Have you ever come across weird abstract paintings that play with your imagination endlessly? No, not the infamous one by Majnu Bhai from ‘Welcome’ (though that’s a masterpiece in a league of its own). The ones with weird shapes, figures, and patterns that make you pick your brain for hours. Such paintings are an artist’s way to use the medium and express themselves, leaving the viewers to interpret the art in any way they want.
Communication design is the exact opposite of this. Forming a relationship between visuals and the viewer is the crux of this designing field, which is why it differs from ‘graphic design’. In addition to creating stunning graphics, communication designers also focus on how well these can communicate the intended message. Red Cross’s logo is one of the best examples of this. Its logo automatically associates with medical assistance. Even if you haven’t ever interacted with the organization, you know what it stands for, as its symbol is ingrained into your consciousness. That’s the power of communication design!
If you’re already intrigued to learn about communication design’s diverse facets, here are a few tips to get you started: –
Use the whitespace
The first and foremost point you must remember is that communication design isn’t just about creating magnificent visuals. It’s also about how your designs, infographics, videos, etc., communicate faster than words.
Thus, before you master the art of creating flabbergasting visuals, learn to utilize the whitespace. More often than not, it’ll be the best way to present information concisely. Simple black texts on a white background or minimal designs with plenty of surrounding white spaces will help viewers understand more quickly. The prime example? – Take a look at the google.com browser.
Know the essentials
When you foray into communication designing, you must be well-versed with all its nitty-gritty. It’ll be your primary responsibility, not only to understand audiences but create relevant designs that quickly gauge their attention. To do this, you must know about typographies, colors, layouts, iconographies, illustrations, etc., and how to use them effectively. For example, it’s a rule-of-thumb to not use more than five colors in a single layout, as it decreases a design’s communication capability.
So, if you truly wish to learn communication design, start learning and honing your skills in these concepts. Once you do, there’ll be nothing stopping you from becoming a design virtuoso!
Follow simplicity religiously
Yes, sharpening the tools of the trade is vital. However, it’s not necessary to use all of them at once! Since communication designing revolves around expressing messages seamlessly, simplicity is the way to go. Practice the art of avoiding ornamental illustrations, 3D charts, extrinsic visuals, and other unnecessary designs. This helps viewers focus on what you really want to portray and fulfills your design’s purpose. No wonder minimalism is all the rave today.
Start your journey the right way
While going DIY is a great way to get the ball rolling, it won’t teach you about this profession’s ins and outs holistically. That’s why it’s advisable for beginners to study a communication design course. When you enroll in a reputed institution’s program, you’ll not only learn about communication designing software and skills but also receive the necessary guidance to know what this field entails.
What’s more, studying a full-fledged course will also help you gain a holistic overview of the available career prospects. Game developer, interaction designer, 3D/2D artist, character designer, visual effects artist, etc., are just some of the many professions you can choose from!
In conclusion
Becoming a communication designer can be one of the most rewarding things you do. You’ll see your ideas and visions turn into reality and work for a greater cause! But remember, dedication and consistency will pave your way to success. So, get started with these tips, hone them, take up a suitable course, and you’ll become an expert before you know it.