Photo from Unspash, Robert Katzki

As I continue to learn more about communications and public relations, I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone. I love to write and I’m confident in my writing but design? It’s completely new.

While I would love to sit in my corner and write all day, it’s important to gain skills in multiple areas, so when I enrolled in my design class I was excited. And nervous.

The first step to becoming literate in public relations design was learning the two powerful public relations design tools: Illustrator and InDesign. 

Illustrator is the industry standard for graphic design. Any fancy logos you see are probably a product of Illustrator. A public relations practitioner probably uses Illustrator to create web graphics or designs that they will then upload into InDesign. 

InDesign is the industry standard for page makers. This includes things like desktop publishing, typesetting, layout and document design. In public relations and related fields, InDesign helps organizations communicate with their audiences through pamphlets, newsletters and any other layout. 

How to Learn the Adobe Suites 

The Adobe Suites are no walk in the park. Currently, I’m taking a class on public relations design, and it’s certainly not the simplest thing I’ve done. However, I’ve learned quickly that the Adobe Suites can be learned outside of formal education. 

One way you can learn InDesign or Illustrator is LinkedIn Learning. For college students that have free access to LinkedIn Learning through their university, this is an excellent way to understand the depth and scope. Although, if you have the option to take a formal class, it won’t hurt. 

Another great way to learn InDesign (or anything at all) is YouTube. YouTube hosts countless options for learning. Outside of paying for something like LinkedIn Learning, it’s your best bet for learning these powerful platforms. 

I worked through part of the LinkedIn Learning when I did my first typesetting assignment and it helped tremendously.

And, what elements of design do we need to know first 

When you start designing, there are a few design elements you should understand: 

• Color: The most powerful design element. Color adds dimension, emphasis and impact
• Balance: Distribution of weight of objects, colors, textures and space 
• Rhythm: Repetition of elements
• Proportion: Relationship of two or more elements in a design and how they compare with one another 
• Dominance: An element has more dominance than another by giving it more visual weight. Dominance is achieved through contrast, emphasis, and relative visual weight 
• Unity: When elements work together to support the design as a whole. Unity creates an integrated image. 

Knowing the elements of design helps public relations professionals elevate their brand with cohesive and beautiful design. 

The process of design is rewarding (and frustrating). Here’s what I learned: 

Design is rewarding. A finished product feels so satisfying, but as someone new to design, I find the process time-intensive and frustrating. InDesign and Illustrator really let you take full control, but with power comes great responsibility. 

In comparison to a word processor or Canva, you hold all the power in the design. That being said, InDesign isn’t exactly helping you out. 

You have to be willing to learn, start over, rearrange, throw a couple (light) objects across the room and keep working till you get it right. 

But, at the end of the day, you get to look at a beautiful layout, uniquely designed by you. 

And, in case you wanted to see, here is my first design: