Originality in graphic design isn’t about being different for the sake of it— it’s about developing a voice that is uniquely yours. In a field saturated with trends, templates, and algorithms pushing sameness, standing out requires intention. Here’s how to avoid being just another designer in the herd.
1. Stop Chasing Trends
Trends can be helpful for understanding the visual landscape, but relying on them too much will make your work blend in. Instead of mimicking what’s popular:
- Study why a trend works, then apply that knowledge in unexpected ways
- Look at sources outside of design— architecture, literature, history— for fresh inspiration
- Prioritize timeless design principles over fleeting aesthetics
2. Develop Your Visual Language
Every great designer has a signature— something recognizable even before their name is attached. To build yours:
- Experiment with different styles, mediums, and techniques
- Notice recurring themes in your work and refine them
- Challenge yourself to create without relying on your usual go-to tools or color palettes
3. Think Concept First, Aesthetic Second
A beautiful design without a strong idea is forgettable. Original designers focus on why they are making something, not just how it looks.
- Start with sketches and words before jumping into software
- Push beyond the first few ideas— they’re usually the most obvious
- Ask, “What is the most unexpected way to communicate this message?”
4. Learn From the Best, Then Break the Rules
Studying design history and the work of masters helps you understand what makes a design successful. But originality comes from pushing beyond what’s been done before.
- Analyze how past designers solved problems, then approach them from a new angle
- Borrow techniques from unrelated disciplines—film, music, industrial design
- Set personal challenges, like designing with constraints (one color, only type, no images)
5. Build a Perspective, Not Just a Portfolio
Your originality comes from your experiences, values, and interests. The more you cultivate a point of view, the more distinct your work will be.
- Read widely, travel, and explore different creative fields
- Engage in discussions about art, culture, and design ethics
- Let your personal interests influence your work, even if they seem unrelated
6. Trust Your Instincts
It’s easy to feel pressure to conform, especially when clients or employers expect a certain style. But originality requires confidence.
- Advocate for your ideas with reasoning and research
- If a project doesn’t align with your values or vision, say no when possible
- Remember that not everyone will appreciate originality— create for those who do
Conclusion
Being an original graphic designer isn’t about avoiding all influences— it’s about filtering them through your unique lens. When you prioritize ideas over imitation, curiosity over conformity, and your own voice over trends, you move beyond being just another designer. You become one worth remembering.
