How to Do Graphic Design: A Hilarious and Creative Guide
Graphic design, the art of turning your thoughts into something visually spectacular—or at least something that doesn’t make people immediately question your life choices. If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen wondering why you can’t just make things pretty, then this guide is for you. We’re diving into the world of graphic design with a wink, a chuckle, and a promise that it’s not as hard as it seems—well, not always.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s address the two types of people who seem to approach design differently. There’s the “strategic, problem-solving” crowd (usually the men) and the “empathetic, relationship-driven” crowd (typically the women). But don’t worry, we’ll keep it light, fun, and completely judgment-free as we explore both perspectives.
The Strategic Problem-Solver: The Man’s Approach
First up, let’s talk about how a guy might approach graphic design. Picture this: he’s got a vision, an objective, and a deadline. He doesn’t have time to sit around wondering how his design is going to feel—he’s got a job to do.
For him, graphic design is a strategic mission, not an art therapy session. Step one? Find the problem, then solve it. He needs a logo for a new startup? He’s thinking about simplicity, scalability, and making sure it works in black and white for that high-tech email signature.
But wait! He also wants to make sure the design fits perfectly with the brand’s mission statement, targets the correct demographic, and solves an underlying marketing problem. That’s right, this is where spreadsheets, market research, and A/B testing come into play. It’s all about efficiency and results. No room for feelings here—just crisp lines, bold fonts, and a clear message.
The process goes like this:
1. Start with a minimalist design—too many details just cloud the message.
2. Use colors that make sense—green for nature, blue for trust, red for urgency (and maybe coffee stains from his third cup of espresso).
3. Ensure the design can shrink down to the size of a postage stamp or grow to the side of a building, because you never know when the company will need that giant billboard.
It’s all business. No fluff. The end result? A logo that screams “We’re professional, and we know exactly what we’re doing!”
The Empathetic Relationship-Builder: The Woman’s Approach
Now let’s flip the coin. Imagine a woman approaching graphic design. She’s thinking not just about what the design does, but what it feels. It’s like her design has to hold your hand and whisper sweet nothings to your brand identity. (Yes, I know, it sounds cheesy—but it’s true.)
The woman designer looks at the project from a much more relational perspective. Her design is going to create an emotional connection. When people see it, they won’t just understand the company’s message—they’ll feel it. Is it warm? Is it welcoming? Does it make people want to grab a coffee and chat?
So, for her, the process starts with understanding the brand’s story. She’ll dive deep into the company’s values and goals, making sure every stroke of the brush (or click of the mouse) aligns with that identity. After all, it’s not just about making something pretty—it’s about making something that connects.
Here’s how she might approach it:
1. Let’s pick the right colors! We’re not just using pink because it’s cute—no, we want colors that represent care, trust, and a sense of community. Maybe a soft lavender to signal calm or a pop of orange to inject some energy!
2. Typography time—what font makes people feel like they’re walking into a cozy coffee shop, not a cold corporate office? Perhaps a flowing, soft serif font that wraps you in a hug.
3. And then there’s the imagery—there’s no room for stock photos of random people shaking hands. Instead, she’ll hunt for visuals that feel personal and relatable.
For her, design is about making the brand feel like it’s in conversation with the audience, whether it’s through a simple logo or an intricate website design. There’s an intuitive magic that happens when design becomes more than just a visual element; it becomes a touchpoint that helps build relationships.
The Design Process: A Mash-Up of Both Worlds
So, how do you bring these two worlds together in your own design project? Let’s borrow a little from both sides:
1. Start with the Big Picture: What’s the problem you’re trying to solve? What’s your target audience? And let’s not forget about brand values—because no one wants a logo that looks like a random collection of shapes, no matter how “strategic” it is.
2. Sketch it Out: Throw all your ideas on paper (or on a digital canvas). Don’t overthink it. If the design feels right, chances are, it is. But also, take a moment to see if it ticks the boxes for scalability, simplicity, and connection.
3. Test, Feedback, Repeat: This is where the magic happens. Get feedback from real people. Ask if they feel something when they see your design. Does it tell a story? Does it make sense in the context of your brand?
4. Finalize with Finesse: After you’ve played with colors, typography, and layout, wrap it up with the final touches. It’s time to turn your design into a professional, polished piece that can go on any platform, whether it’s a mobile screen or a billboard.
Wrapping It Up with Some Fun
Whether you approach graphic design like a data-driven problem-solver or a relationship-focused empath, there’s no one way to do it. It’s about finding the balance that works for your project and injecting a little fun into the process.
So, which designer are you? Do you prefer solving problems with strategic designs, or are you all about creating an emotional connection with your audience? Drop a comment below—let’s keep this conversation going!
Happy designing! 🎨