements until the design communicates the message clearly.
5. Ignoring the Importance of Negative Space
The Problem:
Negative space is often overlooked by beginners, leading to “tight” or overloaded designs.
How to Fix It:
Use negative space to highlight key elements.
Ensure text and images have “breathing room.”
Adjust margins and spacing to create visual balance.
6. Not Checking the Color Mode
The Problem:
Designing in the wrong color mode can cause visual differences between the digital project and the printed material.
How to Fix It:
Use RGB for digital projects and CMYK for print.
Consult the printer for specific color settings.
Do print tests to ensure the colors are accurate.
💡 Tip: In Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, check the color mode in File > Color Mode.
7. Not Considering Legibility
The Problem:
Text colors that blend into the background or font sizes that are too small compromise readability.
How to Fix It:
Choose text colors with enough contrast against the background.
Use tools like the Contrast Checker to test accessibility.
Ensure the text size is appropriate for the medium in which it will be displayed.
8. Misalignment of Elements
The Problem:
Misaligned elements give a disorganized and amateurish appearance to the design.
How to Fix It:
Use guides and grids to align text, images, and other elements.
Check both horizontal and vertical alignments.
Activate the “snap” feature in design tools for greater accuracy.
💡 Tip: Programs like Figma and Adobe XD have automatic alignment tools.
9. Not Reviewing the Work Before Submission
The Problem:
Typing errors, low-quality images, or technical issues are overlooked when the work is not reviewed.
How to Fix It:
Set aside time to review every detail of the project.
Ask a colleague or friend to review the design with fresh eyes.
Check spelling, image resolution, and layout consistency.
10. Working Without Regular Backups
The Problem:
Losing files due to technical failures can delay the project or even result in the loss of hours of work.
How to Fix It:
Save your work regularly and enable automatic backups.
Use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Have different versions of the project to avoid file overwriting issues.
How to Avoid These Mistakes in the Future
- Seek Feedback: Share your work with colleagues or mentors for constructive suggestions.
- Study Continuously: Take courses, read articles, and stay updated on trends.
- Practice Often: Ongoing practice is essential for improving your skills.
Mistakes Are Part of the Process
Remember that making mistakes is part of the learning process. The most important thing is to identify areas for improvement and work on them. Every project is an opportunity to grow and become a more confident and experienced designer.
Ready to Avoid These Mistakes?
Apply these tips to your next projects and watch how your approach to design evolves. The more you learn from your mistakes, the closer you’ll be to creating amazing work.