When it comes to getting started with creating stunning designs, two things are necessary: skills and resources. However, for starters, graphic design can all seem a little too overwhelming at first. From long hours of practice to an unending need for creativity; not to mention some graphic design resources cost a pretty penny, it can sometimes become an uphill task for novices. But that shouldn’t deter you from creating stunning designs. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of amazing freebies and affordable tools that can help you get the head start you need to become a veteran designer. Plus, with the right skills, you can be a master in the game without even trying.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight 5 things that you need to master in order to get an edge in creating stunning designs. Sound good? Let’s dive right in.

UI Design

Here’s the blatant truth: No matter how amazing your designs are, it’s pretty much pointless if they don’t make a good first impression. That is to say, if people don’t like what they see at first glance, then you’re probably not going to wheel in as many people as you would want. So it makes perfect sense that we would mention the UI design here.

The truth is, UI design is pretty much a necessity when it comes to the graphic design front. So, it’s good you have all your bases covered in as far as skills go but every other graphic designer does too. So you need to ensure that you have an ace up your sleeve. If you make a good first impression, then whatever you call to action has a higher chance of being acted on.

Photoshop Overlays

Don’t take chances! You need to be able to create stunning designs every single time. But you and I both know that it’s much easier said than done. Not to mention your audience is a bit more particular and will often times shun blatant designs almost as soon as they see them. Therefore, you need to create compelling images. Images that will create a connection between you and your audience. Images that will ultimately convert your audience into customers. But how do you do that?

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of tools to help you create stunning designs. And one of the best in this front is Photoshop overlays. Photoshop overlays are one of the most versatile ways to transform the look and feel of your designs. With photoshop overlays, you can add texture and elements to an image and transform an otherwise uninspiring image to a stunning piece of art. So whether it’s a stunning fog effect that you are looking for or a whimsical autumn, fairy garden or falling leaves effect, there are literally dozens of themes to help you create the perfect design. If you’re looking to create stunning designs, then you definitely need to master photoshop overlays.

Lightroom Presets

It goes without saying Lightroom presets are yet another resource you need to master in graphic design. From nitty-gritty aspects such as image exposure and white balance to more complex aspects such as curves, tones, and shadows. Along with ensuring that you create stunning designs from the onset, Lightroom presets have a lot to offer. Also comes in handy later on when you want to ensure that the final piece is nothing short of a stunning masterpiece. And the best thing about Lightroom presets is that they’re pretty easy to master.

Typography

Next up is typography. Typography is basically the art and technique of arranging the visual component of written words to make written language more legible. If you want to master typography, there are lots of typography tutorials to help. However, good typography often comes down to creative intuition. Once you grasp the basics, all you need to do is look for typography resources that will help you further sharpen your skills.

Here are some typographic considerations that you’ll need to take into account when mastering typography.

Size

Typefaces are not created equally. Some are wide some fat, some are narrow and yet others thin. So word sets in different typefaces take up a different amount of space depending on the size.

Tracking and Kerning

Tracking here relates to the spacing of characters applied evenly whereas kerning is basically adjusting spaces between characters to create a harmonious pairing.

Logo Designing

Here is another thing that you need to master to create stunning designs every time. In many forms and instances, the logo is what distinguishes a particular company from the other. Think about Guinness, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and KFC. They are all visually represented by their logos. It doesn’t matter where they are in the world customers will still flock towards the direction that these logos are.

The truth is, the importance of a logo cannot be underestimated. They not only help identify a company but they are also a succinct and efficient way of communicating more about the company. Which means that the designs have to be both intuitive and stunning to wheel people in.  And since it’s something you’ll probably be doing a lot of, it’s definitely one of the many things that you want to master to perfection.

Conclusion

Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the number of graphic design skills you need to master to create stunning designs. Sure there are plenty more things that need to be mastered but these five are the most important. The bottom line is to ensure that you have mastered every aspect of photoshop overlays, typography, Lightroom presets, logo designing and UI design to come up with stunning and striking designs every time.