Graphic Design: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
What is Graphic Design?
An introduction to the basics of graphic design and its different applications.
An introduction to the basics of graphic design and its different applications.
Types of Portfolios
When trying to break into the field of graphic design, having a solid portfolio is crucial for landing jobs and clients. The online, PDF and classic "book" portfolios each have benefits and drawbacks.
When trying to break into the field of graphic design, having a solid portfolio is crucial for landing jobs and clients. The online, PDF and classic "book" portfolios each have benefits and drawbacks.
Elements of Design
elements of graphic design shapes lines colors type fonts typography typefaces text art illustrations photography texture photos
elements of graphic design shapes lines colors type fonts typography typefaces text art illustrations photography texture photos
PDF Portfolios
Many graphic software programs, such as InDesign and Illustrator, have the option of exporting a design as a PDF, which allows you to create a PDF portfolio. This PDF portfolio can be a custom designed brochure-style piece showcasing your best work, which can be emailed to prospective clients or employers.
Many graphic software programs, such as InDesign and Illustrator, have the option of exporting a design as a PDF, which allows you to create a PDF portfolio. This PDF portfolio can be a custom designed brochure-style piece showcasing your best work, which can be emailed to prospective clients or employers.
Graphic Design Business Cards
Whether you are a freelancer or you own your own design firm, it is crucial to have business cards for your graphic design business. A well-designed card with the right content will help you look professional, show off your work, and land new clients.
Whether you are a freelancer or you own your own design firm, it is crucial to have business cards for your graphic design business. A well-designed card with the right content will help you look professional, show off your work, and land new clients.
The Graphic Design Process
When starting a new design project, there are steps of the graphic design process to follow that will help you to achieve the best results. You can save yourself time and energy by first researching the topic, finalizing your content, starting with simple sketches, and getting several rounds of approval on designs.
When starting a new design project, there are steps of the graphic design process to follow that will help you to achieve the best results. You can save yourself time and energy by first researching the topic, finalizing your content, starting with simple sketches, and getting several rounds of approval on designs.
Graphic Design Tools
There are several tools that are essential to graphic design. See how a computer and software, design books, a sketchpad and even other designers can be essential to your design process and business.
There are several tools that are essential to graphic design. See how a computer and software, design books, a sketchpad and even other designers can be essential to your design process and business.
Websites Portfolios
The web is full of portfolios for graphic designers, web designers, photographers, artists, illustrators and other creative professionals. When building a new online portfolio, there are many factors to consider and decisions to make to set yourself apart and properly showcase your work. You must determine your goals, create an outline, categorize and select your work for presentation, write your content, and design and launch the website.
The web is full of portfolios for graphic designers, web designers, photographers, artists, illustrators and other creative professionals. When building a new online portfolio, there are many factors to consider and decisions to make to set yourself apart and properly showcase your work. You must determine your goals, create an outline, categorize and select your work for presentation, write your content, and design and launch the website.
Successful Flash Portfolios
A well-designed flash portfolio must show the designer’s best work and present it effectively, using the flash to do so without overwhelming the user with animation or loading time. The design of the website itself becomes part of the portfolio, and should be treated as such.
A well-designed flash portfolio must show the designer’s best work and present it effectively, using the flash to do so without overwhelming the user with animation or loading time. The design of the website itself becomes part of the portfolio, and should be treated as such.
Business Ideas
Starting or building a graphic design business can be a daunting task. These graphic design business ideas are tips to help spread the word, show off your work and set your rates, as well as suggestions for meeting with clients and managing projects.
Starting or building a graphic design business can be a daunting task. These graphic design business ideas are tips to help spread the word, show off your work and set your rates, as well as suggestions for meeting with clients and managing projects.
iStockphoto
iStockphoto is an excellent stock photo site where members generate the content, which includes photography, illustrations, video and flash files.
iStockphoto is an excellent stock photo site where members generate the content, which includes photography, illustrations, video and flash files.
The Grid System
The grid system in graphic design is a way of organizing content on a page, using any combination of margins, guides, rows and columns. By using the grid system, a consistent design can be achieved through all the pages of a project.
