Do you use Helvetica in everything?
Ok, yes I know, it is the most popular font of all time - but that is the downfall of Helvetica. Just because it is there, it doesn’t mean you have to use it. Try something else next time and try break out of your habit. Just for some suggestions, maybe Trade Gothic, Formata, Futura, Antique Olive, Eurostile? And yes I know this website uses Helvetica Also check out our post 30 fonts to last you a lifetime.
Ok, yes I know, it is the most popular font of all time - but that is the downfall of Helvetica. Just because it is there, it doesn’t mean you have to use it. Try something else next time and try break out of your habit. Just for some suggestions, maybe Trade Gothic, Formata, Futura, Antique Olive, Eurostile? And yes I know this website uses Helvetica Also check out our post 30 fonts to last you a lifetime.
2. Straight Quotes & Wrong Quotes
Do you use straight quotes still?
Straight quotes were for typewriters, times have changed! Look at the difference between the quotes above.
The quotations are not hanging over the edge.
Straight quotes have been used instead of true quotation marks.
Quotation marks have been used instead of prime marks after the 7 and 3.
An apostrophe has been left out in between it’s.
Learn the keystrokes to ‘real’ quotes in every application you use. Learn the MAC & PC keyboard shortcuts here.
Don’t type curly quotes when you need inch and foot marks (prime marks).
Straight quotes were for typewriters, times have changed! Look at the difference between the quotes above.
The quotations are not hanging over the edge.
Straight quotes have been used instead of true quotation marks.
Quotation marks have been used instead of prime marks after the 7 and 3.
An apostrophe has been left out in between it’s.
Learn the keystrokes to ‘real’ quotes in every application you use. Learn the MAC & PC keyboard shortcuts here.
Don’t type curly quotes when you need inch and foot marks (prime marks).
3. Quotations Not Hung
Do you NOT hang your quotation marks?
See in the picture in number 2, how the quote marks are hanging off the side of the quote, compared to the other one. Hang your quotation marks. Read your software manual (check their help files) to read how to do this or you can do it manually.
Do you NOT hang your quotation marks?
See in the picture in number 2, how the quote marks are hanging off the side of the quote, compared to the other one. Hang your quotation marks. Read your software manual (check their help files) to read how to do this or you can do it manually.
4. Double Returns.
Do you hit the ‘return’ or the ‘enter’ key twice between paragraphs or after headlines?
Using two spaces makes it possible to end up with a blank line at the top of a column plus it leaves way to much space between each paragraph - it looks disconnected.
Using two spaces makes it possible to end up with a blank line at the top of a column plus it leaves way to much space between each paragraph - it looks disconnected.
5. Two Spaces After Punctuation
Do you add two spaces after each sentence?
This is a very bad practice and is not correct - Using only one space is the correct way.
This is a very bad practice and is not correct - Using only one space is the correct way.
6. Using Boxes Behind Text
Do you use plain boxes of colour behind your text?
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to. Try something else, use a dramatic headline, use your white space, use a different font, reverse your type, use pull quotes, etc. Can you see in the above picture how the surrounding white space makes the text stand out on its own? You can use these in the correct places however be careful not to over use it.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to. Try something else, use a dramatic headline, use your white space, use a different font, reverse your type, use pull quotes, etc. Can you see in the above picture how the surrounding white space makes the text stand out on its own? You can use these in the correct places however be careful not to over use it.
7. Centred Layouts
Do you use a centred layout in your graphic design pieces?
Using centred layouts is usually bad practice as it creates a deadly dull look. See how much more effective the two green verses are, they are more dynamic (one is centred & one is left aligned). Using flush left or right gives strength to your entire page and usually is a better option unless of course there are reasons to use centred text. eg. creating a formal wedding invitation.
Using centred layouts is usually bad practice as it creates a deadly dull look. See how much more effective the two green verses are, they are more dynamic (one is centred & one is left aligned). Using flush left or right gives strength to your entire page and usually is a better option unless of course there are reasons to use centred text. eg. creating a formal wedding invitation.
8. Borders
Do you use borders around everything?
This often indicates a beginner who feels unsafe with type that is uncontained. Use your white space. You can let it be there. Seriously.
This often indicates a beginner who feels unsafe with type that is uncontained. Use your white space. You can let it be there. Seriously.
9. Indents
Do you use half inch indents?
This is bad practice and is the old way (back in typewriter days). The standard is one em space which is a space as wide as the point size of the type. (what?) This is approximately two spaces, not five.
This is bad practice and is the old way (back in typewriter days). The standard is one em space which is a space as wide as the point size of the type. (what?) This is approximately two spaces, not five.
10. Hyphens For Bullets
Do you use bullets for hyphens?
This is a typewriter habit and is unprofessional. Try using dots or dingbats.
This is a typewriter habit and is unprofessional. Try using dots or dingbats.
11. Embossing & Drop Shadowed Type
Do you use the nifty little drop shadow or emboss tools that comes with your software?
PLEASE STOP. This is the biggest dead give away of an amateur. This goes a long with forbidden; rainbow gradients, reflections, comic sans. Just don’t use them, plain simple.
PLEASE STOP. This is the biggest dead give away of an amateur. This goes a long with forbidden; rainbow gradients, reflections, comic sans. Just don’t use them, plain simple.
12. 12 Point Type
Do use the default 12 point type with auto leading?
For most typefaces, 12 point is a tiny bit too large for body copy. Compare a 10, 11 and 12 point passage of text and tell me which one looks more professional. Try adding an extra 1 or 1.5 line spacing or leading as well. Notice the difference in the two examples above. The red is the default 12 auto leading and the green is size 11 with 2 points of leading.
For most typefaces, 12 point is a tiny bit too large for body copy. Compare a 10, 11 and 12 point passage of text and tell me which one looks more professional. Try adding an extra 1 or 1.5 line spacing or leading as well. Notice the difference in the two examples above. The red is the default 12 auto leading and the green is size 11 with 2 points of leading.
13. Underline
Do you underline?
Never use the underline feature, it is a law. Only for hyper links on the web is this allowed. Underlining was a way for typewriters back in the day to Italicize text because they couldn’t set italics. Underlining and italicizing text at the same time is the most redundant thing you can do in life but rules can be broken
14. ALL CAPS
DO YOU USE ALL CAPS?
All caps is more difficult to read and this is because we recognise a word not by its letters, but by the shape of the whole word. When text is in all caps, every word has the same shape so we have to read every letter by itself. All caps is fine sometimes but when you are conscious of using it and why. Try using bold, using a different typeface or using reverse text.
15. Bad Gramma & Speling
Not spell checking your work and not using the right grammar. One of the hardest aspects designers seem to face.
Your Score?If you scored above 3 points, don’t worry. Creating professional level type and design is mainly a matter of becoming more aware of details and practice. If you scored less than 3, then congratulations and consider it your obligation to teach others the things you know. (Hint: Link to this post )
For more information on graphic design and typography and the things listed above check out The Top 27 Mistakes Graphic Designers Make or refer to Robin Williams book “The Non-Designers Type Book”.
Source:http://justcreativedesign.com/
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