The Complete Guide to Social Media Design
Have you been bitten by the creative bug? You’re not alone! On any social media newsfeed, you will find that images, photos, and infographics take up more room than quotes or text. These images are pretty, informative, and aesthetically pleasing.
So, how can you use visuals to help your business stand out on the internet? The answer is simple, by following basic rules of social media graphics design.
The fundamental techniques mentioned in this article will allow you to create visual masterpieces either by yourself or by using graphic design tools like Stencil online. So, let’s get to it!
Color
Color has a major role in 90% of the decisions people make about things in a split second.
In social media design, color is one of the most essential and difficult parts. It aids in the creation of a mood, ambiance, and expression of feelings and can even elicit intense memories from a person’s history.
Use colors that lead the viewers through a narrative. Consider which colors are most effective in conveying a particular aspect of the story. Starting with the fundamentals of color theory is an excellent place to begin and may be used to bring harmony to your compositions.
Balance
In the world of social media image design, finding the right balance can be a challenge, but the payoff is well worth the work. Think of each piece of your art as having a “weight” attached to it.
Alternatively, would the image tip to one side if it were placed on a balance scale? Keep in mind that different pieces have varying degrees of weight, and this is also critical; the goal of achieving balance does not have to be a simple one.
In total, there are four distinct balancing types:
- symmetrical
- asymmetrical
- radial
- crystallographic
Designing for social media can incorporate any or all of these elements.
Lines
The best way to direct the audience’s vision to what you want to show them is through lines. Usually, curved lines indicate movement and tension, while straight lines offer the image a sense of order and cleanliness. The use of lines in an image can direct viewers through a visual journey, stopping at the most significant and purposeful aspects in each step of the route. Using lines will allow for easy storytelling.
Contrast
The phrase “truly popped” has been used to describe artwork several times and could refer to an image’s contrast. Contrast helps to distinguish between elements, making one stand out or “pop” more than the rest. You can use colors, shapes, and sizes to create contrast.
Not having enough contrast can risk the art turning out flat. On the other hand, it’s easy to overdo it on the contrast, which can lead to a cluttered draft where nothing is easy to see.
Proximity
The importance of proximity in organizing your design cannot be overstated. The best method of establishing a connection between two things is to put them together in a way that they are similar or related. Declutter the design and “tidy things up a bit” by grouping objects together.
Placing the items in close proximity to one another is a simple method. Another option is to use similar colors, typefaces, sizes, etc., to connect them visually.
Composing with the proximity in mind can help bring disparate components of a product or concept together by establishing spatial connections.
Repetition
The notion of repetition is one of the simplest visual art components to use in your social media graphics. Repeated practice is critical since it helps to establish and strengthen various aspects of the process.
It’s also known as “consistent branding” by some. Fonts, colors, and logos are three elements that should always be constant in your designs. Repetition of these three characteristics over time will give you or your brand an instantly recognizable look.
Hierarchy
When it comes to social media design, it’s likely that you’ll have to work with several elements. And each of these pieces will likely have a role in the overall message. Make sure your most important messages are delivered first by using social media design tips such as hierarchies.
Using the hierarchy design principle to its fullest potential begins with an understanding of your objectives.
Identify the most important message and utilize the design ideas in this article to emphasize it. Then, you may begin to add additional information without detracting from the overarching objective. Even simple social media designs, such as quotes, might benefit from this technique.
Conclusion
It doesn’t take rocket science to create social media graphics. With these tips that uncomplicate the process, you can use images and infographics to tell your vivid story in a few strokes of the brush.