This is my number one tip for quickly making your visual identitiy look more professional.
It’s so easy to pick DIY material out because the number one amateur mistake businesses make is not using enough space in their designs. Its a tell-tale sign!
When designing visuals for your business, clear space is one of the most important yet often overlooked elements. As designer Ellen Lupton wisely said, “Design is as much an act of spacing as an act of marking.” Spacing isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a fundamental part of design and branding.
Why is clear space important?
- It boosts readability. Proper spacing helps viewers navigate your design easily. Using the right amount of space helps your logo remain impactful rather than getting lost in clutter.
- It creates a visual hierarchy. Strategic spacing guides the viewer to key design elements. When branding for your small business, give your logo room to breathe to make it more recognisable and memorable.
- It enhances professionalism. Crowded, cluttered layouts appear unprofessional. Great design prioritises spacing to create clean, high-quality layouts.
How to incorporate clear space in your designs
- Follow your brand style guide. Always use the clear space guidelines provided to maintain brand consistency, and make sure your logo stands out.
- Use margins and grids. For most printed materials like brochures and flyers, a minimum of 10mm margin ensures content doesn’t feel cramped. Using grids can help you align elements for a balanced layout.
- Embrace white space. White space isn’t empty, it adds value. Avoid filling every cm of your design; let the design elements breathe so they can deliver maximum impact.
Final thoughts
Clear space isn’t just a design rule, it’s a branding essential. Ensuring your design has enough breathing room will make your marketing materials more effective and appealing to your customers.
