Twenty rules for making good design
From Design Element, A Graphic Style Manual, by Timothy Samara.
- Have concept.
- Communicate – don't decorate.
- Speak with one visual voice.
- Use two typeface families maximum. OK, maybe three.
- Use the one-two punch!
- Pick colors on purpose.
- If you can do it with less, then do it.
- Negative space is magical – create it, don't just fill it up!
- Treat type as image, as though it's just as important.
- Type is only type when it's friendly.
- Be universal; remember that it's not about you.
- Squish and separate.
- Distribute light and dark like firecrackers and the rising sun.
- Be decisive. Do it on purpose – or don't do it at all.
- Measure with your eyes: design is visual.
- Create images – don't scavenge.
- Ignore fashion. Seriously.
- Move it! Static equals dull.
- Look to history, but don't repeat it.
- Symmetry is the ultimate evil.
- Rules can be broken – but never ignored.