Natural ability or “good taste” alone can get you very far in design, it seems. But instincts are not enough to call you a visual designer. To be one, by the way, you need to know and use the visual design principles that underpin the discipline.
Why Instinct Isn’t Enough
Relying solely on intuition might help you create something that looks appealing, but without knowledge of design fundamentals, your work often lacks consistency, scalability, and purpose. Visual design is not decoration, it’s problem-solving. A designer must communicate clearly, guide users’ attention, and ensure aesthetics serve function. How can one evaluate outcome if they barely understand why something may or may nor work in the first place. This may lead you to a constant trial and error effort and eventually an inconsistent and/or biased output.
The Importance of Fundamentals
The principles of visual design—balance, contrast, hierarchy, alignment, repetition, and proximity—are not choices. Coupled with the design elements of line, shape, color, texture, and space, they are the toolkit each visual designer needs to learn before entering the practice. Without them, instinct becomes random guesswork.
Instinct Plus Knowledge
Instinct comes into play, but it needs to be honed through organized learning and practice. Consider it driving: instincts can keep you in motion, but without the rules of the road in hand, you risk inducing chaos—or worse. Similarly, instincts without a foundation can damage user experience and credibility.
Visual design rule/theory cheat sheet
The sheet below gives you a basic idea on what specific rules/theories help you in various aspects of visual design.
| Rule/Theory | Helps in… | Practical Scenarios |
| Balance | Creating stability in layouts, making interfaces and presentations easier to follow | UI/UX layouts, magazine spreads, business presentations |
| Contrast | Highlighting key actions in apps, websites, or marketing material to guide user attention | Call-to-action buttons, ad design, product packaging |
| Hierarchy | Structuring information in resumes, reports, and dashboards to emphasize what matters most | Portfolio websites, LinkedIn profiles, analytics dashboards |
| Alignment | Ensuring clean, professional look in slide decks, CVs, and UI mockups | Slide presentations, websites, mobile apps |
| Proximity | Grouping related content in infographics, forms, or menus for better readability | E-learning platforms, brochures, onboarding forms |
| Color Theory | Evoking emotions and building trust in branding, ads, product design, and storytelling | Branding campaigns, app interfaces, digital illustrations |
| Typography Principles | Improving readability in blogs, apps, documents, and ensuring accessibility for all readers | Reports, blogs, app UIs, educational materials |
Gaining the Title of Visual Designer
Referring to yourself as a visual designer is more than playing around with visuals. It means applying the discipline of learning, practicing, and honing the principles of visual design that ensure design works. Without that foundation, the name is not meaningful and waters down the value of the profession.
If you wish to be a great visual designer, begin by learning the basics: the elements and principles of design. Only then can intuition become skill, allowing you to make work that is not only gorgeous, but also practical and effective.