The grid system in graphic design is a way of organizing content on a page, using any combination of margins, guides, rows and columns. By using the grid system, a consistent design can be achieved through all the pages of a project.
Website Wireframes
Website wireframes are simple line drawings that show the placement of elements on a web page. Learn the focus, benefits and elements of a properly constructed website wireframe.
Website wireframes are simple line drawings that show the placement of elements on a web page. Learn the focus, benefits and elements of a properly constructed website wireframe.
Graphic Design Contracts
Graphic design contracts are important to protect the designer and clearly spell out the terms of an agreement and project. This list describes sections to include in a graphic design contract.
Graphic design contracts are important to protect the designer and clearly spell out the terms of an agreement and project. This list describes sections to include in a graphic design contract.
Mac vs. PC
One of the most common ongoing debates in the computer world is whether to get a Mac or a PC. Macs, produced by Apple, have often been used in the design world, with the PC (running the Windows operating system) dominating most of the business world. When looking at the two for graphic design work, the focus is on the handling of graphics, color, and type, the availability of software, and overall ease of use.
One of the most common ongoing debates in the computer world is whether to get a Mac or a PC. Macs, produced by Apple, have often been used in the design world, with the PC (running the Windows operating system) dominating most of the business world. When looking at the two for graphic design work, the focus is on the handling of graphics, color, and type, the availability of software, and overall ease of use.
Graphic Design Software
Graphics and business-related software are key for graphic design. Products such as the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, content management software, and time tracking software will help you stay creative and organized.
Graphics and business-related software are key for graphic design. Products such as the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, content management software, and time tracking software will help you stay creative and organized.
Graphic Design Hourly Rate
Setting a graphic design hourly rate is important because it will position you in relation to your competitors, determine what your flat rates are for projects, and of course directly affect what you earn.
Setting a graphic design hourly rate is important because it will position you in relation to your competitors, determine what your flat rates are for projects, and of course directly affect what you earn.
WayBack Machine
The WayBack Machine allows users to find old web pages in their extensive website archive of billions of web pages.
The WayBack Machine allows users to find old web pages in their extensive website archive of billions of web pages.
Project Outlines
Before beginning the design phase of a job, it is helpful to create a graphic design project outline. It will provide you and your client with some structure when discussing and creating the pages and elements of a project.
Before beginning the design phase of a job, it is helpful to create a graphic design project outline. It will provide you and your client with some structure when discussing and creating the pages and elements of a project.
Shapes
Shapes are at the root of graphic design. They are figures and forms that make up logos, illustrations and countless other elements in all types of designs. Altering the size, form, angles, colors and other characteristics of the shapes in a design can significantly impact its message and success.
Shapes are at the root of graphic design. They are figures and forms that make up logos, illustrations and countless other elements in all types of designs. Altering the size, form, angles, colors and other characteristics of the shapes in a design can significantly impact its message and success.
Color Properties
The HSV color space is important to look at because it describes color based on three properties: Hue, Saturation and Value. As you edit these values, the full spectrum of colors can be created.
The HSV color space is important to look at because it describes color based on three properties: Hue, Saturation and Value. As you edit these values, the full spectrum of colors can be created.
Email Newsletters
An email newsletter is an important tool for growing a graphic design business. It is one of most effective ways to spread the word-of-mouth on what type of work you are doing and looking for.
An email newsletter is an important tool for growing a graphic design business. It is one of most effective ways to spread the word-of-mouth on what type of work you are doing and looking for.
Word of Mouth
At any stage of a business in graphic design, word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to land more jobs.
At any stage of a business in graphic design, word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to land more jobs.
What the Font
What the Font is a great tool that can help identify fonts. Just upload an image or enter an image URL and let "What the Font?!" do the rest, telling you what font is being used.
What the Font is a great tool that can help identify fonts. Just upload an image or enter an image URL and let "What the Font?!" do the rest, telling you what font is being used.
Hourly vs. Flat Rates
A common decision to be made when starting a graphic design project is whether to charge a flat or an hourly rate. Each method has pros and cons, as well as ways to work towards a fair deal for both you and your client.
