5 Deadly Graphic Design Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even experienced designers make mistakes. Learn the most common pitfalls—from poor alignment to cluttered layouts—and how to avoid them.

Key Sections:

1. Lack of Visual Hierarchy

• Problem: Important elements get lost.

• Fix: Use size, color, and spacing to guide the eye.

  
  

2. Ignoring White Space

• Problem: Overcrowded designs feel chaotic.

• Fix: Let elements breathe—use grids and padding.

3. Inconsistent Branding

• Problem: Mismatched colors/fonts across materials.

• Fix: Create a style guide (logo usage, color codes, typography rules).

4. Poor Readability

• Problem: Fancy fonts that are hard to read.

• Fix: Prioritize legibility, especially in body text.

5. Overusing Effects (Drop Shadows, Gradients, etc.)

• Problem: Designs look dated or messy.

• Fix: Use effects subtly—less is more.