If you want to start your journey as a 2D graphic designer, you need to master some essential skills that will help you create stunning visuals, communicate your ideas effectively, and work with different tools and platforms. In this article, we will cover six of the most important 2D graphic design skills for beginners and how you can improve them with practice and feedback.
Design principles are the fundamental concepts and rules that guide the visual arrangement, balance, contrast, harmony, and hierarchy of your 2D graphics. They help you create appealing, coherent, and meaningful designs that convey your message and purpose. Some of the basic design principles you should learn are alignment, proximity, repetition, symmetry, color theory, typography, and white space.
In every design, study what you can do to balance negative and positive space with how you align and repeat content. For example, center align title and subtitle text on a business card while putting contact information in one corner and an address in the other.
one piece of good advice that has stuck with me regarding typography was to look at it upside down or in a mirror. especially with display. spacing, kerning and compositional errors suddenly jump out
For beginners, I would suggest the beginning which is Design Principles. This is basic and recurrent. Once you're familiar with it, you can't err. The rest will enhance your work and production.
Just draw the shapes through the shapes, try to find the shapes in Nature. To be a great Vector Artist you need to have commands on basic shapes and some pathfinder tricks… Divide your shapes into multiple sub shapes and thats how easily you will be able to create complex designs.
Breathing space. 2D design for me is like two dimensional version of any real living space. So, if designers looks at the design area like a space they have to be in, it will become intuitive to let the elements, and the viewers, breathe. This would also help the flow of the eye moment of the viewer to be effortless. Unless, of course the intention of the designer is to choke the viewers, which may be required in some cases when you want to make the viewers feel uncomfortable deliberately. In short, consciously evaluate the breathing space in your 2D graphic designs.
Design software is the tool that enables you to create, edit, and export your 2D graphics in various formats and resolutions. There are many design software options available, but some of the most popular and widely used are Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Each of these programs has its own features, functions, and interface, so you need to familiarize yourself with them and learn how to use them efficiently and effectively.
Key takeaway: allow yourself to be a jack of all trades and a “master” of none/many when it comes to software. When you familiarize yourself with these programs (and more), you might find it fascinating how some of these interact with each other.
There are a multitude of design tools available to us today. It is amazing how far our tools have come. Today we're using AI to do concepting, build storyboards, create videos and so much more. Staying current with the tools we have is important. Don't be afraid to use a variety of them. Many designers get stuck where they believe one or two programs are the best. Be open to trying new tools as they become available. Also, make sure you're using the right tool for the job. I know I'll get some heat for this but Illustrator is not a photo editor, Photoshop isn't a layout program and InDesign is neither of the two programs. They were each created for specific purposes. Make sure your not using a hammer when a screwdriver is the right tool.
I just finished a great book by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. He writes that during the creative process, you want simple tools, for him, an instrument and a basic recorder. Any more than that and he's twiddling knobs instead of creating. I think of software that way. At the beginning, I move things around in Photoshop until I feel something. That's it. Pull this element off the internet, flip some text upside down, try a random blending mode. Keep moving. Try. Fail. Get all those meh ideas out of the way. Move quick and save variations. Once you have something that moves you, then you dive into the technical things, but feeling comes first. If the design doesn't move you, chances are that all of the knob twiddling in the world won't make it sing.
Mastering design software is key! ??? ??? Adobe Suite Mastery: Focus on industry-standard tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. They offer versatile features for image editing, illustration, and design. ?? Inkscape Exploration: Delve into free alternatives like Inkscape. It's a powerful tool for vector graphics and an excellent starting point for beginners. ?? Canva for Simplicity: Embrace user-friendly platforms like Canva. It simplifies graphic design tasks with pre-designed templates and intuitive tools. ??? CorelDRAW Experience: Consider CorelDRAW for comprehensive design capabilities. It's especially useful for vector illustration and layout design.
In my opinion, basic knowledge of all types of design software is key. I started with illustrator (to master vector, which will be vital throughout your career) , Photoshop (to work with imagery manipulation, creating mockups to showcase designs, and in some cases photography improvement), and also InDesign (to work with editorial design). I would also recommend learning how to use Figma or Sketch.
