"Even as a Beginner, I Know This! Four Basic Design Tips to Keep in Mind When Creating Paper Items"

2021.02.22 published

Things to Consider When Designing on Your Own!

From sticky notes and guest cards included with invitations to the menu and drink lists for the reception. Everything from items that will be handed to guests to decorative elements like table numbers and love stories.

It's fun to design and create wedding paper items and small decorations from scratch by yourself.

Many times, you might think, "This product is cute, but if only this part was a different color..." Being able to customize every little detail like that to your liking is one of the great things about handmade items.

However, for those who are not professional designers, it can be quite challenging to decide layouts, colors, and fonts from scratch. It might be a good idea to at least grasp some basic design techniques.

In this article, I will introduce techniques that even a complete novice like me has learned, things that are said to be "important" or "will make it look quite nice if you do this."

@chercher_ay

① Don't Use Pure Black and White (Make Them Slightly Nuanced Colors)

I prefer gentle and soft designs over sharp and stark appearances.

Therefore, I always decide to not use pure white and pure black.

Pure white and pure black are colors that do not exist in nature, so they can feel somewhat unnatural.

(Similarly, pure white nails can often stand out awkwardly; mixing in a bit of beige or pink can make them blend better.)

So, for colors, I tend to make black slightly grayish or brownish, and mix in a bit of color with white to create a gentler appearance.

② Decide on the Colors to Use First. Using Matching Tones Creates Cohesion.

Before you start physically working on the design, take some time to think about the overall image.

Then set a basic rule for yourself: “This time I'll use up to 3 colors” or “This time I'll use up to 5 colors.”

In design terms, this is the process of deciding on your color palette.

(It might ultimately end up being more colors than you decided at first.)

Keeping the color tones consistent will help tie everything together. Tone refers to the brightness and saturation of colors.

Even with the same orange, numerous variations can emerge based on tone.

Even completely different colors can look cohesive if their tones match.

(Think of a rainbow! There are seven colors, but they have a sense of unity since their tones are similar.)

③ Combine Fonts and Vary the Text Sizes

Using the same font throughout can make it feel like a Word document, diminishing the design quality.

It also becomes difficult to identify important points, so varying the font sizes in a layout can make key points stand out, making it easier to read.

Additionally, to improve visibility and achieve your desired look, remember the technique of using a different font for symbols.

For example, using a different font for quotation marks, hearts, or exclamation marks.

Unsurprisingly, symbols can look completely different depending on the font you choose, so selecting your preferred font style can enhance your overall design.

Furthermore, there’s a technique for varying the text sizes even within the same sentence.

④ Adjust the Line Spacing

Even with the same font and size of text, changing the “width between letters” can improve readability and add emphasis.

Tightening the line spacing can provide the advantage of quick readability even in narrow views, and it can be beneficial for design when you want to keep to a specific width but don't want to reduce the text size.

Increasing the spacing between letters can create a meaningful atmosphere or enhance emphasis.

It can convey a sense of openness, making the text feel more relaxed and easier to read.

Basic Design Techniques I Am Aware Of!

In summary, I shared four basic techniques that even a design novice like myself is aware of.

While these may seem like trivial techniques, they are fundamental in the design process. I believe there's quite a difference between knowing these and not knowing them.

Keep these in mind when you create handmade items! ♩

@kao.0423