9 Simple Graphic Design Tips for Beginners and Non-Designers

Let’s face it—not everyone is a professional graphic designer. But in today’s visual world, we all need to design something at some point—whether it’s a social media post, a flyer for your side hustle, or a pitch deck for work. The good news? You don’t need a degree in design to create something that looks clean, professional, and engaging.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a designer, I just need this to look good,” — this is for you.

Here are 9 graphic design tips for non-designers and beginners that will instantly elevate your visuals without overwhelming you with jargon or complex tools.

Keep It Simple

The best designs are often the simplest. Don’t overcrowd your layout with too much text, too many images, or an explosion of colors. White space (or empty space) is your friend—it gives your content room to breathe and makes your design easier to digest.

Tip: If something doesn’t serve a clear purpose, remove it.

Stick to a Clean Color Palette

Colors set the tone. A loud color scheme can confuse your audience, while a harmonious palette helps convey emotion and brand identity. Stick to 2–3 main colors that work well together.

Use tools like Coolors or Adobe Color to generate beautiful palettes in seconds—even if you’re colorblind to design.

Choose Readable Fonts (And Limit Them!)

Fonts are like outfits for your words—make sure they match the occasion. Avoid decorative or hard-to-read fonts, especially for body text.

Golden rule: Stick to one or two fonts per design—one for headlines, and one for body text. Use clear, modern fonts like Montserrat, Open Sans, Roboto, or Lato for clean and professional vibes.

Align Everything

Good alignment brings structure and balance. Whether you’re designing a poster, a slide, or a social post, make sure your text and elements are aligned properly—left, right, or center. Avoid “floating” elements that look disconnected.

Most design tools (like Canva or PowerPoint) have auto-alignment features—use them!

Use High-Quality Images

Blurry or pixelated images scream “amateur.” Stick to high-resolution visuals that support your message. There are plenty of free, royalty-free image sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay that offer beautiful photos you can use.

Just remember: visuals should add value, not distract.

Create Visual Hierarchy

Think of your design as a conversation. What should your audience notice first? The most important message should be the largest or boldest element, followed by secondary info.

Use font sizes, colors, and spacing to guide the viewer’s eye in a natural flow—top to bottom, left to right.

Stay Consistent

Consistency builds trust. Use the same colors, fonts, and styles across your materials—especially if you’re creating a brand or representing one. It makes your content feel polished and professional, even if you’re designing from your kitchen table.

Pro tip: Create a simple “style guide” if you plan to design regularly.

Don’t Be Afraid of Templates

Templates aren’t cheating—they’re smart. Platforms like Canva, Adobe Express, and Visme offer thousands of free templates for everything from resumes to Instagram stories.

Pick a template that matches your vibe, then customize the text, colors, and images to make it yours. It saves time and guarantees a balanced layout.

Get Feedback Before You Publish

A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss—like a misaligned header, a typo, or a color that looks weird on certain screens. Ask a friend or colleague to take a quick look before you hit “post” or “print.”

Design isn’t just about how you see it—it’s about how others experience it.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a design guru to create eye-catching graphics. With these 9 graphic design tips for non-designers and beginners, you’ve got a solid foundation to make smart, stylish design choices that work—no overwhelm required.

Start simple. Be intentional. And most importantly—have fun with it.

Because great design isn’t just for designers. It’s for everyone.