photo credit: rauchdickson

skills in the world. It’s nearly impossible to be hired as a new graphic designer these days without having some sort of background in…….

read the full article here

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This is one of my favorite tutorials from PSDtuts+. The original post did not include a PSD file to work with. So, I have added my own.

You can get it here

Step 1

Create a new document with 1000×750px. Double click on the backgrounds layer and in Color Overlay and choose a dark brown.

Read the ful article at http://psdtuts.com/designing-tutorials/creating-a-cool-3d-web-design-effect/

Back again today with another simple wedding website.

Again, these files are intended to help a beginning designer pick apart a design and change various elements.

Download the PSD file here

If you like this download, you might also like my first wedding template

Read the full original article at:  http://graphicdesignblender.com/25-inspiring-and-creative-print-ads

As a graphic designer, one principle responsibility we have is to convey a message effectively via visual means. The following ads are inspirational in that regard. Few, if any, words are used in most of these advertisements, but the visual imagery speaks volumes.

Read the full original article at:  http://graphicdesignblender.com/25-inspiring-and-creative-print-ads

The question

I have met with my fair share of inexperienced graphic designers who are searching for their place in this enormous industry. Many have asked me what they can do to design at a more professional level.

The answers

While there are a lot of answers to this question would most likely deal with the research or creative process, I have chosen to highlight a number of things beginning (or advanced) designers can do in order to make their design LOOK more professional. These tips are all about aesthetics and the final overall feel of your design piece. They include simplicity, contrast, texture, depth, gradation, and consistency.After reading the list, let us know what you would add by leaving a comment.

1. Simplicity.

A fallacy of many new designers is to add too much to their design. Too many drop shadows, borders, colors, etc. I bring up this point first for a reason. As you read through the rest of this list, please remember that not each of these tips should be used in the same project or every time you work on a project. Use them sparingly and tastefully.

One designer who exemplifies simplicity in design is an acquaintance of mine, Brian Hoff. A glimps of his work is found above. Visit his portfolio or his blog and you will see the beauty in simplicity that he so successfully executes.

2. Contrast.

Something that all new designers need to learn (and experienced designers need to remember) is that our eyes are wired to notice areas of high contrast first. Have you ever noticed how the appearance of our eyes is engineered? We all have a dark pupil and iris surrounded by the white of our eyes. Likewise, have you noticed that the first place to look at someone when you are talking to them happens to be their eyes. Not a coincidence. Contrast attracts attention.

By using contrast in your design, it will be not only more professional but more effective in communicating its message.

3. Texture.

Now this is a dangerous one. In my opinion texture can be used quite frequently to add the extra boost your design needs. This, of course, should be done in extremely subtle ways. Heavy or extreme textures can detract from the main content of the piece but, if used wisely, it can also make your design look slightly more professional.

Why is texture so effective? Because it mimmicks real life. It is very unusual for us to look at an object in the world that has no texture to it. Chris Spooner, a very influential and skilled designer, is a great example of a designer who uses texture well to make things more interesting and professional. Check out Chris’s blog and portfolio to see what I mean.

4. Depth.

Let’s think some more about the way we see things in real life. Go ahead look down at your keyboard sitting on your desk. Or maybe out the window at a tree or a fence. Each item you look at overlaps something else. The keyboard overlaps the desk. The window glass overlaps the tree and the tree overlaps the fence.

If you want your design to be more professional and realistic, add depth. Subtle ways to add depth to your design include:

• light drop shadows
• subtle blurring
• overlapping shapes and objects
• loss of saturation or definition
• what else would you add?

5. Gradation.

Adding a very subtle and clean gradient to your design piece can be very effective. Now, I’m not talking about the seven-color neon gradients here, Im talking about the monochromatic (centered around one color) gradient that is barely noticeable. Notice, for example, the gradients used in the header of this page. The large black area is actually a gradient from dark grey to black, the blue area- a gadient from dark blue to darker blue.

