3 simple ways to make any design look better.

Whether we like design or not, it's a skill that we all must use. Whether it's a party invite, a monthly report, or even a group presentation, we all find ourselves having to design things from time to time.

Unfortunately, most of us suck at it. But most bad designs aren't bad because of skill. They're bad because of three specific habits that are really easy to fall into, but luckily just as easy to fix once you can see them.

Here's what they are, and what to do instead:

01 | Too many fonts

Pick one font. Use weight and size to create a sense of hierarchy, don’t just mix a bunch of different typefaces. If you feel like you need a second font to make something work, the layout is probably the problem.

02 | Not enough space

Whatever space you have between your elements, double it. Then try doubling it again. Amateur design is almost always too cramped. Space isn't emptiness, it's what lets each element breathe and actually register.

03 | Too much going on

Each time you add something to a design element, every other element in that design gets weaker. Pick the one thing you most want someone to notice and mercilessly cut everything that competes with it. Less isn't lazy, less is often harder to do and it always looks better.

Here's an exercise that'll help.

Go find something you've designed recently. Whether it be a post, a presentation slide, pretty much anything that required you putting text or imagery on a background. Then ask yourself these questions:

• How many fonts are there?
• Does everything have room to breathe?
• What can be removed without losing the focus?

Answer those questions, make those changes and then put them side by side. You'll see it immediately. Congratulations, you've just learned how to make better designs :)

See you in the next one ☕

-Arteri.