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When it comes to graphic design, the layout is one of the fundamental principles that need to be considered for a successful design. But what if you trying to create a design without any graphics at all? Does a layout need graphics to be good, or is text enough in some cases?
As a general rule, graphics create balance and proximity within a layout. A good layout should include an organized combination of elements that help grab attention and easily conveys a message. However, graphics are not always required, so context and user experience need to be taken into consideration.
Whether you are designing a website, brochure, or book cover, the layout of your design can have a huge impact on how successful it is. Below, you will learn if you can make a good layout without graphics, and just how impactful graphics can be on a design.
Can You Have a Good Layout Without Graphics?
In graphic design, layout refers to the way in which elements are arranged on a page. These elements make up the content of a design and work to both convey a message and present information in a logical and aesthetic way.
Whether or not your layout requires graphics and going to depend on what is it that you are creating. Graphic design serves different purposes, however, for the most part, it is a visual communication that is trying to deliver clear and accessible information.
Graphics are often a combination of text, images, and color. And, oftentimes, using graphics is the best way to convey a message in a way that people will understand. But it’s not the only way.
For example, books, newspapers, and magazines are full of pages that only contain text. These pages are still going to require a layout for the text so that it is present in a way that is appealing and easy to understand for consumers—and publishers put a lot of thought into how that layout should look. Even some successful flyers, brochures, and banners have been created using layouts without the use of images and illustrations.
However, in most cases, using graphics in a layout is the best choice. This is because graphics often act as the building blocks that create the basics of a good design.
What Makes a Good Page Layout?
The layout of a design is there to help the information you are trying to share be easier to consume. It should not only be attractive in looks but should clearly and concisely display the message you are trying to convey.
To do this, there are several elements that come into play. A layout should easily be interwoven with the other fundamental principles of design to create visual points of interest that guide the consumer through the content. Some of the principles include:
- Typography
- Texture
- Color
- Contrast
- Repetition
- White space
- Image
While many designers will include all these principles, some of the elements aren’t necessarily seen in every design.
Going back to the example of a book page, you’ll notice that most of them don’t have images. However, the layout of a novel is very different than that of a dictionary or thesaurus. This is because elements such as typography, contrast, repetition, and white space are all strategically used to help the reader consume the information.
What Is the Importance of Using Graphics in a Layout?
Graphics help to visually communicate your design concept. They act as an invaluable aid to your audience by allowing information to be displayed in various ways.
For example, if you own a cake decorating business, you could just create a full text brochure or flyer describing the cakes that you make. But that’s not likely to capture the attention of customers.
However, if you add photographs of your best designs, customers would be able to see your skills, and your message would come across much smoother.
Can You Add Graphics to a Layout without Design Skills?
If you’re intimidated by design because you lack the graphic design skills, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should shy away from adding graphics in your layout.
Websites like Placeit and Canva are great tools to help small businesses create beautiful and success designs. They even have layout templates for various types of media, so all you need to do is drag and drop until you create something that appeals to you.
Final Thoughts
You should now be able to design your layout confidently with or without graphics. The layout of your design can have a huge impact on how well it is received. While it doesn’t always need graphics, this is really going to boil down to what you are trying to say and who you are saying it to.
There are many tools today that can help you create the perfect design. But if you are still feeling iffy about it, hiring a graphic designer to create a layout for you is always an option.
