The Non-Designer’s Design Book, Third Edition

Chapter 6. Review

There is one more general guiding principle of Design (and of Life): Don’t be a wimp.

• Don’t be afraid to create your Design (or your Life) with plenty of blank space—it’s rest for the eyes (and the Soul).

• Don’t be afraid to be asymmetrical, to uncenter your format—it often makes the effect stronger. It’s okay to do the unexpected.

• Don’t be afraid to make words very large or very small; don’t be afraid to speak loudly or to speak in a whisper. Both can be effective in the right situation.

• Don’t be afraid to make your graphics very bold or very minimal, as long as the result complements or reinforces your design or your attitude.

Let’s take the rather dull report cover you see below and apply each of the four ...