A common decision to be made when starting a graphic design project is whether to charge a flat or an hourly rate. Each method has pros and cons, as well as ways to work towards a fair deal for both you and your client.
Graphic Design Books
Sometimes the quickest way to get creative inspiration for a project is to see what others have done. You’re not looking to copy anything, of course, but rather see a concept, color, shape, typeface or any other element that might spark your next great idea. This list of graphic design books provides inspiration in different areas of design.
Sometimes the quickest way to get creative inspiration for a project is to see what others have done. You’re not looking to copy anything, of course, but rather see a concept, color, shape, typeface or any other element that might spark your next great idea. This list of graphic design books provides inspiration in different areas of design.
Questions for Clients
At the start of a project, it is important to know what to ask graphic design clients to gather as much information as possible. This will often occur before you have landed a job, as it is necessary to have this meeting to help determine the cost and timeframe of the project.
At the start of a project, it is important to know what to ask graphic design clients to gather as much information as possible. This will often occur before you have landed a job, as it is necessary to have this meeting to help determine the cost and timeframe of the project.
Time Tracking Software
As a graphic design business grows, using time tracking software can help you keep organized, properly bill your clients, set your rates and study your workflow. There are many stand-alone time tracking applications, as well as options that are part of larger project management packages.
As a graphic design business grows, using time tracking software can help you keep organized, properly bill your clients, set your rates and study your workflow. There are many stand-alone time tracking applications, as well as options that are part of larger project management packages.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop has long been considered essential software for graphic design. Photoshop’s primary functions include photo editing, website design, project layout, and the creation of elements for any type of project.
Adobe Photoshop has long been considered essential software for graphic design. Photoshop’s primary functions include photo editing, website design, project layout, and the creation of elements for any type of project.
Timeline History Part 1
A timeline noting key moments in graphic design history from 15,000 BC to 1900, including the first visual communication, the invention of movable type, the opening of the first type foundry, and the development of the first Caslon Old Style font.
A timeline noting key moments in graphic design history from 15,000 BC to 1900, including the first visual communication, the invention of movable type, the opening of the first type foundry, and the development of the first Caslon Old Style font.
Color Models: CMYK
The CMYK color model is used in printing. Although computer monitors display color in RGB, final printed pieces will be in CMYK, and so it is important to understand this model and the printing process.
The CMYK color model is used in printing. Although computer monitors display color in RGB, final printed pieces will be in CMYK, and so it is important to understand this model and the printing process.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a subscription only stock site, offering a large collection of photos and illustrations at reasonable monthly rates.
Shutterstock is a subscription only stock site, offering a large collection of photos and illustrations at reasonable monthly rates.
Top Font Picks
The best fonts for different types of projects and businesses.
The best fonts for different types of projects and businesses.
Layout for Print
When preparing a document to send to a printer, there are several specifications and elements to include in your layout. These specs help to insure that the printer will provide your final project as intended.
When preparing a document to send to a printer, there are several specifications and elements to include in your layout. These specs help to insure that the printer will provide your final project as intended.
Adobe CS3
The Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) comes in many editions, each with a different focus. The “Design Standard” edition, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat Professional, is ideal for graphic designers.
The Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) comes in many editions, each with a different focus. The “Design Standard” edition, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat Professional, is ideal for graphic designers.
Print vs Web Design
An overview of the differences between designing for print and for the web, with a a focus on audience, layout, color, technology and careers.
An overview of the differences between designing for print and for the web, with a a focus on audience, layout, color, technology and careers.
Texture in Graphic Design
Texture can refer to the actual surface of a design or to the visual appearance of a design. In the first case, the audience can actually feel the texture, making it unique from the other elements of design. In the second case, texture is implied through the style of design. Rich, layered graphics can create visual texture that mirrors actual texture.
Texture can refer to the actual surface of a design or to the visual appearance of a design. In the first case, the audience can actually feel the texture, making it unique from the other elements of design. In the second case, texture is implied through the style of design. Rich, layered graphics can create visual texture that mirrors actual texture.