Gradients should be used sparingly to add depth, interest, and an extra element of professionalism to your design.

6. Consistency.

This may very well be the most important principle of them all. Ensuring consistency in your design will give it a cohesive, “finished” look. Be sure to repeat elements, use a limited color palette, and limit fonts to a maximum of two. Then use those elements throughout the piece. This will make your design more impressive and a little more professional.

Conclusion

There is a lot of design clutter that you have to break through in this day of rapid technology and an ever-present internet. The graphic design industry is larger than ever and will continue to grow. If you want to make your design more professional, I suggest the above steps amongst others.

With such a plethora of choice it may be hard to find the right designer for your specific needs. Below is a short guide to help you make the right choice when choosing a logo designer. These points could also be useful when hiring a web designer, graphic designer, or any designer for that matter.

I don’t want this post to come across as self promotional, however, I’ve linked to my own examples to show you how I personally communicate to potential clients the value of my design work. For other designers, I hope this in turn, gives you an idea of how you too can communicate the value of your work.

In no particular order:

1. Success & Experience

Do they have a proven successful track record? How experienced are they? Previous identity projects will give you a good idea of what skill level your designer is at and what you can expect though this is not to say that a new designer can not produce top quality results – this point has to be considered with all of the other points mentioned below, in which case a strong portfolio is probably the best indicator.

For examples of some quality identity design, please check out Logo Of The Day, where Jeff Fisher and I feature a new talented logo designer every day.

2. Positive Testimonials

Have they got positive testimonials from past clients and colleagues?

Ensure you check the testimonials validity which can be done by looking for a web address or even by emailing the company. It’s a good idea to check if the company even exists.

3. A Thorough Design Process

Do they have a logo design process in which they follow or are they simply producing logos like fast food? A typical process does not take under 48 hours to complete which is why I wrote the article How NOT To Design A Logo which tells you to avoid design contests, logo factories, etc.

Think for how long your logo design will be in use – would you want that to be designed (let alone researched) in under 48 hours? Logo design is not a take away food store and this is why logo design does not cost $5.00.

There is no ‘typical’ time frame as every client will have different needs but for small and medium businesses a rough guide would be around 2 – 6 weeks.

4. Awards Won / Published Work

Have they won any awards for their work? Is their work published in any books or magazines? How recognised are they in the industry?

5. A Strong Portfolio

How strong is their portfolio? What is the make up of real to ‘fake’ logo designs? When I say ‘fake logos’ I refer to the logos made for fictional companies, rather than for real clients.

6. Price

The costs of the service is usually quite evident of what you are going to receive. In most cases, you will get what you pay for but don’t take price as the only indication.

How much does a logo design actually cost? In my experience, this is the most frequently asked question and the hardest to answer. This is because every company has different needs… the best approach is to draw up a customised quote for each individual client.

7. Design Affiliations

Are they affiliated with any design associations or publications? This is a good indication of how dedicated they are to their craft though is not at all essential.

As an example, I am a member of NAPP – The National Association of Photoshop Professionals and Logo Lounge, an online gallery for logo design professionals. Other affiliations could be AIGA, HOW or even a local design group.

8. Great Customer Service

Do they respond to your emails quickly? How do they communicate & present themselves? A designer should provide great customer service throughout the whole process, from the initial email right through to after sales support.

9. Business Professionalism

Attention to detail, trustworthiness, strong communication skills and time management are all vital and go hand in hand with great customer service.

10. Appropriate Questions

A designer should ask a variety of questions to find out your needs in relation to your business goals. Questions should revolve around the companies history, target market, competitors, company goals, etc. For an example of the questions asked, check out my logo design questionnaire.

In summary

These are 10 things you should take into account when choosing a logo designer:

1. Proven Success & Experience
2. Positive Testimonials
3. A Thorough Design Process
4. Awards & Published Work
5. A Strong Portfolio
6. Price
7. Design Affiliations
8. Great Customer Service
9. Business Professionalism
10. Appropriate Questions

Do you have any further points to add?

