I’d like to be a better visual designer. Assume I’m ~ new. Can you recommend an overall approach or strategy?

Reminder: if you love these blog posts, buy my essay collection. Keep me writing!

I went a little crazy in this tweetstorm, because I believe all people who make things for humans must commit to at least a basic grounding in graphic design. Consider this a tiny, part-time 8 week course in graphic design for people who don’t plan to do it, or do have to do it and want to become a bit more respectable at it.
Just like so many things, if you want great graphic/visual design, you should hire someone who has committed their life to it.

The Non-Designer’s Design Book (4th Edition)

 

symmetry

 

similarity

 

from Dave Gray's Visual Thinking School
from Dave Gray’s Visual Thinking School

 

From Follow the Yellow Brick Road
From Follow the Yellow Brick Road

This was a favorite when I was first getting into visual design
Tolleson Design’s download Soak Wash Rinse Spin

EPSON MFP image