Graphic design is an exciting field that is constantly evolving. As a budding graphic designer, it is important to have a clear understanding of the terminology used in the industry. In this blog post, we will explore graphic design terms that every starting graphic designer should know.
Table of Contents
Typography
Typography refers to the art of arranging text in a way that is visually appealing and easy to read. It includes the selection of fonts, spacing, and line length. Typography is an important aspect of graphic design, and understanding the following terms will help you create effective designs.
You can learn more about fonts in this article: Master the Art of Font Pairing.
1. Kerning
Kerning refers to the adjustment of space between two individual letters in a word. It is used to create a more visually pleasing text by adjusting the spacing between the letters.
2. Leading
Leading refers to the space between two lines of text. It is important to have good leading to ensure that the text is legible and easy to read.
3. Serif and Sans Serif
Serif and Sans Serif are two font families used in typography. Serif fonts have small lines or flourishes at the ends of the letters, while Sans Serif fonts do not.
Color Theory
Color theory refers to the study of color and its effects on human emotions and behavior. Understanding the following terms will help you create designs that evoke the desired emotions.
You can read more about color theories in these two articles:
4. Hue
Hue refers to the color of an object. It is the purest form of color, such as red, blue, or yellow.
5. Saturation
Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color. A highly saturated color is bright and vivid, while a desaturated color is more muted.
6. Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a strong contrast when used together and are often used in design to create a dramatic effect.
Design Elements
Design elements are the building blocks of graphic design. Understanding the following terms will help you create designs that are visually appealing and effective.
7. Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference between two elements in a design, such as the difference in color or size. It is used to create visual interest and draw the viewer's attention to a specific element.
8. Alignment
Alignment refers to the placement of elements in a design. It is important to have a consistent alignment to create a cohesive design.
9. White Space
White space, also known as negative space, refers to the empty space between design elements. It is important to have enough white space to create a balanced design and allow the elements to breathe.
Grids
Grids are a fundamental tool for designers. They are used to create a structure for a design and to organize elements. Understanding the following terms related to grids will help you create designs that are well-organized and visually appealing.
You can read more about fonts in this article:
The Importance of Using a Design Grid for Graphic Designers
10. Baseline Grid
The baseline grid is a grid that is aligned with the baseline of the text. It is used to ensure that the text is aligned correctly and to create a sense of unity in the design.
11. Column Grid
The column grid is a grid that is used to divide the design into columns. It is used to organize content and create a sense of hierarchy in the design.
12. Modular Grid
The modular grid is a grid that is used to create a modular design. It is used to organize content into modules and to create a sense of unity in the design.
Design Principles
Design principles are fundamental guidelines for creating effective designs. Understanding the following terms related to design principles will help you create designs that are visually appealing and effective.
13. Balance
Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a design. It is important to have a balanced design to create a sense of harmony and to make the design more visually appealing.
14. Proximity
Proximity refers to the relationship between design elements. It is important to have good proximity to create a cohesive design and to make the design more visually appealing.
Design Software
Design software is a necessary tool for graphic designers. It allows them to create and edit designs, as well as to collaborate with others. Understanding the following terms related to design software will help you navigate through the software and create designs more efficiently.
15. Vector Graphics
Vector graphics are graphics that are created using mathematical equations. They are scalable and can be resized without losing quality.
16. Raster Graphics
Raster graphics are graphics that are made up of pixels. They are not scalable and can become pixelated when enlarged.
Conclusion
These are just a few more graphic design terms that every starting graphic designer should know. By understanding these terms, you will be better equipped to create designs that are effective, visually appealing, and well-organized. Keep learning and exploring the world of graphic design, and don't forget to experiment with your own ideas and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some other essential graphic design terms?
A: While we've covered 16 important terms in this blog post, there are many more essential graphic design terms to explore. Some additional terms include "opacity," "dpi (dots per inch)," "CMYK vs. RGB," and "bleed."
Q: How can I improve my typography skills?
A: To improve your typography skills, practice selecting appropriate fonts, experiment with kerning and leading, and study typography principles. Additionally, observe well-designed typography in various media to gain inspiration.
You can learn about pairing fonts in this article: Master the Art of Font Pairing.
Q: What is the significance of color theory in graphic design?
A: Color theory plays a crucial role in graphic design as it affects emotions, readability, and brand identity. Understanding how colors interact and evoke emotions can help you create effective and impactful designs.
You can dive deeper into color theories with these two articles:
Q: Can you recommend design software for beginners?
A: For beginners, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign are excellent choices for graphic design software. They offer robust tools and resources, along with a wealth of online tutorials and communities for learning.
Q: How do I create a balanced design?
A: Creating a balanced design involves distributing visual elements evenly. Consider factors like color, size, and placement to achieve balance. Practice and studying well-designed compositions can help you develop this skill.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid in graphic design?
A: Common graphic design mistakes include overcomplicating designs, neglecting typography, using too many fonts, and ignoring the importance of white space. Pay attention to these aspects to enhance your design skills.
Q: How can I make the most of design grids?
A: To maximize the use of design grids, start by understanding different types of grids like baseline, column, and modular grids. Use grids to align elements, create visual hierarchy, and maintain consistency in your designs.
You can read more about fonts in this article:
The Importance of Using a Design Grid for Graphic Designers
Q: What's the difference between vector and raster graphics?
A: Vector graphics are based on mathematical equations and are scalable without loss of quality. Raster graphics are made up of pixels and can become pixelated when enlarged. Choosing the right format depends on the project's needs.
Q: How do I choose the right color palette for my design?
A: Selecting a color palette involves considering your project's goals, target audience, and the emotions you want to evoke. Experiment with color combinations, and use color theory principles to guide your choices.
Q: What are some resources for further graphic design learning?
A: There are numerous resources available for graphic design learning, including online courses, books, tutorials, and design communities. Websites like Adobe Creative Cloud, Behance, and Dribbble are great places to explore and learn from other designers. You can read our blog for
