Build Better Signs: Put Graphic Design Theory To Practice In Baltimore

Today’s post reviews some basics principles of graphic design theory to help you build better signs for your business in Baltimore, MD. Read on or call (410)-877-6011 to speak directly with a graphic design specialist in Baltimore.

Put Graphic Design Theory To Practice In Baltimore, MD: Top-3 Tips

1. Find alignment with your graphic design. Alignment is an important principle in the field of graphic design, helping us to create a sharp, ordered appearance by making pleasing connections between our various visual elements.

   Just as you prefer the text you’re reading now to be organized into neat columns, with consistent line spacing and sentences aligned to the left, so too your audience responds best to signs that follow their own internal rules (e.g. all elements center-aligned).

   For example, you can just imagine how strange this monument sign design might look if the floral graphic element was left-aligned, while the CHERRYWOOD logo stayed in the center.

If something seems off with your graphic design, start by checking the alignment!

2. Create a clear visual hierarchy. When you have multiple visual elements working together in a design, it’s critical that you create a clear visual hierarchy. In other words, you must be sure to give extra weight to your most important message, whether that’s your brand name or the details of a limited time offer. The primary message will depend on your sign type and marketing goals (e.g. main building signage will make the brand name most prominent, while indoor branded wayfinding signs will emphasize the directions being given), but this rule always stands.

This branded informational sign for Amazon creates a clear visual hierarchy, emphasizing its large, central message over the Amazon brand name.

•  Crank up the contrast. Contrast is critical for effective graphic design, as it allows you to add emphasis, draw eyes, and increase legibility from long distances. While we often focus on color contrasts for legibility and  conspicuity (e.g. black text on a yellow background, or white text on blue), you should also look to create contrast with other visual elements, mixing thick-and-thin lines, modern and traditional elements, and more. These more subtle kinds of contrast help guide viewers around your design, encouraging them to linger on areas with contrasting elements.

This graphic design exemplifies the principles of contrast, using white text on black, red text on white, and even creating contrast between the typography.

Start A Free Graphic Design Consultation In Baltimore, MD

Baltimore Signs and Graphics is a leading provider of graphic design and sign manufacturing services throughout Baltimore and all the surrounding communities, including:

• Rosedale
• Mays Chapel
• Owings Mills
• Rosedale
• Carney
• Essex
• Glen Burnie
• Kingsville, and beyond

To book a free consultation with our graphic design specialists, you can:

• Call (410)-877-6011 to speak directly with a graphic design expert
• Fill out our online contact form to book online
• Stop by our shop and graphic design studio at 23 Fontana Lane, #104 Rosedale, MD, 21237