Sometimes when I’m in need of inspiration, I’ll start going through my design books. Just the other day, I was thumbing through Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual.

It’s a pretty awesome book, going over everything that design consists of: form and space, color, typography, image and layout. It might sound a little boring, but the book is unique because it references a real life example (or a case study) on every single page.

What struck me this time was the “20 Rules for Making Good Design” in the beginning of the book. I don’t really like the title though, because it gives people the sense that if you follow these “rules” that anyone can “make good design”.

We all know that is certainly not the case but people who aren’t designers might take that the wrong way. Plus, I don’t really like saying that design is “made” or manufactured.

To me, graphic design is a delicate process that takes a great deal of research, time, expertise and experience – not something that’s just made.

Like all rules, these are meant to be broken too. Great design does not have to follow these rules because every project is different and requires their own set of “rules”. In general, these twenty guidelines for good design are a great reminder and help me to focus on the important things when I’m stuck in a creative rut. Here they are:

20. Symmetry is the ultimate evil.

19. Look to history, but don’t repeat it.

18. Move it! Static equals dull.

17. Ignore fashion. Seriously.

16. Create images, don’t scavenge.

15. Measure with your eyes: design is visual.

14. Be decisive. Do it on purpose – or don’t do it at all.

13. Distribute light and dark like firecrackers and the rising sun.

12. Squish and separate.

11. Be universal; remember that it’s not about you.

10. Type is only type when it’s friendly.

9. Treat the type as image, as though it’s just as important.

8. Negative space is magical – create it, don’t just fill it up!

7. If you can do it with less, then do it.

6. Pick colors on purpose.

5. Use the one-two punch!

4. Use two typeface families maximum. OK, maybe three.

3. Speak with one visual voice.

2. Communicate – don’t decorate.

1. Have a concept.

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If you’re interested in picking up the book for your collection, you can buy it at Amazon here.