Archive for the ‘Graphic Designer’ Category
So you have decided to enter the exciting world of graphic design. What kind of equipment and tools will you need to do your best work? The most important tool is your sharp and creative mind. To be an exceptional graphic designer, you will need to look at the world in a slightly different way. You will need to use the fundamentals of design to create intriguing and original images that speak to the audience. Besides a good and strong creative mind, what other creative elements and tools do you need be a good graphic designer? Here are some other tools you need..
1) Digital image editing tools are key to good graphic design
With the arrival of image editing tools, graphic design has never been the same. In the 1980′s, desktop publishing became the big thing, making graphic design seem a lot more accessible. However, if you’ve worked with image editing tools, you will see how much work goes into creating a single logo or image. Image editing tools allow you to manipulate pictures, locals, line art, and all other kinds of images. Computer graphic design has opened a whole new world to graphic designers.
2) Traditional tools still remain vibrant and used throughout the markets today
With so many computer software applications and image editing tools available these days, it can seem like the old fashioned tools of pencils, pens and markers are no longer needed. This is not true. These small and portable tools are still important when designers work on paper and try to develop new and exciting designs. Most good graphic designers carry with them a pad and pencil at all times. Part of the trick of graphic design is learning to use the right tools for the right job. Sometimes pencils and markers are all you need to accomplish what you want.
3) Computers enter the fold of graphic design
Without a doubt, the 1980s revolutionized graphic design when desktop publishing became accessible. This is around the time when computers became one of the most important tools in all of graphic design history. Computers have helped graphic designers achieve immaculate and precise designs. Computers provide access to such graphic design hallmarks such as clipart, fonts, typefaces and various visual effects. Today, most graphic designers do not operate without their graphic design software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In Design and many other programs. These have become standard graphic design tools.
4) Using traditional hand rendering and pasting techniques
No matter how computers and design software seem to advance, many graphic designers still prefer to use old-fashioned techniques. This may include hand rendering with calligraphy pens, pencils and markers, and experimenting with different paste-up techniques. Why are the traditional methods still so persistent? The reason that traditional tools and techniques continue to remain so vital is that they allow the graphic design artist to work with their hands and manipulate materials and objects in a much more satisfying manner than what you get from working at a computer console. Manipulating things with your hands can often be infinitely more satisfying than using a mouse to try to control images. You can also get a much faster and better idea of what something will look like by using hand tools and creating a fast mock-up or dummy proof.
A thoroughly prepared client brief is half the success of a rebranding or design project. Attaining all the necessary and relevant information from the client and a comprehensive insight into the client’s brand provides you with a great foundation for the right brand identity and design solution.
As a designer or brand consultant, a properly prepared client brief gives multiple sources of ideas to work with. Unless you have a clear understanding of what the client wants and needs you waste your time trying to design something out of nothing and the client ends up spending more money than budgeted for as a result of the required modifications…which naturally makes both parties very happy….
Depending on the particular project you will need a specific design brief. That means if you are developing a website or creating a business card, the client design brief will be different. However, there is some general information about your company and what you want to achieve, which should give a good idea in any design situation. Here are some general questions that will help me and fellow designers and consultants:
1. Title 2. What is the nature of your business? What does your business do? 3. What is your target market? a. Age b. Sex c. Income d. Occupation e. Location 4. What is unique about your business or product? 5. Who is your competition? 6. What is your aim? What are your goals? 7. How do you want your clients to feel about the brand? What is the message you want to communicate? 8. What is your budget? Range? a. Providing a rough guide enables the consultant/designer with an idea of the type of marketing and design solution that can be provided to you. 9. What is your deadline? 10. Provide the designer with current and past design and marketing materials.
To see how you can improve the image of your brand click here: graphic design Melbourne
Are you looking to launch your graphic design career and smash your competition? If so, distinguish yourself from the competition and accentuate your design skills by becoming a certified expert in Adobe ™ software products. Adobe manufactures the most widely-used and most accessible graphic design software programs — no matter what kind of graphic design work you do; you will probably find yourself using one of Adobe’s many software products. Here is information you need to learn more about becoming certified in using Adobe graphic design software.
I. Why should you get certified in Adobe?
You can find many reasons why you should credit yourself as a certified Adobe expert. Becoming certified as an Adobe expert will make you stand out from the competition. Adobe certification is an industry standard certification that represents excellence in your field. It is the best way to demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe software to prospective clients and employers.
II. Adobe certification impresses your clients and competition.
An Adobe certification allows you to enhance your image and skills in many ways. You can emphasize this certification on your resume as a way to distinguish yourself from the competition. If you are a freelance graphic designer, you can show clients you are qualified to handle the most challenging projects. You can use your Adobe certification to attract new business and clients. You can use the Adobe certification to gain more recognition from your employer and increase your chances of a promotion or a raise. Since the Adobe brand is so well known, Adobe certification will get you noticed.
III. An Adobe certification attracts like-minded creative designers.
Even if you are not interested in becoming Adobe certified, it can still be a great standard to run your design business. If you are a freelance graphic designer or run your own graphic design business and are looking for associates, you can use the Adobe certified credential to find the right person for the open position. The Adobe certification is an easy way to assess the skill level of all of your candidates. You can invest and promote your employees according to the Adobe certification.
IV. Get ready to become an ACE graphic designer.
What does it mean to be an ACE graphic designer? Becoming an ACE means an Adobe Certified Expert. Being an Adobe Certified Expert proves that you are proficient in one or more Adobe software products. To become an Adobe Certified Expert, you will need to study for and pass one or more proficiency exams. The proficiency exams are product-specific; depending on which product(s) in which you choose to become proficient.
V. Why should you choose to become an ACP?
Another important credential in graphic design is the Adobe Certified Professionals label. This is a label that helps graphic designers separate themselves from other IT professionals. These professionals have the amazing talent to work with the latest Adobe platforms and products.
VI. Becoming an Adobe Certified Associate (ACA).
Adobe also offers a third important credential — this is the title of Adobe Certified Associate. This credential ensures that certain graphic designers or media professionals possess the right skills to plan, build, and design, and allows the user to communicate effectively between different platforms and digital media. This certification validates that you have latest skills to move fluidly between different popular Adobe software products.