Graphic Design Forums - View Single Post

Distill · 01-09-2008, 09:56 AM

It sounds like what you're asking is "how does one learn design principles?" (composition, balance, color, positive/negative space, et cetera). As someone who didn't go to school for design (majored in english), I can relate to your dilemma.

My recommendation would be to find a bunch of things that YOU think are well designed (photos, websites, magazine pages, architecture, anything . . .), and ask yourself WHY they are good. What is it YOU like about them? What do they have in common? What is YOUR style? Once you're comfortable with your own style, branch out and find the virtue in other styles.

It's always good to have context for discussion of why they're good/bad, so I would also recommend picking up a basic design book or two, just so you can learn the lingo and see what other minds think defines "good" design (this is a VERY subjective field, but most people can agree on the basics). I picked one up called "Universal Principles of Design" (Lidwell, Holden, Butler) that's a great resource for that purpose. As you read it, you'll recognize things you knew intuitively, but didn't have the words for. You'll also pick up some new ideas.

And, as everyone was saying, once you know what looks good to you, web tutorials are a great way to learn how to make it (i.e. the software or the tools). I've learned a TON from a pay-site, Lynda.com. It's like $25/month, but all-inclusive (they have a huge library of tutorials for all kinds of creative software). Lots of good free tutorials out there too--you just have to look.

Good luck!

01-09-2008, 09:56 AM	#9
Distill Designer/Copywriter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: DePere, WI Posts: 86	Learning Design It sounds like what you're asking is "how does one learn design principles?" (composition, balance, color, positive/negative space, et cetera). As someone who didn't go to school for design (majored in english), I can relate to your dilemma. My recommendation would be to find a bunch of things that YOU think are well designed (photos, websites, magazine pages, architecture, anything . . .), and ask yourself WHY they are good. What is it YOU like about them? What do they have in common? What is YOUR style? Once you're comfortable with your own style, branch out and find the virtue in other styles. It's always good to have context for discussion of why they're good/bad, so I would also recommend picking up a basic design book or two, just so you can learn the lingo and see what other minds think defines "good" design (this is a VERY subjective field, but most people can agree on the basics). I picked one up called "Universal Principles of Design" (Lidwell, Holden, Butler) that's a great resource for that purpose. As you read it, you'll recognize things you knew intuitively, but didn't have the words for. You'll also pick up some new ideas. And, as everyone was saying, once you know what looks good to you, web tutorials are a great way to learn how to make it (i.e. the software or the tools). I've learned a TON from a pay-site, Lynda.com. It's like $25/month, but all-inclusive (they have a huge library of tutorials for all kinds of creative software). Lots of good free tutorials out there too--you just have to look. Good luck!