I’ve finally figured out why AI-generated flyers look the way they do. AI’s job is to deliver what it thinks users want. And if my time working in the creative space has taught me anything, it’s that clients all want to cram more and more things into a design.
White space is empty space in a design, and it is crucial in graphic design. It helps with hierarchy and, honestly, just how refined things look. White space isn’t wasted space. It serves its purpose precisely because it’s empty.
For some reason, people think adding more and more will make a design better.
It won’t.
Often, the biggest difference between professional, refined graphic design and amateur work is how effectively they use white space to establish hierarchy. Sometimes the difference between a great design and a subpar one is restraint.
I’ve learned this same truth in my life. A little margin can be one of the most precious gifts I can give myself.
There’s always so much going on, so much we need and want to do. It’s tempting to think we need to fill every square inch of our lives with things that feel important. But sooner or later, the design of our lives start falling apart if we keep trying to do more and more. Just like with designing a flyer, if everything is important, nothing is important.
I’ve tried to intentionally take time to slow down and take in moments this past year. I remind myself that nonproductive time is crucial and that a little white space in my schedule helps me keep the most important things a priority. When I feel the need to fill my schedule, a little restraint can make all the difference.
White space isn’t wasted space.