This week I turned forty. For about half of those years I’ve been a designer. What better way to celebrate than by compiling a list of my very own design rules?
- Never stretch a logo disproportionately
- Always push for details before starting a project
- Never use a style only because it’s trendy
- Always design a logo in black and white first
- Never use your own child in an ad
- Always tell clients when you strongly disagree
- Never use more than two fonts in a logo
- Always be tactful when giving clients advice
- Never offer concepts you hope are not selected
- Always create a logo using vectors
- Never use smart quotes in place of dumb quotes
- Always remember italicized text is harder to read
- Never be so clever that your purpose is unclear
- Always design a great logo for your own business
- Never be satisfied with your first idea
- Always keep your designs understandable at a glance
- Never use script fonts in all caps
- Always proofread thoroughly
- Never quote a job without a defined scope
- Always understand how your design will be used
- Never use a hyphen in place of an em dash
- Always confirm readability at the final size
- Never put two spaces after a period
- Always read project contracts thoroughly
- Never use a concept only because it’s clever
- Always be realistic when committing to timelines
- Never start and finish a design in one sitting
- Always work in the appropriate color space
- Never ask for critique if you can’t handle criticism
- Always eliminate unnecessary design elements
- Never emphasize website text by underlining
- Always address vague issues with clients immediately
- Never avoid using the phone when you have questions
- Always use all caps sparingly
- Never use images you don’t have rights to
- Always design a piece so it requires few words
- Never design for a cause you don’t believe in
- Always be open to the fact that your design may be bad
- Never let fear of failure keep you from beginning
- Always enjoy the process
