Mehndi – also called “henna tattoos” – is a type of body art that gained popularity in the West during the 1990s. The name henna tattoos is a little misleading as this type of body art tattoo is not permanently inked into the skin as it is done with the traditional type of tattoo, but is a temporary form of body art that done using a dye that is derived from the henna plant which is native to the desert regions of the Middle East, Africa, and India.

While Mehndi body art has been traditionally used for special occasions such as festivals and weddings, many individuals are now creating their own unique style of body art tattoos that represent various things such as their religion, a significant event in their lives, or various other types of symbolism.

This form of body decoration has become popular all over the globe for several reasons including the fact that anyone can learn how to create their very own unique designs and apply them at home. While these tattoos are not permanent, they typically last for a period of three to four weeks at which time an individual can choose to re-apply the same design or create another.

Mehndi tattoos can also be applied by a professional who specializes in the art of Mehndi tattooing; however, many individuals have learned how to apply their own tattoos with their very own creative designs. Traditional Mehndi designs include geometrical shapes, floral patterns, and intricate designs created out of fine lines and are typically tattooed on the hands or feet, however, any type of design can be created and applied anywhere on the body.

Not making their concepts diverse enough
Creating a few ideas that are very similar by just slightly varying layout or fonts. The problem here lies that all of the design options may be rejected if they are not along the lines of what the client was looking for. If you present very different ideas it is far more likely that one will be chosen. This is one of the first lessons every designer will discover while learning graphic design.

Making design concepts too complicated
There is an overwhelming urge for many new designers to over complicate their designs. Good design is generally very simple. Remember – less is more.

Concentrating more on beautiful styling than about how the product benefits the end user. When designing something like an advert or brochure, the graphic designer needs to focus on selling the things that matter to the potential buyer. It is great to make something look beautiful but it also needs to connect and entice the end user.

Targeting the wrong demographic
Not targeting the right target audience with the right type of design. Taken to extremes a young funky style would probably be unsuitable to promoting a retirement home.

Not making the the most of their design presentation skills
A small amount of extra time allocated to design presentation can make the difference between a design being accepted or not. For example if a label design was actually applied to a photo of a bottle it, the client can get a true feel for how the finished design might look.

Starting designing straight on the computer
Starting to design on the computer in my opinion limits your ideas. By turning off the computer for a while and grabbing a pencil and paper ideas can flow more freely. A designer is not limited by technique or filters or “what they know the computer can do” when drawing up rough designs.

Not charging enough for their design work
When a designer starts out it is difficult to judge the worth of their work. What they need to remember is that the clients commissioning the work are generally using their design work to increase their income. A logo can help raise the profile of a company, a piece of packaging can help sell more product. There are many freelance rate calculators available on the web than can help give a guide to the amount a freelance designer should be charging.