Design Basics for Non-Designers

Jess Warren @itsheyjess | heyjess.com

Why does good design matter?

Line Curved, straight, thick, thin – a line’s

properties can evoke specific emotions while also guiding the eye.

Color Color is made of hue (the color), value (how light/dark it is) and intensity (how bright/dull it is).

Typography Typography is the art of choosing and

arranging fonts, which can project specific emotions and feelings.

I AM STRONG AND LOUD.

I am childish.

I am hip and funky.

I am elegant yet approachable.

Hierarchy Hierarchy is how the elements are

organized so that the eye flows in a particular pattern across the design.

Alignment Alignment helps to visually connect

pieces in a clean, organized way.

Repetition Repitition ties together individual elements to strengthen the design

or create rhythm or pattern.

Proximity Proximity is the relationship between design elements.

Balance Balance is how the weight is

distributed throughout the design and provides stability and structure.

Contrast The juxtaposition of opposing

elements. It helps to emphasize or highlight key elements of the design.

Negative Space The empty space that surrounds an image.

Design Tools Canva: Create images and infographics Easel.ly: Create images and infographics Visual.ly: Create charts and infographics Infogram: Create charts and infographics Pixlr: Edit photos Prezi: Create dynamic presentations

Design Resources CreativeBloq Design Envy

Pinterest

FFFound.com

Dribbble

Behance

Pexels

Vintage Printable

Creative Market

DaFont

Google Fonts

Articles

Inspiration

Images, Illustrations and Resources

Free Fonts

Let’s Get Started! 1.  Sign up for Canva at canva.com

2.  Create a Facebook header or other social media image for your company

3.  Design your image using three basic design principles of your choice

Glossary and Ideas Line: use lines to guide the viewer’s eye or ground type

Color: use colors that reflect your brand Typography: use fonts that reflect your brand Hierarchy: choose what the viewer sees first

Alignment: align the elements of your design Repetition: experiment with patterns Proximity: experiment with placement Balance: keep the design feeling balanced

Contrast: experiment with dark vs. light or hard vs. soft Negative Space: leave some breathing room