The 8 Best Basic Graphic Design Principles

• Aim for 45 - 90 characters per line. This helps to avoid eye fatigue, particularly if you have a lot of copy and IF you want your audience to read it.
  (Free online character counter)

• PuhLEEZE use your RETURN key to add “white space” for better readability.

• Be aware of leaving multiple “orphans*” at the end of your paragraphs (*single word).

• Pair fonts that are harmonious and complement each other. (Serifed with sans serif, bold with light, etc.)

• 2 - 3 fonts on one website is plenty to avoid visual confusion. (my website judiciously uses 3 font pairings)

• Don’t use “Comic Sans” for anything related to a business. Just don’t.

• And don’t cave to the current trend of itty-bitty, barely legible, light gray body copy paired with MEGA HUGE headlines. Ick.

• Just because some guy advises something is the “newest trend” don’t go there, until you are confident you know these basic principles.

• Every element on your website has “visual weight” that needs to be “distributed” to help guide the visitor’s eye down your page.

• The idea is to design toward a harmony between your elements, allowing for focus and visual appeal.

• Guide the visitor’s eye through the design by creating a FLOW and avoid a lopsided or mish-mosh of different elements.

• Pay attention to your margins. Keep them consistent and use plenty of white space.

• Just because those massive margins are built into your template, doesn’t mean they make sense on your website.

Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.

Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.