How can you design graphics that are both timeless and relevant? This is a question that many computer graphics professionals and enthusiasts face, especially in a fast-changing and competitive industry. In this article, you will learn some tips and principles that can help you create graphics that stand out, communicate effectively, and last for years.
The first step to designing timeless and relevant graphics is to understand who you are designing for. Your audience's needs, preferences, and expectations will influence your choices of style, color, typography, layout, and message. You should research your target market, analyze their behavior and feedback, and create user personas that represent their goals and pain points. By knowing your audience, you can tailor your graphics to suit their context and culture.
I would start with using the basics and classic design, and then after understanding the feel of what your client is looking for start to add in small touches of current trends. Find what works in small amounts - you don't need to include ALL trends in one design.
The second step to designing timeless and relevant graphics is to follow the basic principles of design, such as contrast, alignment, balance, hierarchy, repetition, and proximity. These principles can help you create graphics that are clear, consistent, and harmonious. You should also use grids, guides, and white space to organize your elements and create a visual flow. By following the basics, you can create graphics that are easy to read, understand, and remember.
These are very relevant principles foundational to anything design-related. In some cases where you are responsible for designing an environment that characters actively interact with, architectural principles and understanding of perspective will be incredibly helpful in preventing your level designs from being cluttered, inhospitable, or downright un-navigationable!
Modern design is not timeless almost by definition. So keeping some distance from the current trends and taking inspiration from diverse designs that have withstood the test of time often improves your chances of creating something timeless.
The third step to designing timeless and relevant graphics is to be original and creative. You should avoid copying or imitating other graphics, as this can make your work look outdated, generic, or irrelevant. Instead, you should find your own voice and style, and express your ideas and values through your graphics. You should also experiment with different techniques, tools, and formats, and challenge yourself to try new things. By being original, you can create graphics that are unique, memorable, and meaningful.
The fourth step to designing timeless and relevant graphics is to keep it simple and minimal. You should avoid using too many colors, fonts, shapes, or effects, as this can make your graphics look cluttered, confusing, or overwhelming. Instead, you should use only the essential elements, and remove anything that does not add value or function to your graphics. You should also use negative space, contrast, and scale to create emphasis and focus. By keeping it simple, you can create graphics that are elegant, refined, and impactful.
The fifth step to designing timeless and relevant graphics is to adapt to changes and trends. You should keep yourself updated on the latest developments and innovations in the computer graphics industry, and learn from the best practices and examples of others. You should also be flexible and willing to revise or update your graphics as needed, based on feedback, data, or new requirements. By adapting to changes, you can create graphics that are current, fresh, and appealing.
The sixth step to designing timeless and relevant graphics is to test and evaluate your work. You should not rely on your own judgment or opinion, but seek feedback from others, such as your clients, colleagues, or users. You should also use metrics, such as views, clicks, conversions, or ratings, to measure the performance and effectiveness of your graphics. You should also compare your graphics with your competitors, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. By testing and evaluating, you can create graphics that are reliable, functional, and satisfying.