5 Common Design Mistakes to Avoid When DIY-ing Your Brand
Designing your brand yourself can feel empowering—it's your vision, your creativity, and your chance to make something unique. But, even the most well-intentioned DIY projects can go off-track if you're not careful. Let’s dive into the 5 most common design mistakes to avoid so your brand can look polished and professional.
1. Using Too Many Fonts
It’s easy to get carried away with fun font options, but less is definitely more. Stick to 1-2 fonts to keep your brand looking cohesive. Too many font styles can make your design feel cluttered and confusing to your audience. If you want to use different fonts for emphasis, make sure they complement each other and are easy to read together.
2. Overcomplicating the Design
Sometimes, we try to do too much in one design—lots of colors, textures, or imagery. But simplicity is key! A clean, minimal design is easier to understand, leaves a lasting impression, and prevents your message from getting lost. Ask yourself, “Does this element add to or take away from the design?” Cut anything that doesn’t enhance your message.
3. Ignoring Spacing and Alignment
Proper spacing and alignment are what make a design look intentional and well-structured. Don't cram elements together or scatter them randomly across the page. Take time to make sure your design has balance and plenty of breathing room—this enhances readability and helps the overall flow.
4. Following Trends Too Closely
It’s tempting to jump on every design trend, but not all trends stand the test of time. A brand built around short-lived trends can quickly feel outdated. Instead, aim for a design that feels timeless and aligns with your brand's personality. Trendy elements can be fun but use them sparingly so your design won’t need a constant refresh.
5. Not Thinking About Scalability
Your design might look great on a computer screen, but what about a business card, a social media post, or even a billboard? Scalability is crucial—your logo and visuals should be adaptable for different sizes and platforms. Ensure that your design works as well on small print as it does in large formats.
In a nutshell…
DIY-ing your brand can be fun and fulfilling, but it’s important to avoid these common pitfalls to keep your designs looking polished. Stick to a few fonts, keep things simple, pay attention to spacing, avoid overly trendy designs, and make sure your design is scalable. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to a brand that’s as professional as it is unique!