As a marketing agency with 40 years of experience in New Brunswick, we’ve seen countless graphic design projects pass through our hands. Throughout our journey, we’ve noticed some common mistakes that many Atlantic Canadian businesses make when it comes to their designs.
These errors are not only detrimental to the visual appeal but can also affect brand perception and communication efficiency. To help local businesses elevate their designs, here are the top graphic design mistakes we see—and how to avoid them!
1. Ignoring the Importance of Accessibility
Many local businesses fail to consider accessibility in their designs. Accessibility doesn’t just mean adding alt text to images; it’s about ensuring that colour contrast meets standards, text is readable, and designs are functional for all users, including those with disabilities. A popular trend we’ve observed is using colour clashing as a stylistic choice, but it can hinder readability and accessibility compliance if done poorly (Adobe).
Following WCAG guidelines not only improves accessibility but also broadens your audience reach.
2. Overloading Designs with Trendy Elements
With design trends like 3D type, bubble text, and anti-design on the rise in 2024, many businesses try to incorporate all the trendy elements into one project, resulting in visual overload. While trends like vintage minimalism or abstract 3D elements can look fantastic when used thoughtfully, trying to jam every trend into a single design can cause a lack of visual hierarchy and confuse the message (Adobe)
Less is often more when it comes to good design.
3. Neglecting Local Identity and Representation
Locality is a key aspect of effective design, especially for businesses in Atlantic Canada. We often see designs that feel disconnected from the region. Whether you’re in Fredericton, Moncton, or Halifax, using local elements like colours inspired by the coastal landscape or incorporating themes reflective of Atlantic Canadian culture can create a more authentic connection with your audience (Adobe).
It’s crucial to ensure that your brand looks local and not just like a generic template from the web.
4. Using Outdated Fonts and Styles
Just because serif fonts are making a comeback doesn’t mean every business should rush back to Times New Roman. While some classic fonts can evoke trust and tradition, they may not align with a modern brand. Using outdated or overly decorative fonts can make your design feel cluttered and out-of-touch (Adobe). Stick to clean, legible fonts that are easy to read across all platforms.
5. Poor Use of Space and Composition
Many designers, especially those new to the craft, struggle with effective use of white space. This can lead to overcrowded layouts that overwhelm the viewer or, conversely, designs that feel empty and lack focal points. A balanced design should guide the viewer’s eye and prioritize content using the principles of proximity and alignment (Creative Market).
6. Over-Reliance on Stock Imagery
Using stock images can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time, but relying too heavily on generic images can hurt your brand’s authenticity. We often see businesses opt for cliché stock photos that lack relevance to their unique selling proposition. Instead, consider incorporating local photography or illustrations to give your design a personal touch (Adobe).
7. Forgetting to Optimize for Digital Platforms
In today’s multi-device world, it’s crucial to ensure your designs are adaptable and look great across all platforms. We frequently see designs that look perfect on desktop but break apart on mobile. Whether it’s social media posts or website banners, your design should be responsive and adapt seamlessly from one screen size to another (Creative Market).
8. Misusing Color and Typography Combinations
Color and typography are two powerful tools that can make or break a design. Using too many colors or not enough contrast between text and background can lead to confusion and lack of focus. Similarly, combining more than three font styles in a single design is a sure way to create visual chaos. Stick to complementary colours and limit typography variations to maintain cohesion (Adobe).
9. Not Adapting Designs to Modern Expectations
While some businesses cling to what has worked in the past, the design world is constantly evolving. For instance, integrating AI-created visuals, augmented reality, or exploring 3D design options is becoming increasingly common. Failing to adapt and explore new technologies can leave your brand looking outdated and missing opportunities to engage your audience in innovative ways (Adobe).
10. Ignoring Feedback and Testing
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes we see is ignoring user feedback. Whether it’s feedback from your audience or testing your design with focus groups, always seek out opinions before finalizing a project. The graphic design lifecycle doesn’t end at creation—it involves continuous testing and improvement based on how your audience interacts with your designs (Creative Market).
Incorporating these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and create designs that resonate with your audience. Want to discuss your next project with a team that has 40 years of experience navigating these design challenges? Reach out to our team at Kiers Marketing—we’re here to make your brand stand out in Atlantic Canada!