3 Common Graphic Design Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Whether you're DIYing your brand or just getting started with design, small mistakes can make a big difference. As a graphic designer, I see these three design errors pop up all the time — and they can instantly affect the professionalism and clarity of your visuals. The good news? They’re easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Let’s break them down one by one.

1. Poor Font Pairing

Using multiple fonts that don’t complement each other can make your design feel disjointed or chaotic. Instead, stick to 1–2 fonts that contrast well but still feel cohesive. For example, pairing a bold serif with a clean sans serif often creates a balanced and intentional look.

Tip: Look for font pairings that align with your brand’s vibe — playful, elegant, minimalist, etc.

2. Lack of Visual Hierarchy

Your design should guide the viewer’s eye — showing them what to read first, second, and last. Without a clear hierarchy, everything feels jumbled and nothing stands out.

Tip: Use font size, weight, spacing, and color to emphasize the most important elements. Think: bold headings, lighter subtext, and clear spacing between sections.

3. Inconsistent Alignment

Nothing screams “unfinished” like misaligned text and elements. If your content isn’t consistently lined up, it throws off the entire balance of your design.

Tip: Use grids or alignment tools (in platforms like Canva or Adobe Illustrator) to keep things neat. A clean layout makes your work look polished and professional.

Whether you're DIYing your brand or just getting started with design, these are three common mistakes I see pop up all the time. The good news? They're super fixable — and I'm here to help.

I'm Britt, a freelance graphic designer specializing in branding that's clean, cohesive, and totally custom. If you’re ready to uplevel your brand (or want more design tips), follow me on Instagram and reach out — I’d love to chat!