Creating Calm: How Graphic Design Can Impact Your Mental Health

Graphic design is woven into nearly every aspect of our lives – from websites and social media to documents, street signs, and digital communications. We often judge graphic design by its looks and how it represents its brand, but did you know that good (or bad) design can also impact your mental health? Thoughtful graphic design can reduce stress, support focus, and create a sense of calm. At the same time, poor design can contribute to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, fatigue, and may even impact your physical health with migraines and eye strain.

Person drawing pink flower illustration on a digital tablet with stylus.

Visual clarity

One of the most important ways design can affect mental health is through visual clarity and how the graphic is organized. Clean layouts, clear information hierarchy, and the intentional use of space allow your brain to process content easily. When you see a cluttered design with popups and difficult to read text, the brain’s cognitive load increases. This makes even reading a simple paragraph difficult and exhausting. When we design with clarity and structure, it gives your brain breathing room and helps information become manageable rather than intimidating.

Color psychology

Another significant way graphic design impacts your mental health is through the colors we choose. Soft, balanced color palettes promote calmness and stability, while overly bright, saturated, or conflicting colors may increase anxiety and sensory overload. Additionally, cool tones like blues and greens are often associated with relaxation and trust. Think about the spa you went to or the hotel you stayed at on your last vacation. They were probably decorated in calming blues, gentle greens, and soothing creams. On the other hand, bright red has been linked to higher levels of anger, and grey has been shown to sap energy and make you feel dull and lifeless. By choosing the right colors, we can help communicate feelings of safety and support.

Typography

Typography is another often-overlooked factor that can also impact your mental health and well-being. Readable fonts, appropriate font sizes, sufficient line spacing, and strong contrast can help reduce eye strain and mental effort. When the words on the page or screen are difficult to read or visually chaotic, readers may feel frustrated or disengaged. They may even check out entirely. That’s why accessible typography is so important – it helps users fully concentrate on the design, rather than losing focus halfway through.

Predictability

Another important aspect of graphic design is predictability and consistency. Familiar patterns, intuitive navigation, and consistent branding helps users feel engaged, grounded, and in control. When they know what to expect, they experience less stress, anxiety, and confusion. Predictable design creates a sense of safety, allowing the user to focus on content instead of navigation.

Emotional tone

Another important aspect is emotional tone and imagery. The images, icons, and visual metaphors used in graphic design can either uplift or unsettle viewers. Authentic and inclusive visuals can help people feel seen and represented, while aggressive or overly complex imagery can heighten stress. Thoughtful imagery paired with clear messaging can support emotional connection and trust.

Accessibility

Accessibility also plays a crucial role in graphic design and mental health. When content is designed to be usable by people of all abilities – through contrast, readable text, logical structure, and compatibility with assistive technology – it reduces frustration and exclusion. Accessibility isn’t just a technical or legal requirement; it’s the right thing to do. Plus, it helps support well-being and access for a broader audience.

In a world filled with constant visual noise, graphic design has the power to either add to that mental noise or offer moments of calm and clarity. By prioritizing simplicity, consistency, and precision, designers can create content that not only communicates effectively, but that also supports mental health and well-being.

Need a graphic designer? Contact Splash Box at info@splashbox.com to get started.