Graphic design is not about making things look good. This may come as a shock, but it is true. It is not about beauty. It is not about design for design’s sake. Graphic design is about clearly presenting a message through visual media. Any design that doesn’t get the message across easily and clearly is bad design.
What is the primary message? This is the first question you should ask when designing. Let’s start with a hypothetical example: a party and silent auction to support a charity. The basic information (what, where, when) will be the same regardless, but how many messages could there be?
Message 1: Party
People will be getting together for fun, networking, and socializing. Depending on the type of party, one of these could be more prominent. Is the party just to attract people to the auction, or is the auction just a small aspect of the party? The party might be held at a well-known venue or hosted by a local celebrity. Any of these could be the message.
Message 2: Silent Auction
People can buy things cheaply. The money goes to support a cause. Are any of the items expensive, well-known, or of intangible value? Is there a theme? Will the money be used locally? Is it for an urgent need, or a general fundraiser?
Message 3: Charity
Are you promoting the charity, or the event? Do people even know what the charity does? Is it local, regional, national, international? Is the message about the charity or about the people/things it supports?
Pick your message carefully and make sure that the design clearly presents it.