7 Design Mistakes That Make Your Message Harder to Read
Updated: Aug 30
You don't have to be a graphic designer to create effective church materials. Whether you're making a social media post, flyer, informational packet, or a bulletin, the goal is the same: help people understand the message. Here are seven common design mistakes and some simple ways to fix them.
Trying to Fit Too Much on One Design
When everything feels important, it's tempting to include everything. Imagine a slide announcing a church picnic. It probably doesn't need the full menu, parking instructions, volunteer schedule, and rain plan. Give people the essentials: what, when, where, and what they need to do next. Then point them somewhere else for the details.
Using Too Many Fonts
Fonts can add personality, but too many make a design feel cluttered. A simple rule: stick with one or two fonts. Use differences in size, weight, or color to create a variety.
Making Everything the Same Size
Good design tells your eyes where to look first. The words "Community Picnic" should probably be more prominent than "Saturday, August 1." Decide what's most important and make it look most important.
Not Using Enough Contrast
Light gray words on a white background might look stylish on your computer, but they can be difficult to read. Make sure there is plenty of contrast between your text and the background. When in doubt, choose readability over decorative.
Putting Text Over a Busy Photo
Photos make great backgrounds, until the words disappear into them. If you're placing text over an image, look for an area with less visual detail and add a subtle dark or light shape behind the text.
Filling Every Empty Space
Empty space isn't wasted space. Think about a cluttered kitchen counter. Finding your keys is much easier when there aren't twenty other things surrounding them. Design works the same way. Give headlines, images, and important information some breathing room.
Forgetting Where People Will See It
A design that works on an 8.5x11-inch flyer may not work on a phone or screen. Before you're finished, look at your design the way your audience will.