Typography Terminology
Basic typography terminology to help with the understanding how type is described and measured.
Basic typography terminology to help with the understanding how type is described and measured.
Lipsum.com Text Generator
Lipsum.com is an online resource that generates any requested length of Lorem Ipsum dummy text for graphic design projects.
Lipsum.com is an online resource that generates any requested length of Lorem Ipsum dummy text for graphic design projects.
Graphic Design - Articles
An index of Articles for the Graphic Design guide site.
An index of Articles for the Graphic Design guide site.
Illustrator Pen Tool
The pen tool is perhaps the most powerful tool in Illustrator. It can be used to create countless lines, curves and shapes, and serves as the building block for illustration and design. The tool is used by creating “anchor points,” and then by connecting those points with lines, which can be connected further to create shapes. Use of the pen tool is perfected through practice.
The pen tool is perhaps the most powerful tool in Illustrator. It can be used to create countless lines, curves and shapes, and serves as the building block for illustration and design. The tool is used by creating “anchor points,” and then by connecting those points with lines, which can be connected further to create shapes. Use of the pen tool is perfected through practice.
Photoshop Tools
The tools available on the Photoshop toolbar and menus are the basis for working in the software. Learning tools such as the crop, clone stamp and marquee, and the use of tool presets, will help facilitate design and improve workflow.
The tools available on the Photoshop toolbar and menus are the basis for working in the software. Learning tools such as the crop, clone stamp and marquee, and the use of tool presets, will help facilitate design and improve workflow.
Color Models: RGB
The RGB model is so important to graphic design because it is used in computer monitors. Therefore, when designing websites and other on-screen projects, the RGB model is used because the final product is viewed on a computer display.
The RGB model is so important to graphic design because it is used in computer monitors. Therefore, when designing websites and other on-screen projects, the RGB model is used because the final product is viewed on a computer display.
Successful Website Layouts
Successful website layouts depend on many variables including consistent navigation, proper balance, use of space, and clear delivery of content. See examples of successful layouts in a variety of industries.
Successful website layouts depend on many variables including consistent navigation, proper balance, use of space, and clear delivery of content. See examples of successful layouts in a variety of industries.
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook
The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines is an excellent resource that covers pricing and business practices across all types of design professions, contracts, law, professional relationships and more.
The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines is an excellent resource that covers pricing and business practices across all types of design professions, contracts, law, professional relationships and more.
Apple iMac Review
The Apple iMac claims to be “the ultimate all-in-one,” and it truly is. While marketed as Apple’s consumer model, the Apple iMac certainly packs enough power to use for professional graphic design, with a lower cost than the Mac Pro. Tools such as iLife and Font Book, and Apple's great handling of colors and fonts, make the Apple iMac an excellent tool for graphic designers.
The Apple iMac claims to be “the ultimate all-in-one,” and it truly is. While marketed as Apple’s consumer model, the Apple iMac certainly packs enough power to use for professional graphic design, with a lower cost than the Mac Pro. Tools such as iLife and Font Book, and Apple's great handling of colors and fonts, make the Apple iMac an excellent tool for graphic designers.
Graphic Design Flat Rates
Charging a flat rate for graphic design projects is often a good idea, because both you and your client know the cost from the start. Unless the scope of the project changes, the client doesn’t have to worry about going over budget, and the designer is guaranteed a certain amount.
Charging a flat rate for graphic design projects is often a good idea, because both you and your client know the cost from the start. Unless the scope of the project changes, the client doesn’t have to worry about going over budget, and the designer is guaranteed a certain amount.
Graphic Design Blogs
There are many benefits to writing your own graphic design blog. Writing a blog can build a community around your website, promote your business, and help to establish yourself as an expert in the field.
There are many benefits to writing your own graphic design blog. Writing a blog can build a community around your website, promote your business, and help to establish yourself as an expert in the field.
Timeline History Part 2
A timeline noting key moments in graphic design history from 1900-1990, including the opening of the Bauhaus school, the designing of the IBM and MTV logos, and the release of the first Macintosh computer and Adobe Photoshop.
