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Ever wondered what you’re doing in graphic design? Is it really the job for you? If you’re having second thoughts, you might want to look at these signs that will make you consider whether you are a bad graphic designer or not, and if whether graphic design is really right for you.
1 – You use Helvetica in everything that you do.
If you don’t get sick and tired of Helvetica in your marketing campaigns such as your advertising brochures, then you’ll have even more worries to consider. It is indeed the most popular font right now. But seeing it everywhere makes it look outdated and bland. Just because everybody’s using it doesn’t mean that you also have to use the font in your brochure printing ads.
2 – You hit double returns.
It might just be a slip of the fingers, or that you’re so tired that you can’t think (and type) straight in your computer. No matter your excuse, it doesn’t justify the fact that you’re leaving too much space in your paragraphs and copy to make your readers feel disconnected somehow. Hitting double returns leaves big gaps in between your text and sentences and paragraphs. It only gives out the appearance of a very big blank line which makes your sentences look detached from each other. Bad gaps!
3 – Then you have two spaces after every punctuation mark.
If you want to look more professional, use only one space in every sentence to separate them. Using two spaces after each punctuation mark only makes you look amateurish, and is actually an incorrect practice that you should teach yourself to unlearn at the earliest time possible.
4 – You use centered layouts more often than you can count.
Centered layouts are not only amateurish, but it reflects a dull layout that is better buried six feet under. Applying flush left or right is much more effective for your brochure printing copy for example, and it makes for a much more dynamic flow in your ad. However, if you’re creating something much more formal, you may want to consider centered text. Other than that, avoid using it.
5 – When you use more boxes behind your text, then stop.
Used sparingly, it can actually send a distinct appearance in your ad. But consider applying white space instead and you’ll be able to make your text stand out more than a colored box could.
6 – You use half inch dents and hyphens for bullets.
One em is the standard for dents, while hyphens…hmmm…need I say more?
Lastly, if you really want to confirm whether graphic design is right for you, then look at your ads. If you often use tools to emboss and add the drop shadow type, then it’s a dead giveaway to your clients and prospects that you’re amateur and should not be hired if they want to be effective in their ad campaign.
Janice Jenkins is a writer for a marketing company in Chicago, IL. Mostly into marketing research, Janice started writing articles early 2007 to impart her knowledge to individuals new to the marketing industry.
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