Design process is the systematic and creative approach that you follow to plan, research, sketch, draft, refine, and finalize your 2D graphics. It helps you organize your work, solve problems, meet deadlines, and achieve your goals. The design process usually consists of four main stages: define, ideate, prototype, and test. Each stage involves different tasks, methods, and techniques that you should learn and apply.
Many young designers may not be excited about doing production work, but those who HAVE production backgrounds will be quicker, more streamlined, and more technically advanced designers. If you know the hassles production preflight people go through because you’ve dealt with them yourself, you are far less likely to send flawed file packages to your printer. I can’t stress to you how much less respect your future designers will have for you if you are asking them how to create a pdf file. You don’t need to make a career out of doing production work, but spending a few years in the grind goes a long way in making you a better designer, and makes you appreciate production artists more.
Collaborate with the client. think about the end-user. Listen before you ask. Think before you design. Think a lot. Sketch a lot. Then review the brief gain to make sure you've not wandered.
The design process in my opinion is one of the most important parts of the whole equation and one area that is the most unique & important when finding your voice and vision. (and one that can also be the easiest to overlook or rush sometimes). While there are many important parts of design, things like software/ trends and even portfolios can change quite frequently. The process of original thinking and problem solving is where a designer has the opportunity to inject their original thinking and creative fingerprint especially in a time with AI and many designers researching a large pool of similar images/ websites and inspiration. Unique design comes from your thinking/ writing and imagination and the process that allows that to happen.
The design process, in my opinion, should be a designer's first and most important talent after they obtain the design brief. It's similar to giving anything a personality. Research, a sketch, ideation, colours, and design structure should all come first. This brainstorming process makes it more easier and faster to create the desired design.
A tip that has been a game-changer for me is to start by immersing yourself in inspiration. Scroll through diverse sources, absorb different perspectives, and let your mind create a visual mosaic. Once you have that mental image, translating it onto a blank canvas becomes the magical part. It's where ideas take shape. That initial spark of inspiration is the catalyst for the entire creative process.
Design communication is the skill that allows you to present, explain, and justify your 2D graphics to your clients, peers, or audience. It helps you communicate your vision, intention, and value of your designs, as well as receive and respond to feedback and criticism. Design communication involves both verbal and visual elements, such as words, images, symbols, diagrams, charts, and graphs.
Design communication is paramount! ??? ??? Visual Language: Learn to speak through visuals. Grasp the fundamentals of using shapes, colors, and imagery to convey messages effectively. ?? Sketching Basics: Develop basic sketching skills. It's a powerful tool for ideation and quick visualization before diving into digital design. ?? Storytelling with Design: Understand how to tell a story visually. Arrange elements cohesively to guide viewers through a narrative within your designs. ?? User-Centric Approach: Consider your audience. Design with their preferences and expectations in mind for effective communication.
Siempre he pensado que el dise?o habla por si mismo y la explicación es solo como soporte, por eso debes asegurarte de que tu propuesta sea la mas solida, atractiva y con fuerte comunicación o expresión de ideas o conceptos. Pero finalmente deberas ser capaz de exponer y justificar los elementos graficos, colores y o texto incluidos en tu dise?o así como contestar comentarios o criticas.
In my experience, design communication has been prime in communicating the intend of my designs both verbally and visually. It provides a space where ideas are sharpened and feedback exchange allows for new perspectives.
Communicating your ideas and creative concepts are most important. Being able to visualize your design in your mind to be able to construct it efficiently and effectively.
Always be prepared to explain your designs, the thought process behind them and how they successfully answer the initial brief. Not only does this show your expertise as a designer but it also helps steer clients away from commenting on more subjective elements such as colour.
Design trends are the current and emerging styles, preferences, and influences that shape the 2D graphic design industry and culture. They help you stay updated, inspired, and relevant in your field, as well as adapt to the changing needs and expectations of your clients and audience. Design trends can vary depending on the context, purpose, and medium of your 2D graphics, so you need to research, analyze, and follow them accordingly.