Does graphic design really solve problems?

“What problems do graphic designers solve?” That was a recent question that I got from a reader in response to an article here on Graphic Design Blender. He continues his question by adding, “If you’re at an airport will you be more likely to find your terminal if the signs are designed with Helvetica, than if they were designed with Papyrus? Isn’t the only difference that one looks nicer than the other?” This post answers the above questions.

In short, my answer be a resounding “YES!” I would like to examine a very popular example in which graphic design solved a big problem.

The U.S. Highway System

As early as the year 2004, the Federal Highway Administration allowed for individual states to start using a font named Clearview in place of its predecessor Highway Gothic in order to (according to the researchers and designers behind the new font) “increas[e] the legibility and recognition of road sign[s]“.

The new font has now been accepted nationwide as the standard for highway signs due to legibility tests and faster reaction times proven in studies that have been conducted. You can read all about the new Clearview typeface, the research behind it and its implementation at Clearviewhwy.com. You might also enjoy reading an article written in the New York Times about the change in typeface.

Overall, the change in typeface helped in the following ways: (statistics taken from clearviewhwy.com)

• Improved nighttime sign reading distance by up to 16 percent.
  For drivers traveling at 45 mph, that legibility enhancement could easily translate into 80 extra feet of reading distance, or a substantial 1.2 seconds of additional reading time.
• The research revealed that when the upper/lowercase Clearview-Condensed is compared to the most commonly used all-capital-letter typeface, There was a 14 percent increase in recognition when viewed by older drivers at night, with no loss of legibility.

More Examples

There are many examples where graphic design solves a problem or makes the user experience better. While, the above scenario was a very specific situation, there are thousands upon thousands of everyday problem-solving experiences that graphic designers face. Below are some examples of problems designers may need to solve:

• A company needs to redesign its logo in order to be more up-to-date or to appeal more to its target audience.
• A large corporation wants to reduce clutter in their web site in order to make it more easy for visitors to navigate.
• A big city wants to update its maps of the subway system in order to facilitate easier subway travel.
• A brand new company wants to create a logo that will be used to facilitate brand equity and boost sales.
• A writer wants to make his book more interesting by adding meaningful images and a powerful layout to his book.
• What other situations would you add to the list?

You be the judge

There are thousands of visual, experiential, and informational problems to be solved every day as a graphic designer. I would like to know what you think: Does graphic design really solve problems? Or, as the reader here on GDB put it, ” Isn’t the only difference that one [design] looks nicer than the other?”

original article link http://graphicdesignblender.com/graphic-design-solves-problems-saves-lives

There are lots of questions to be asked when preparing to design a logo.  I do NOT suggest you ask a client all of these questions, but hope that this list will help you think of a few useful questions you’ve never considered before. I have broken them up into 5 categories: company/organization questions, branding questions, design preferences, target audience, budgets & proofing.

Company/organization details

• What is your company/organization/product name?
• What sets your company apart from others?
• What services or products does your company provide?
• Why should I choose your company over your competitors?
• How long has your company been in business?
• How big is your company? (this may be answered in number of employees or revenue)
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your company?
• Where do you see your company in 5 years? 10 years? 50 years?
• Who is your main competitor?
• Why was your company founded?
• What motivated you to start this business/organization?

Branding

• If you had to describe your company/organization in one word, what would it be? why?
• If your customers had to describe your company/organization in one word, what would it be? why?
• Do you have a current logo?
• (If yes to above) What elements from your previous logo would you like to retain?
• What is the reason for modifying or redesigning your logo? (read more on this question)
• How old is your current logo?
• What is the positioning or mission statement of your company?
• Does your company have a tagline or sloagan that should be included with the logo?
• What do you hope your company can be known for?
• What do your customers recognize first when they see your logo?
• Why does your company use the colors, fonts, etc. that is does?

