Novices might be more prone to committing these common-sometimes thought-to-be-negligible mistakes, but Pro's likewise should be reminded from time to time about the Do's and Dont's of Graphic Design.

 

Let me share 8 tips from the blog of DEIDRE M. BASTIAN - Don't overlook the small stuff (tribune242.com/business/04072011_Art-of-Graphix_business_Page2-Lead)

 

1. Colour Moderation

DON'T use loud and conflicting colour schemes so harshly.

DO try selecting only two or three colours that evoke the mood of a business.

 

2. Underline

DON'T use the underline feature; only for hyper links on the web is this acceptable. Underlining and italicising text at the same time is redundant.

 

3. Designing Logos

DO design Logos in Photoshop. Logos are designed in vector format, so designing in Illustrator is appropriate.

 

4. White Spacing

DO provide ample space around all outer edges of the production in both web and print designs as white spaces provide a place for the eyes to rest while the brain receives the message.

 

5. Double Spacing

DON'T double space after a period, as the layout program will do it for you by way of automatic kerning.

 

6. Cut and Paste Ads

DON'T deliver cut and paste ads. Considering the cost of ads, businesses receive the short end of the stick when they receive this type of substandard output.

 

7. Proper scanning

DO scan Line Art at 100 per cent of the finished size at a minimum of 600 dpi and halftones (photographs) at 300 dpi.

DON'T use file compression when saving your scans.

 

8. Benefits rather than feature

DO remember the design principle KISS -- Keep It Simple Stupid.

 

Bastian further adds that designers also commit the mistake of underselling themselves, forgetting to sign a contract before starting a job, and taking for granted the "self-marketing value" of enclosing a contact information in their design jobs.

Good article.

+1

(Would like to note that italicizing and bolding text at the same time is redundant too)

Thank`s for info .

Nice post, thanks for the tips... I may be very new to the world of graphic/logo design, and most of it comes down to simply being logical and sensible about it.

 

Just out of curiosity though; was this perhaps meant to be "DON'T design logos in PhotoShop..."?

3. Designing Logos

DO design Logos in Photoshop. Logos are designed in vector format, so designing in Illustrator is appropriate.

I must admit I am guilty of this, but that's mostly because I know PS so much better than Illustrator (and because I don't have Illustrator). One day I'll fix that though..

Edited April 12, 201115 yr by ZaLiTH

nice

I would say you can also design logos using Fireworks as it handles vectors quite nicely. I primarily use Fireworks for logos and drawing up branding concepts.