A timeline noting key moments in graphic design history from 1900-1990, including the opening of the Bauhaus school, the designing of the IBM and MTV logos, and the release of the first Macintosh computer and Adobe Photoshop.
Color Scheme Generator
The Color Scheme Generator is an online tool that helps you create color sets for design projects.
The Color Scheme Generator is an online tool that helps you create color sets for design projects.
Project Management Software
As client lists and project sizes grow, turning to graphic design project management software is a great way to stay organized by using to-do lists, calendars, collaboration, automated billing and more.
As client lists and project sizes grow, turning to graphic design project management software is a great way to stay organized by using to-do lists, calendars, collaboration, automated billing and more.
Photoshop Clone Stamp Tool
Learn to use the clone stamp tool in Adobe Photoshop to retouch photos by copying one area of an image onto another area.
Learn to use the clone stamp tool in Adobe Photoshop to retouch photos by copying one area of an image onto another area.
Letter Anatomy
There is a standard set of terms to describe the parts of a character. These terms, and the parts of the letter they represent, are often referred to as "letter anatomy" or "typeface anatomy." By breaking down letters into parts, a designer can better understand how type is created and altered and how to use it effectively.
There is a standard set of terms to describe the parts of a character. These terms, and the parts of the letter they represent, are often referred to as "letter anatomy" or "typeface anatomy." By breaking down letters into parts, a designer can better understand how type is created and altered and how to use it effectively.
Photoshop Tool Presets
Creating tool presets in Photoshop is an excellent way to speed up your workflow and remember your favorite and most-used settings. A tool preset is a named, saved version of a tool and specific related settings such as width, opacity and brush size, all handled through the tool presets palette.
Creating tool presets in Photoshop is an excellent way to speed up your workflow and remember your favorite and most-used settings. A tool preset is a named, saved version of a tool and specific related settings such as width, opacity and brush size, all handled through the tool presets palette.
Font Doctor
When working as a graphic designer, you are bound to have hundreds of fonts on your computer. When dealing with so many fonts, it is common to run into problems such as corrupted files, multiple fonts with the same name, and messy organization. Font Doctor for the Mac will help repair and organize your fonts to clean up and avoid these problems.
When working as a graphic designer, you are bound to have hundreds of fonts on your computer. When dealing with so many fonts, it is common to run into problems such as corrupted files, multiple fonts with the same name, and messy organization. Font Doctor for the Mac will help repair and organize your fonts to clean up and avoid these problems.
Time Tracking
There are many benefits to time tracking in your graphic design business. Keeping track of the hours you spend on projects, and specific tasks, can help you set your rates, improve your business, and even save time in future projects.
There are many benefits to time tracking in your graphic design business. Keeping track of the hours you spend on projects, and specific tasks, can help you set your rates, improve your business, and even save time in future projects.
Rights to a Graphic Work
Unless otherwise specified in a contract, the graphic designer retains the right to his or her creations, and should always attempt to do so.
Unless otherwise specified in a contract, the graphic designer retains the right to his or her creations, and should always attempt to do so.
Brainstorming
Before you even begin to create a first version of a design in graphics software, it is important to harness your creativity to come up with concepts and ideas for a project. Unless the winning idea simply pops into your head (it has been known to happen), it is often difficult to sit down and start designing without a brainstorming session.
Before you even begin to create a first version of a design in graphics software, it is important to harness your creativity to come up with concepts and ideas for a project. Unless the winning idea simply pops into your head (it has been known to happen), it is often difficult to sit down and start designing without a brainstorming session.
Organize Graphic Design Files
As graphic designers take on more and more projects, organizing the files related to the projects becomes increasingly important.
As graphic designers take on more and more projects, organizing the files related to the projects becomes increasingly important.
Pantone Swatches
When designing for print, a common issue that has to be dealt with is the difference between the color on your computer display and on paper. To deal with this problem, you can use the Pantone Matching System, or PMS. The PMS has an industry standard book of color swatches with reference numbers that you can give to the printer, who will then use ready-made inks that match these numbers to complete the job.
