Common Mistakes New Designers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

June 22, 2025

Introduction

Everyone makes mistakes when starting out. But the good news? Most of them are avoidable. Here’s a list of common design blunders and how you can sidestep them for a smoother creative journey.

1. Using Too Many Fonts

Mixing multiple typefaces often leads to cluttered, unprofessional work.
Fix: Stick to 1–2 fonts, and use their variations (bold, italic) to create contrast.

2. No Visual Hierarchy

Without a clear structure, viewers get confused. Fix: Use size, color, and spacing to guide the eye from most to least important.

3. Poor Alignment and Spacing

Misaligned elements break flow and look messy.
Fix: Use grid systems and align elements consistently for a polished finish.

4. Overusing Effects and Filters

Too many shadows, glows, and textures can overwhelm the viewer.
Fix: Keep it clean and modern. Less is more.

5. Ignoring Mobile Compatibility

Designs may not scale well on phones if not optimized.
Fix: Always preview your work on mobile and ensure it remains legible.

6. Not Knowing File Formats

Saving in the wrong format can ruin image quality or usability. Fix: JPG: for compressed images

PNG: for transparent backgrounds
PDF: for print
SVG: for scalable vector graphics

Conclusion

Design is a craft that improves with practice, awareness, and constant learning. By avoiding these beginner mistakes, you can accelerate your growth and present yourself as a thoughtful, detail-oriented designer right from the start.