Graphic artists who decide to venture into commercial graphics designing often realize that designing as a hobby and as a profession are two very different worlds. When graphic designing for commercial purposes, the artist’s individual taste has to submit to the client’s goals. This time, lay-outing projects have strict deadlines to heed. For the beginner professional graphic artists, creating designs can suddenly be frustrating. However, just by modifying the creative process (and more focus at that), professional designs can be constructed in a more efficient and less stressful manner.
The first step in efficient professional graphics designing is research. Take the needed time to learn about the client and if applicable, his company and his product. Be aware of the client’s goals, policies and guidelines and make sure the design is compatible with them. Such mistakes might force a rehash in the project lay-out and waste much time.
Brainstorming is the second essential step. Try to conceptualize lay-outs that are unique yet still trendy. Scan magazines, websites, and other artists’ works to generate new ideas. Listen to music as it sometimes helps the creative juices flow. Open up new perspectives by asking the opinion of colleagues and friends (even non-designer friends) about the design. Don’t be too bent on pursuing a single idea or design.
The third step to efficiently creating graphics designs is being structured. The three basic elements to a design are typography, negative space and colour. Each element must act in unison to create a structured design.

The typography must match with the concept. Explore font sites and find a font face that will set the intended vibe for the lay-out. Stick to a minimum number of fonts needed so that the print isn’t too hard to read. After picking the appropriate one, try tweaking with the font using Photoshop tools.
Negative space refers to leaving open spaces in a design. The message of the concept is lost when there’s too much art. Try to achieve clarity and contrast by removing art irrelevant to your theme.
Experiment different colour combinations. Choose tones first before actually picking the exact colour. Make sure the colour schemes portray the desired feeling. Colours have different psychological effects and being familiar with this can be of great advantage in designing professional lay-outs.