When designing for print, a common issue that has to be dealt with is the difference between the color on your computer display and on paper. To deal with this problem, you can use the Pantone Matching System, or PMS. The PMS has an industry standard book of color swatches with reference numbers that you can give to the printer, who will then use ready-made inks that match these numbers to complete the job.
Graphic Design Credit Line
Getting your credit line on your work is a great way to spread word-of-mouth on your business. It is satisfying, and lucrative, when someone sees your work and contacts you for a project.
Getting your credit line on your work is a great way to spread word-of-mouth on your business. It is satisfying, and lucrative, when someone sees your work and contacts you for a project.
AIGA
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), representing 22,000 members, is the largest and oldest membership organization representing designers. Since 1914, the AIGA has been a place for creative professionals to network and work towards improving graphic design as a profession.
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), representing 22,000 members, is the largest and oldest membership organization representing designers. Since 1914, the AIGA has been a place for creative professionals to network and work towards improving graphic design as a profession.
Paul Rand Profile
Paul Rand was one of the most famous and influential graphic designers in history. He is best known for his logo design and corporate branding, creating timeless icons such as the IBM and ABC television logos.
Paul Rand was one of the most famous and influential graphic designers in history. He is best known for his logo design and corporate branding, creating timeless icons such as the IBM and ABC television logos.
Type Families
The different options available within a typeface, such as roman, bold and italic, make up a type family.
The different options available within a typeface, such as roman, bold and italic, make up a type family.
Creating an Email Newsletter
An email newsletter is an important tool for growing a graphic design business. It is one of most effective ways to spread the word-of-mouth on what type of work you are doing and looking for.
An email newsletter is an important tool for growing a graphic design business. It is one of most effective ways to spread the word-of-mouth on what type of work you are doing and looking for.
Color Separation
Color separation is the process by which original artwork is separated into individual color components for printing.
Color separation is the process by which original artwork is separated into individual color components for printing.
Photoshop Save for Web Tool
As a graphic designer, you may often be asked to deliver web-ready images, such as photos for a web site or banner ads. The Photoshop “Save for Web” tool is a simple and easy way to prepare your JPEG files for the web, helping with the trade-off between file size and image quality.
As a graphic designer, you may often be asked to deliver web-ready images, such as photos for a web site or banner ads. The Photoshop “Save for Web” tool is a simple and easy way to prepare your JPEG files for the web, helping with the trade-off between file size and image quality.
Website Navigation
Navigation is a key component of a website, and here are five rules to follow to help design yours effectively.
Navigation is a key component of a website, and here are five rules to follow to help design yours effectively.
Apple Software
The software that is included with all new Apple computers can be very handy for managing tasks beyond your personal life. Here are some tips for using Mac applications in your design business.
The software that is included with all new Apple computers can be very handy for managing tasks beyond your personal life. Here are some tips for using Mac applications in your design business.
Museum Directory
Visiting museums of all types can be a great source of graphic design inspiration. This museum directory has a focus on modern art, design and technology.
Visiting museums of all types can be a great source of graphic design inspiration. This museum directory has a focus on modern art, design and technology.
Photoshop Crop Tool
The Photoshop crop tool serves two main purposes. The first is to crop, which means to cut out an area of an image by selecting the area that you wish to keep. It is also handy for quickly resizing images. These functions can also be used at the same time to crop and resize a photo (or any type of image) at once.
The Photoshop crop tool serves two main purposes. The first is to crop, which means to cut out an area of an image by selecting the area that you wish to keep. It is also handy for quickly resizing images. These functions can also be used at the same time to crop and resize a photo (or any type of image) at once.
Illustrator Type Tools
There are several tools for creating type, all found on the Illustrator toolbar, and each with a different function.
There are several tools for creating type, all found on the Illustrator toolbar, and each with a different function.
Basecamp
Basecamp is an excellent online software package that makes project management and collaboration easy. Created by 37signals, the entire Basecamp system is accessed and managed online, so none of the software or data is actually stored on your computer.
Basecamp is an excellent online software package that makes project management and collaboration easy. Created by 37signals, the entire Basecamp system is accessed and managed online, so none of the software or data is actually stored on your computer.
