Tools commonly referenced in “Designer Wanted” articles often include inDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. I’m going to take for granted that the reader already realizes the purpose of inDesign as a print media platform, and more narrowly focus on the use of Illustrator and Photoshop in design.
By definition, Illustrator’s output files are vectors, meaning that they are saved differently than Photoshop’s. When resized, they lose less of their value because they are saved as points and curves, whereas a Photoshop file would lose much of its value as its resolution became bigger as it would become more and more pixellated or “fuzzy”. For more information (and probably a better definition of what vector artwork is), please view this page.
Of course, you can use any range of image editing software that you wish, whether GIMP or your choice of vector program, but as a designer I have found Adobe’s programs more intuitive and thus have continued to use them for years. As such, I will focus on these two programs by name. Read more »
Most of what you’re about to read may or may not come off as “common sense.” If you feel this way, then look at your life. Are you applying these steps to your life? Do you feel you need a set path for becoming a great designer? Then keep reading.
The rule of thumb has always been “practice makes perfect.” Then we’re told that we will never be “perfect,” but our imperfections are our true perfections – we just need to find a way to bring out our best. Read more »
Turn on your favorite song and listen to it for a few minutes. What do you notice about it? Do you feel carried away on a journey through the ups and downs of the song? Ever wonder how songwriters do that?
Let’s take a step away from music now. Go to your favorite design and look at it. Is your eye pulled to particular areas on the page? Do you feel drawn more to one area or another? How is it accomplished? Perhaps through the use of arrows, curves, or other design elements.
This is flow. Ya’ve either got it or ya don’t! This is how we’re going to make a design really sing.
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I’m at home now. Well, not “home” home, but with family. I suppose after moving to Sacramento, I found myself making a new “home” home for myself.
It feels strangely, mostly because it feels as though I never left in the first place. I suppose that’s what “home” should feel like – a place you return to that feels familiar. Home base, home page, whatever – the word “home” I suppose has become synonymous with familiarity. Read more »
The essential energy of a design is created through the spacing. Spacing is not only important for defining elements and setting them apart, but also for creating the overall tone and energy of a piece; unequal spacing catches the eye, and adds the general flare to a design. With this in mind, it is essential that even the most novice designer learn the importance behind placement in a design, and through practice, develop an understanding that placement cannot just simply happen, just like good design doesn’t simply happen. Through nature and experimentation, the novice can best learn to use the placement and division of a piece in order to convey a proper message, and understand how it is used in the media around them. Read more »
