Thinking about getting into graphic design? First, let's debunk some common graphic design myths.
Modern graphic design is an ever-evolving creative space fuelled by technology and the fast-paced digital world. However, there are some frequent myths and misconceptions that persist within the design industry.
From the belief that graphic design is only about aesthetics to the misconception that you need expensive tools to be a design maestro, these myths contribute to a collective narrative that may hinder creatives rather than inspire.
Whether you’re a seasoned designer, an aspiring creative, or just curious about getting into graphic design, let’s debunk ten graphic design myths to help you navigate the industry with confidence.
Myth 1: “Graphic Design Is Just About Making Things Look Pretty”
While aesthetics play a significant role in compelling visual storytelling, the craft of graphic design is so much more than just creating eye candy. It’s also about communicating a message, creating a mood, and evoking specific emotions. Behind every captivating visual lies a purposeful marriage of form and function, which takes time, patience, and practice to master.
In fact, many forms of design actively throw aesthetics out the window, ripping up the rulebook to make an intentional statement or challenge the status quo. While a pretty picture is often a happy consequence of the graphic design process, it’s far from its sole purpose.
Myth 2: “You Need Expensive Software to Be a Good Graphic Designer”
Adobe Creative Cloud is undeniably the go-to tool for many designers. However, it can come with quite a hefty price tag for those on a budget. While cutting-edge tools and technologies can undoubtedly enhance your process, the key to exceptional design lies in your skills and imagination –not in the tools you use.
While Adobe Creative Cloud is undeniably powerful, there are a fantastic array of alternatives out there that won’t burn a hole in your pocket – such as GIMP, Inkscape, and Vectr. Experiment with these alternatives, find what works best for you, and don’t let a software’s price tag limit your creative journey – talent will always trump tools.
Myth 3: “Anyone Can Do Graphic Design”
A common misconception is that graphic design is easy, and everyone can do it. On the contrary, graphic design is a complex craft that requires a unique blend of skills – from understanding color theory and design principles to mastering design software and tools. It’s more than just dragging and dropping elements – it’s a delicate balance of creativity and technical know-how.
While there are now a ton of free graphic design tutorials and courses available online, it’s a discipline that still takes a tremendous amount of patience, practice, and creative intuition to master. However, if you focus on learning design tools inside and out, embrace creative exploration, seek constructive feedback, and keep continually learning.
Myth 4: “Print is Dead; Digital is Everything”
While the digital design industry is undoubtedly booming, print is far from extinct. Both print and digital design have specific strengths, and a skilled designer knows how to leverage both to create impactful visuals across various mediums. We’re now constantly bombarded with digital content – from advertisements and marketing material to social media posts and videos – causing consumers significant digital fatigue.
Consequently, experts predict a return to analog mediums – such as physical portfolios, OOH advertisements, print publications, and tactile design methods. We suggest watching this trend closely over the next year– or even becoming a trendsetter before it hits the mainstream!
Myth 5: “Inspiration Strikes Instantly”
Contrary to popular belief, creativity rarely strikes like lightning. Designers must often navigate an arduous process of trial and error, research, brainstorming, and moodboarding before hitting that “aha” moment. Patience is a designer’s best friend – as are handy tools like Figma and Miro for brainstorming and moodboarding and even Envato Elements for sourcing inspiration.
Myth 6: “Rules Stifle Creativity”
A typical graphic design myth is that design rules or principles stifle creativity and innovation. However, many designers will argue the contrary. The discipline of design has been sculpted over the years by pioneers and institutions and shaped by iconic designers over many decades.
Over time, this trial and error has established best practices for what constitutes good design. A good analogy would be creative writing. You must adhere to the rules of grammar and language to be understood by the reader. However, would you say that these rules stifle creativity? Or simply make your writing easier to comprehend?
Graphic design rules and principles give designers structuring, forming a solid foundation from which to experiment. When you fully understand the design rules, you can intentionally break them to create something unique.
Myth 7: “Stock Assets Are Always a No-No”
Not all stock photos are created equal. Skilled designers can transform stock images into unique works of art by manipulating and customizing them. It’s all about using them creatively and judiciously. Stock images can also be an incredible way to conjure ideas or to get inspired.
If you’re looking for unique stock assets produced by real creators, look no further than Envato Elements. Envato Elements is a one-stop shop for photos, graphics, videos, templates, fonts, add-ons, sound effects, and more. It’s an extensive and diverse resource for designers and the ultimate creative subscription for your toolkit, with new items added to the library every week.
An Envato Elements subscription provides unlimited downloads of millions of creative assets to inspire or enrich your design projects. No matter what kind of project you’re looking to create, you’re guaranteed to find everything you need.
Myth 8: “You Must Follow Trends to Stay Relevant”
While staying informed about design trends is beneficial, blindly adhering to them isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. A timeless design is often more valuable than one that follows a fleeting trend.
While many designers believe that aligning with trends squashes creativity and creates a homogenous design landscape, the truth is that all creatives have borrowed from those who came before. A good idea is a good idea – period. As a designer, it’s your job to combine trends and classic concepts in an original way to make it unique. Looking to current trends for inspiration can also be a great way to generate new concepts or ideas you wouldn’t have otherwise thought of.
While trends are something to keep in mind, we suggest opting for a balance between innovation and timelessness.
Myth 9: “Graphic Designers Don’t Need to Know Coding”
Understanding the basics of coding can be a hugely valuable asset in this day and age. It allows designers to collaborate seamlessly with developers and ensures their vision translates smoothly to UX or UI. You don’t necessarily need to become a coding guru, but it’s valuable for designers to have a basic understanding.
Myth 10: “Graphic Design is a Solitary Endeavor”
Collaboration is the secret sauce of exceptional design. Effective communication and collaboration enhance the final product, whether you’re bouncing ideas off colleagues or working with clients.
Collaboration is not just about merging ideas but also about leveraging the strengths of each contributor – recognizing that diverse skill sets contribute to a well-rounded outcome. A graphic designer might bring a keen eye for aesthetics, a UX/UI designer might excel in user-centric functionality, and a copywriter might weave words that breathe life into visuals. Together, they form a powerhouse team capable of delivering designs that resonate on multiple levels.
Programs like Figma are a fantastic tool to collaborate with team members remotely.
Get Started in Graphic Design Today!
So there you have it – 10 common graphic design myths busted! While there are many opinions on what makes a good designer, there’s one thing we know for sure – mastering graphic design takes a lot of work, patience, and dedication toward honing your creative skills. Focus on elevating and improving your design skills today over at Tuts+, which features thousands of creative tutorials and courses. Or explore the millions of assets on Envato Elements to start creating today!
Good luck on your graphic design journey, and remember to keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and keep learning. Looking for more inspo? Check out the top Graphic Design Trends for 2024 and these top graphic design tutorials for aspiring designers.
