How to Spot a Trained Graphic Designer
Let’s be honest—these days, anyone can throw together a quick design using a Canva template, AI and other apps. But if you’ve ever looked at something and thought, “Hmm… something’s off,”—you’re probably picking up on the difference between a trained graphic designer and someone just having a go.
So, how can you tell if a design was done by a pro? Here are a few key signs to look out for, especially when it comes to things like typography, spacing, font choice, and images.
1. Typography: It’s More Than Just Picking a Pretty Font
A trained designer doesn’t just scroll through fonts and pick one that “looks cool.” They think about how the type works with the overall design.
Font combos: They know how to pair fonts that play nicely together (and avoid using too many at once).
Text hierarchy: They use different sizes and weights to show what’s most important.
Readability: They never sacrifice clarity for style—especially for body text.
🔍 Watch out for: Random or clashing fonts, hard-to-read text, or inconsistent alignment.
2. Use of Space: Knowing When to Let Things Breathe
Good design isn’t about cramming in as much as possible—it’s about creating balance.
White space (aka empty space): Trained designers use it intentionally to make things feel clean and easy on the eyes.
Layout flow: Everything feels like it’s in the right place—nothing looks squashed or floating awkwardly.
🔍 Watch out for: Cluttered layouts, things pushed up against the edges, or designs that feel “busy” for no reason.
3. Letter Spacing: Tiny Details, Big Difference
It might seem like a small thing, but the space between letters (called kerning) can make or break a design.
Tweaking text: Pros adjust spacing so everything looks even and polished—especially with big, bold headings.
Visual balance: They trust their eyes, not just the software, to get spacing just right.
🔍 Watch out for: Letters that look too far apart, too squished, or just… off.
4. Font Choices: Thoughtful, Not Trendy
Designers know that fonts carry personality. A good font can make something feel serious, playful, modern, or traditional—without saying a word.
Style with purpose: Trained designers choose fonts that fit the message and mood.
Licensing savvy: They’re also careful about using licensed fonts, especially for commercial work.
🔍 Watch out for: Overused fonts (hello, Comic Sans), or using three or four completely different styles on one page.
5. Images: Clear, Clean, and Cohesive
A good designer treats images like part of the story, not just decoration.
Quality matters: No pixelated, stretched, or low-res photos here.
Consistency: Photos match in tone, lighting, and editing style. Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb.
🔍 Watch out for: Blurry stock photos, bad cropping, or random clip art that feels out of place.
6. Overall Vibe: Everything Just Works
When a trained designer puts something together, it feels intentional. There’s flow, consistency, and attention to detail.
Brand consistency: The colors, fonts, and style match across everything.
Professional polish: Even simple designs look sharp and balanced.
🔍 Watch out for: Inconsistencies, messy layouts, or designs that look like a different person made each page.
In a Nutshell…
Design isn’t just about making something look nice—it’s about making it work. Hiring a trained graphic designer isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about getting visuals that work and work well everywhere. Trained designers know how to create professional, scalable logos using tools like Adobe Illustrator, which means your branding stays crisp and clean whether it’s on a business card or a billboard. They work with vector graphics, so nothing ever looks pixelated or stretched. Beyond that, they understand the psychology of color, the art of typography, and how to structure layouts for maximum impact. Instead of guessing, they bring strategy, consistency, and a sharp eye for detail—turning your ideas into visuals that build trust and make your brand shine. In short: hiring a trained designer means your visuals aren’t just pretty—they’re powerful.