Common DIY Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Designing your own marketing materials? DIY design can be an empowering way to take control of your brand’s visuals and save money. But without a little guidance, it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that make your designs look less polished and professional than they could be.
One of the best ways to avoid these mistakes is by creating—and actually using—your brand guidelines. These aren’t just a pretty PDF to tuck away in a folder; they’re the roadmap to consistent, impactful design. Let’s dive into some common DIY mistakes and how brand guidelines can help you avoid them.
1. Making the Logo HUGE
We’ve all been there: plopping a massive logo at the top of a design to make sure everyone knows who you are.
The problem: An oversized logo distracts from your message and overwhelms your design.
The fix: Keep your logo proportional and positioned thoughtfully. If you have brand guidelines, they’ll specify how large your logo should be relative to other elements and where it works best.
2. Text on a Busy Background
Text placed over a chaotic background or photo is tough to read—and that’s putting it lightly.
The problem: Your audience struggles to read the text, which defeats the purpose of your graphic.
The fix: Use a solid overlay, blur the background slightly, or add a contrasting shape behind your text to make it legible. Brand guidelines often include rules for text placement, helping you make these decisions more easily.
3. Low Contrast Between Text and Background
Dark text on a dark background or light text on a light background is a recipe for unreadable designs.
The problem: Low contrast makes your text blend into the background.
The fix: Ensure enough contrast between text and background colors. Brand guidelines should outline your brand’s approved color palette and provide suggestions for pairing colors to create high contrast and legibility.
4. Font Overload
It’s tempting to experiment with different fonts in one design, but this often backfires.
The problem: Using too many fonts creates a chaotic, inconsistent look.
The fix: Stick to one or two fonts, ideally the ones outlined in your brand guidelines. Your guidelines should also specify which fonts to use for headlines, subheadings, and body text, ensuring consistency across all your materials.
5. Too Many Colors
A rainbow of colors might seem exciting, but it can quickly make your design look unprofessional and messy.
The problem: Overusing colors distracts from your message and confuses the audience.
The fix: Stick to the approved color palette in your brand guidelines. By using a consistent set of colors, your designs will feel cohesive and professional.
6. Overloading the Graphic with Copy
Sometimes, you have so much to say that you try to fit everything into one design.
The problem: Too much text overwhelms your audience and makes your design look cluttered.
The fix: Keep your text concise and direct. Save detailed explanations for the caption, website, or additional materials. Brand guidelines can guide the tone and style of your messaging, helping you communicate effectively in fewer words.
7. Overusing Script Fonts
Script fonts can be elegant, but they’re not meant for long paragraphs or for ALL CAPS.
The problem: Script fonts are hard to read in large amounts or when capitalized, reducing clarity.
The fix: Use script fonts sparingly, such as for accents or short headlines. Refer to your brand guidelines for recommendations on font pairings that balance style with readability.
8. Ignoring Hierarchy
If your audience can’t tell what to read first, your design isn’t working as hard as it could be.
The problem: Without a clear hierarchy, your message gets lost in the clutter.
The fix: Use different font sizes, weights, and colors to guide your audience through your content. Your brand guidelines should outline how to structure your text for clarity and impact.
Why Brand Guidelines Matter
You’ve probably noticed a common theme here: brand guidelines are the secret weapon for avoiding these DIY mistakes. They’re not just a tool for designers; they’re essential for anyone creating marketing materials for your business.
Brand guidelines spell out how your logo, fonts, colors, and other design elements should be used, ensuring consistency across all platforms. When followed, they help you avoid mistakes, create polished designs, and establish a cohesive brand identity that resonates with your audience.
Ready to Take Your Brand to the Next Level?
If you already have a logo but no brand guidelines to support it, you’re missing out on the full potential of your brand. Let’s fix that! Reach out to discuss building out a comprehensive set of brand guidelines tailored to your business. Together, we can ensure your visuals are always professional, consistent, and on-brand.
