7 Reasons You Are Experiencing Graphic Design For Non Designers (And How To Fix Each One)

7 Reasons You Are Experiencing Graphic Design For Non Designers (And How To Fix Each One)

Graphic design can be a struggle when it's not your specialty. You find yourself staring at a blank canvas, unsure of where to start. The illustrations you attempt look amateur at best. Your layouts feel cluttered and unpolished. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

The good news is these common graphic design challenges for non-designers can all be fixed. Let's dive into the 7 key reasons you may be experiencing these issues — and how to address each one.

Your Illustrations Lack Clarity and Professionalism

As a non-designer, illustration is often the trickiest part of graphic design. Your drawings come across as amateurish, detracting from your overall visuals. The solution is to use simple, clean icons and graphics instead of freehand illustrations. Invest in a library of vector icons you can easily customize for your designs.

Your Color Choices Look Clashing or Dull

Color is a tricky beast. Without a designer's eye, your color palettes end up being either too vibrant and clashing, or too muted and dull. The fix is to rely on pre-made color schemes. Websites like Coolors.co generate gorgeous, cohesive color palettes at the click of a button.

Your Layouts Feel Cluttered and Unbalanced

Crafting visually appealing layouts is a learned skill. As a non-designer, your designs often end up feeling cramped and disorganized. The solution is to use the power of whitespace. Be intentional about how you arrange elements on the page, leaving ample breathing room around each one.

Your Typography Choices Are Inconsistent

Pairing fonts effectively is an art form. You may find yourself using a mishmash of typefaces that don't work well together. To fix this, stick to just 1-2 complementary font families throughout your designs. Avoid using more than 3 different fonts on a single page.

You Struggle to Communicate a Clear Message

Great graphic design isn't just about making things look pretty. It's about strategically using visuals to communicate a specific message. If your designs feel aimless, take the time to clearly define your objective before you start creating.

Your Branding Lacks Cohesion and Professionalism

Consistent branding is crucial, but it's a common stumbling block for non-designers. Your logo, colors, fonts, and imagery may feel disjointed. The solution is to create a simple brand style guide that outlines all your visual standards. Refer back to it religiously.

You Waste Time Fiddling with the Details

As a non-designer, it's easy to get stuck in the weeds, endlessly tweaking minor details. This sucks up your time and creative energy. To avoid this trap, focus on the big picture first. Nail down the core structure, message, and aesthetic before diving into fine-tuning.