This is primarily about web design, but I think these tips also apply to other areas of design, like logos, signatures, etc.
How my designs looked in: 2010, 2011
How my designs look now: 2012, 2012
This is by no means new information, but it is what helped me create better designs and might helped you.
1. Less is more: Lots of graphics aren't always necessary. If you actually give some thought to your layout, you can create something nice with just a few elements.
2. White-space: The copy on my 'Long Beach' website is almost touching the outline of the container That's a no-no. Today, I'd make sure there was at least half an inch of space on all sides.
3. Leading/line-spacing: The spacing in between lines of text is very important. There's no correct amount, but in my case, I probably should've provided more space, as it's a little hard to read when they're so close together.
4. Consistency: Don't overload your design with 10 different effects. Have two or three effects at most and repeat them throughout.
5. Alignment: I love alignment. I try and align as many elements as I can, as I feel it makes things easier to read. For instance: Titles and Body text.
6. Start in B & W: I design everything in black and white first. Color is supposed to enhance design, not make it.
7. Grid: Using a grid helps keep things organized, orderly, and consistent. I personally using the 960.gs grid for my website.
More to come. Possibly.
How my designs looked in: 2010, 2011
How my designs look now: 2012, 2012
This is by no means new information, but it is what helped me create better designs and might helped you.
1. Less is more: Lots of graphics aren't always necessary. If you actually give some thought to your layout, you can create something nice with just a few elements.
2. White-space: The copy on my 'Long Beach' website is almost touching the outline of the container That's a no-no. Today, I'd make sure there was at least half an inch of space on all sides.
3. Leading/line-spacing: The spacing in between lines of text is very important. There's no correct amount, but in my case, I probably should've provided more space, as it's a little hard to read when they're so close together.
4. Consistency: Don't overload your design with 10 different effects. Have two or three effects at most and repeat them throughout.
5. Alignment: I love alignment. I try and align as many elements as I can, as I feel it makes things easier to read. For instance: Titles and Body text.
6. Start in B & W: I design everything in black and white first. Color is supposed to enhance design, not make it.
7. Grid: Using a grid helps keep things organized, orderly, and consistent. I personally using the 960.gs grid for my website.
More to come. Possibly.