Friends and Family Projects
A common dilemma that graphic designers face is whether or not to take on projects for friends and family, and what to charge them.
A common dilemma that graphic designers face is whether or not to take on projects for friends and family, and what to charge them.
Legal Tips
The legal side of graphic design includes important issues such as contracts, copyrights, and the settling of disputes, all of which are key to the success of a design business.
The legal side of graphic design includes important issues such as contracts, copyrights, and the settling of disputes, all of which are key to the success of a design business.
NYU Design Courses
The New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a wide variety of design courses for different levels of experience, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Typography and Portfolio classes.
The New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a wide variety of design courses for different levels of experience, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Typography and Portfolio classes.
The Freelancers Union
The Freelancers Union offers health insurance, job postings, events and networking opportunities to graphic designers and other creative professionals.
The Freelancers Union offers health insurance, job postings, events and networking opportunities to graphic designers and other creative professionals.
Wacom Pen Tablets
It is often difficult and awkward to design with a mouse, especially when working on illustrations or precise image retouching. Pen tablets give graphic designers the feel of working with an actual pen and pad, and Wacom tablets are the industry standard.
It is often difficult and awkward to design with a mouse, especially when working on illustrations or precise image retouching. Pen tablets give graphic designers the feel of working with an actual pen and pad, and Wacom tablets are the industry standard.
Photoshop Marquee Tool
The Photoshop marquee tool, a relatively simple feature, is essential for several tasks. At the most basic level, the tool is used to select areas of an image, which can then be copied, cut or cropped. There are four options within the tool to select different types of areas: rectangular, elliptical, a single row or a single column.
The Photoshop marquee tool, a relatively simple feature, is essential for several tasks. At the most basic level, the tool is used to select areas of an image, which can then be copied, cut or cropped. There are four options within the tool to select different types of areas: rectangular, elliptical, a single row or a single column.
Digital Printing
Digital printing refers to modern printing methods that use digital files, such as PDFs, instead of printing plates.
Digital printing refers to modern printing methods that use digital files, such as PDFs, instead of printing plates.
Graphic Artists Guild
The Graphic Artists Guild is a professional organization dedicated to educating and protecting its members, with a focus on the economic and legal sides of being a creative professional.
The Graphic Artists Guild is a professional organization dedicated to educating and protecting its members, with a focus on the economic and legal sides of being a creative professional.
The Little Know-It-All
The Little Know-It All is an excellent resource for graphic designers to keep handy at all times. It covers design, typography, digital media, production, marketing, law and organization.
The Little Know-It All is an excellent resource for graphic designers to keep handy at all times. It covers design, typography, digital media, production, marketing, law and organization.
Veer
Veer is a high-end stock site offering quality images and typefaces through a clear, user-friendly website. Images are available from a large selection of stock providers, including Comstock, Photodisc and Digital Vision.
Veer is a high-end stock site offering quality images and typefaces through a clear, user-friendly website. Images are available from a large selection of stock providers, including Comstock, Photodisc and Digital Vision.
Work-for-Hire
Work-for-hire refers to the situations in which a creator of a work does not retain the rights to that work. By default, and artist or designer owns the copyright to his or her work. Work-for-hire includes two exceptions to that rule.
Work-for-hire refers to the situations in which a creator of a work does not retain the rights to that work. By default, and artist or designer owns the copyright to his or her work. Work-for-hire includes two exceptions to that rule.
Illustrator Selection Tool
The Illustrator selection tool is for selecting objects in your layouts, such as shapes and blocks of type. Once selected, you can use the tool to move, transform, or apply any number of filters or effects to the selected objects.
The Illustrator selection tool is for selecting objects in your layouts, such as shapes and blocks of type. Once selected, you can use the tool to move, transform, or apply any number of filters or effects to the selected objects.
Saul Bass Profile
Saul Bass was a Bronx- born graphic designer who took his New York style to California and became famous for his work in film and classic logo design. He studied in New York at the Art Students’ League as a teenager and developed a unique style that is both recognizable and memorable.