Design preferences

• What color palettes might you prefer? why?
• Where will the logo be primarily used?
• Are there any elements you would prefer to see in the logo?
• In your opinion, what defines a well-designed logo?
• What is your preference in reference to icons, typography, spokepeople (characters), etc.?
• What restrictions, if any, might there be on the logo?
• What words or icons must be included in the logo?
• What logos do you like and why?
• What logos do you dislike and why?
• In your opinion, what is the primary purpose for a logo?
• What are the likely occasions in which this logo will be used? (read more on this question)

Target audience

• Who is the primary target audience? (who is most likely to use your services/product?)
• Who currently uses your product the most?
• Are you please with the range of people your company serves?
• Are you looking to expand, modify, or completely change your target audience? or will it remain the same?
• How do you plan to focus on your target audience?
• What are your main forms of advertising?
• How do most customers find out about your company?
• Which gender are you targeting?
• Where do most of your customers live?
• What is the average income level of your target audience?

Budget and timing

• How much money do you plan to dedicate to this logo design?
• How many revisions do you plan on making?
• How many initial concepts would you prefer to see?
• What sort of deadline are you working with on this logo?
• Do you foresee any needed modifications in the near future?
• What is the primary reason you chose [your company] to do your logo work?
• Which is most important for you: quality, speed, or cost? (read more on this question)
• Are there any special events or promotions on which the completion of this design depends?
• Will you be needing any other services in addition to this logo design? (read more on this question)

BONUS: Extras (questions that bring in a little more money)

• Are there any other design pieces with which I can help you?
• Would you like help/consultation in defining your target audience or anything else I have asked you about?
• Do you know anyone else who is also looking for a fresh logo design?

What other questions have you found useful when preparing to design a logo? Please share.

Original link to article : http://graphicdesignblender.com/55-questions-to-ask-when-designing-a-logo

If you work in a creative field, chances are you have a personal blog.  So what makes the difference between your blog and your grandmother’s? You actually have content that you need to share with the world. Similarities?…Unfortunately no one reads either blogs.  So what can you do to finally get traffic to your blog? Try some of the suggestions below:

1. Make it attractive.
Get a personal URL, learn a little code, and set up a nice professional site.  I prefer wordpress blogging platform over any other as do most designers.  Creating a neat, professional look is the first step in setting yourself apart from a good majority of the blogs out there. This shouldn’t be a hurried process. Sit down, even in multiple sessions, and crank out a site that you can be proud of and others will want to visit.

2. Provide Quality Content.
Okay, maybe no one but your girlfriend reads your blog right now, but the goal is to one day have an entire following.  Provide high-quality, well thought-out content on your blog.  Find ways to make your writing unique.  There are millions of articles about how to design a logo, but each logo design process you go through is unique.  Post an article describing how you went about concepting and creating a logo for a client.  The post should be complete with high quality images and links.

3. Publicize.
Once you have high quality, unique content for your audience to read, it’s time to call people to your site.  Advertising can be expensive and less rewarding than hoped.  There are many great ways to publicize your blog, but be careful that you don’t cross the dreaded lines of “annoying blogger” or “spammer”. Visit high-traffic blogs that deal with similar content to your own. Leave meaningful comments and contact the site administrator to get on the site’s blogroll or even write a guest article. Any free advertising for your blog is exactly what you are looking for. Be creative.

4. Rejoice and Reap benefits.
Getting a blog up and running is hard.  Generating interest and creating an audience is even harder. If you aren’t there yet, and feel like you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, don’t give up! If you are finally starting to see progress, rejoice! There is a lot of gratification to be found in being a part of the creative community.  If you feel it would be successful, you can even try advertising on your blog to help subsidize expenses or even generate revenue.

Whatever you do, remember that blogging is as much for your own personal experience as it is for others.  Write not only for your audience but for your own learning and growth as well.

What other steps have you taken to make your personal blog successful?

<This article reposted from http://graphicdesignblender.com/four-simple-steps-to-get-your-design-blog-off-the-ground#more-35>