Another way to simplify is to use fewer elements, and often make them bolder as well.
Here is an example of a banner. This could be a web banner. In this case, it's a large banner that's going to go near the ceiling on a trade show floor.
We're seeing a logo, we're seeing a large black rectangle that really is a non-communicating element, and we have an attractive photo. It's all very busy, lots of information that you're going to want your customer to know, but there's too much to this.