Saul Bass was a Bronx- born graphic designer who took his New York style to California and became famous for his work in film and classic logo design. He studied in New York at the Art Students’ League as a teenager and developed a unique style that is both recognizable and memorable.
Emma Email Newsletters
Emma is an online service that manages email newsletter marketing, from organizing contacts to creating design templates to statistics reporting.
Emma is an online service that manages email newsletter marketing, from organizing contacts to creating design templates to statistics reporting.
PsPrint.com
PsPrint.com is an online print shop that offers a long list of products at affordable prices, along with several paper options, same day service, and a large collection of design templates.
PsPrint.com is an online print shop that offers a long list of products at affordable prices, along with several paper options, same day service, and a large collection of design templates.
Digital Asset Management
As a graphic designer’s collection of stock photos, PDFs, artwork and other images grows, it is helpful to use software to browse files. Rather than sift through folders, various software packages offer efficient ways to find what you are looking for.
As a graphic designer’s collection of stock photos, PDFs, artwork and other images grows, it is helpful to use software to browse files. Rather than sift through folders, various software packages offer efficient ways to find what you are looking for.
Offset Lithography
Offset lithography is a process used for printing on a flat surface, using printing plates.
Offset lithography is a process used for printing on a flat surface, using printing plates.
Blogger.com Review
Blogger.com has offered free blogs since 1999. With a nice feature set and clean interface, it quickly became and has remained one of the most popular blogging sites online.
Blogger.com has offered free blogs since 1999. With a nice feature set and clean interface, it quickly became and has remained one of the most popular blogging sites online.
Tell Me Why
Tell Me Why tells the story of the first two years of New York design firm karlssonwilker inc. The company was started in 2000 by Hjalti Karlsson and Jan Wilker, on a small budget and even smaller client base. The book proves to be an inspiration, and a wake-up call, to those looking to freelance or start a firm of their own.
Tell Me Why tells the story of the first two years of New York design firm karlssonwilker inc. The company was started in 2000 by Hjalti Karlsson and Jan Wilker, on a small budget and even smaller client base. The book proves to be an inspiration, and a wake-up call, to those looking to freelance or start a firm of their own.
Make-Ready
The term "make-ready" refers to everything done on a press to prepare for the final print job.
The term "make-ready" refers to everything done on a press to prepare for the final print job.
4over4.com
4 Over 4, named for their 4-color two-sided printing, provides quality, low-price print services including business cards and die-cutting. They accept PDF, EPS, JPEG and TIFF formats as well as Quark, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator files. Your jobs are made a little bit easier with their collection of templates.
4 Over 4, named for their 4-color two-sided printing, provides quality, low-price print services including business cards and die-cutting. They accept PDF, EPS, JPEG and TIFF formats as well as Quark, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator files. Your jobs are made a little bit easier with their collection of templates.
copyright
Copyright refers to laws that regulate the use of the work of a creator, such as an artist or author.
Copyright refers to laws that regulate the use of the work of a creator, such as an artist or author.
MaxBulk Mailer Review
MaxBulk Mailer is a stand-alone application ideal for sending newsletters and other emails to large groups.
MaxBulk Mailer is a stand-alone application ideal for sending newsletters and other emails to large groups.
Graphic Design - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Graphic Design guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Graphic Design guide site.
WordPress.com Review
WordPress.com offers free blogs with optional paid upgrades, and a full set of features that make it a great blogging option.
WordPress.com offers free blogs with optional paid upgrades, and a full set of features that make it a great blogging option.
Graphic Design - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Graphic Design guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Graphic Design guide site.
Media Bistro Courses
Media Bistro is a web-based company that offers services to media professionals, such as job listings and networking events. They offer design and business courses online and in major U.S. cities.
Media Bistro is a web-based company that offers services to media professionals, such as job listings and networking events. They offer design and business courses online and in major U.S. cities.
Highrise Review
Highrise, created by 37signals, is an online system designed to manage contacts and communication with clients. The simple interface makes it easy to track the status of projects and interaction with contacts.
Highrise, created by 37signals, is an online system designed to manage contacts and communication with clients. The simple interface makes it easy to track the status of projects and interaction with contacts.