Trends change/evolve...design principles do not. No matter how what the trends are right now, always apply design principles of balance, legibility, contrast, symmetry, color theory...etc. Applying these to any trend will always up your game.
Must have knowledge of trending aesthetic Designs, The user must be aware of the designs that are trending in market ??? Modern designs are good to go with market
Keep up with trends. Not only in design but also technology. Do not stop being curious and always keep learning. But above all, have a strong foundation on design communication and principles. Trends come and go, but strong design lives forever.
Design trends reflect current preferences and innovations in aesthetics and functionality. Presently, minimalist designs, bold typography, dark mode interfaces, 3D elements, sustainability-focused graphics, and inclusive designs are prominent, shaping user experiences across digital and physical platforms.
Following trends is important primarily from an awareness standpoint. Relying on them and parroting them as your only design perspective is weak and doesn't give your own work it's own voice or character. So in a nutshell, you can be influenced by trends to stay topical or relevant to a specific style or situation, but don't be defined or limited by them.
Design portfolio is the collection and showcase of your best 2D graphic design work that demonstrates your skills, abilities, and potential. It helps you attract, impress, and convince your clients, employers, or collaborators that you are the right person for the job or project. Design portfolio requires careful selection, organization, and presentation of your 2D graphics, as well as a clear and concise introduction of yourself and your services.
I believe when putting together a portfolio, you should focus on only your best work so it’s not too much unless everything you do is amazing. I’d say showcasing no more than 20-30 pieces so it’s not overwhelming. Add a miscellaneous project(s) for other areas that you would like to improve on that compliments the other majority of the portfolio. Another note is to include sketches, wireframes, and mockups explaining your process to better understand your artistic direction.
NEVER put everything in your portfolio and keep your portfolio concise. Feature a few key projects that highlight your design style and versatility. Clients can always request more examples if needed.
A design portfolio showcases a designer's skills, creativity, and style through a curated collection of projects. It demonstrates expertise in various mediums, highlighting accomplishments, processes, and the ability to solve design challenges, serving as a visual narrative of one's capabilities and passion in the field.
1) When creating your design portfolio it is important to use 7-10 of your best examples. Using a mixture of versatile projects that show off your skill set enables future employers or clients to discover your capabilities to the full extent of your offering. 2) It is great to understand the brief, your part in the project, the ideation process and the results/feedback delivered from the project with brief bios. Collecting testimonials and in-situ examples are great features to add to a portfolio! 3) Creating a self brand identity that reflects your personality and authentic self, written in your own words from a creative mind will always leave a positive impression on the reader and give a flavour of your talented self!
Show the process. How you arrive at your graphic solution is often as impressive as the outcome. Your future patrons will be interested in the path you took in your design exploration.
Learn your output processes thoroughly. Many design pitfalls can be avoided by simply learning about print processes. Any good printer will welcome a designer visit with open arms to see the processes involved.
Attention paradoxe, pour un designer 2D il est essentiel de maitriser... l'espace. La gestion des espaces dissocie bons et mauvais design ??
Besonders wichtig ist meiner Meinung nach auch, das Du dich traust Dinge auszuprobieren und deine eigenen Erfahrung machst. Finde eine gesunde Mischung zwischen den Gestaltungsgegeln der alten Schule aber traue dich auch neue Wege zu gehen und zu experimentieren. Die "No-Gos" von gestern, k?nnen die Trends von morgen sein.
Antes de fechar uma arte, tenha a certeza que passou por vários olhares. Até aquele que n?o percebe sobre design tem uma opini?o, vale considerar cada detalhe. A dire??o de arte n?o é somente sobre premissas, é validar a pe?a de acordo ao consentimento do meio criativo. A decis?o é sua!
For beginners in 2D graphic design, essential skills include understanding design principles (balance, contrast, alignment), mastering typography, studying color theory, becoming proficient in graphic design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop), grasping shape and form concepts, acquiring image editing skills, mastering composition (focal points, grids), optionally developing drawing skills, adopting good file management practices, embracing feedback and iteration, and staying updated on design trends and tools. Consistent practice, project diversity, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures are crucial for growth in this dynamic field.