Master the art of hierarchy: The trends to creating visually stunning designs
Graphic design is the art and science of creating visual content to communicate ideas and information to a specific audience. It is the process of taking an idea and turning it into a tangible, visually appealing piece of content that can be used for various purposes, such as advertising, branding, packaging, and more.
As a graphic designer, it is important to stay informed about current design trends and principles in order to create effective and engaging content. But what are the key principles and trends that are shaping the field of graphic design today?
One principle that is essential to graphic design is the concept of hierarchy. This refers to the arrangement of elements on a page, with the most important elements being the largest and most prominent, and the less important elements being smaller and less prominent. The goal of hierarchy is to guide the viewer’s eye through the design, leading them to the most important information first.
An example of this principle can be seen in the design of a poster for a film. The title of the film should be the largest and most prominent element on the page, drawing the viewer’s attention first. The name of the director and main actors should also be prominent, but smaller than the title. The release date and a tagline can be smaller still.
Another important principle in graphic design is contrast. This refers to the use of different elements, such as color, size, and shape, to create visual interest and emphasis. Contrast can be used to draw attention to a specific element, or to create a sense of balance and harmony within a design.
An example of this principle can be seen in the design of a book cover. The title of the book should be in a different color or font than the rest of the design to draw attention to it. The author’s name should also be in a different font or color, but less prominent than the title. The background image or design should also be used to create contrast and emphasis.
As well as principles, trends also play a role in graphic design. One trend that is popular right now is the use of retro and vintage design elements. This trend can be seen in the use of bold, bright colors, vintage typography and illustrations, and the use of distressed textures and patterns. This trend is popular for its nostalgia and for its ability to grab attention.
An example of this trend can be seen in the design of a fashion clothing brand, using vintage elements such as bold colors and typography from the 1950s and 1960s to give the brand an authentic, retro feel.
Another trend that is popular in graphic design today is the use of minimalism. This trend is characterized by the use of clean, simple design elements and a limited color palette. The goal of minimalism is to create a sense of simplicity and elegance, and to focus the viewer’s attention on the most important information.
An example of this trend can be seen in the design of a business card. A minimalistic design would use a simple color palette, clean typography and a minimal number of design elements to create a professional, elegant look.
As a graphic designer, it is important to stay informed about these principles and trends in order to create effective and engaging content. However, it is also important to remember that while trends come and go, the principles of design remain constant.
So, the question is, how can you as a graphic designer stay informed about the latest design trends and principles? One way is to stay up to date with design blogs and publications, such as Creative Bloq, Designspiration and Behance, that feature the latest design trends and principles. Additionally, attending design conferences and workshops can also provide valuable insight and inspiration.
In conclusion, graphic design is an ever evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. By understanding the key principles of hierarchy and contrast, and staying informed about current design trends, you can create visually engaging and effective content that will resonate with your target audience. But it is also important to remember that while trends come and go, the principles of design remain constant. The most effective designs are those that strike a balance between following current trends and adhering to timeless principles. As a graphic designer, it is up to you to find that balance and create designs that will stand the test of time.
About the author: Shane Allen is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketer currently serving as the Director of Marketing at PickNik, a company that specializes in developing software for robotics both on Earth and in space. With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and a background in mechanical engineering and business, Shane brings a unique perspective to his role as a marketer.
He has successfully raised six large rounds of investment for his inventions as a CEO, has multiple patents to his name, and won multiple pitching events worldwide. His expertise in both marketing and product design has helped him to create innovative campaigns that drive growth and results for the teams he’s involved with.
When he’s not working, Shane can either be found exploring the beautiful trails and mountains of Boulder, CO with his golden retriever Bandit or at home messing up his floors painting weird things on canvas. He is also an active member of the local startup community and is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs achieve success.
