Do I actually know how to design?

LOL.

If you know me at all, I am by no means or stretch of the imagination a notable designer. 

Sure, I (for the most part) know what all the buttons, no most, no enough, yes, I know what enough of the buttons in InDesign and Photoshop do. But that in no way makes me a designer.

In my work for the school paper and in the marketing department, I get to watch people turn blank white screens into vivid, on brand designs and I would love to possess even a fourth of that skill.

But, because I am taking PR Techniques for various reasons, I have had to dust off my button pushing and screen dragging skills.

And you know, it wasn't that bad. I had forgotten how much fun it could be.

So here are my top 5 tips for designing when you lack the eye for it.

1. Simplicity

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have spent days working on a project, over-designing and getting more and more frustrated. And then at the last minute I frantically scrap everything, stare at the blank screen, and crank out a 20 minute design that is infinity better than my hard work and dedication to being really really extra with my design. So I recommend keeping it simple to begin with.

2. Lines

Leading lines are so so nice. Although I usually use this term when it comes to photography, having lines that lead to the main point of a design pull your audience in.

3. Colors

Please don't blind me. I really don't want to see that bright pink box with purple text and a yellow outline. Please just don't do it. Make sure that your colors complement each other. If you need help, you can visit this site for more information on how not to make your designs look tacky.

4. Fonts

Just like colors can be overwhelming, so can your fonts. You want your font to compliment your design, not distract from it. I also recommend using three or less different fonts. After a while, it just gets confusing and starts to look bad when you have 50 fonts on one design.

5. Ask for help

We all are built with personal strengths and skills. So if yours isn't design, that's okay. Do your best, and then ask someone for advice, especially if you are in school. This is where you are meant to fail. There is no shame in asking for help, or even passing the project on to someone who has a bit more expertise. 

6. Know something

Okay, okay. I know I just said that it is okay to not have an eye for design. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't educate yourself. Knowing how to use the software and being able to even put together the most simple of projects can greatly increase your marketability in almost any field.

I know I am probably missing like a bajillion different pieces of advice on design for people like me. So if you want to help us out (please, please do), comment down below.