Nowadays, graphic design is an incredibly broad sphere for application of artistic talents. In particular, it includes:
editorial design
illustration
identity (logo and branding) design
icons and pictograms
typography
interface graphics and elements
print advertisements
big print items such as posters and billboards
signs
packaging etc.
Thus, it’s easily seen that modern designers in this sphere have multiple options to apply their talents. In all the mentioned directions, the basic purpose of graphic design is to serve a particular purpose or even a set of them by means and techniques of art.
Graphic design in modern life full of digital devices is getting more and more technological. Famous Italian designer Massimo Vignelli said “The life of a designer is a life of fight. Fight against the ugliness. Just like a doctor fights against disease. For us, the visual disease is what we have around, and what we try to do is cure it somehow with design.” Remembering the words we have to say that the purposes of modern graphic design are pushed further and further. Not only does it beautify the physical or digital object, but also helps its users, navigates them, guides their way via which they can get both aesthetic pleasure and problem-solving benefits.
Jan Tschichold’s career is prolific and left a great imprint on design. Tschichold authored the widely credited book Die Neue Typographie in which he established new typographical standards, pushed for the standardization of paper sizes and formed guidelines for typographical hierarchy – many of which are still referred to to this day.
Tschichold was also the designer behind the iconic orange Penguin Books cover design during his work with the company, where he oversaw over 500 books go to print. Tschichold’s constant striving for new techniques and practices are what keep his name in the spotlight as a heavily influential graphic design icon.
Gain Insight into the Importance of Web Color Schemes
As children, we put together colors that we like, without any sense of color scheme design or building upon an already established complementary color scheme. As we get older, we begin to realize that color sends triggers to the viewer. When designing, it’s essential to develop color scheme ideas for all platforms using, if necessary, an online color palette when developing web pages. Jim Krause, one of the design industry’s most prolific authors on color design has created several opportunities to delve into the topic of color scheme design.
There are five basic things to remember as you build out your color scheme design:
1) Remember the Basic Color Palette Wheel
The color wheel is arranged to show the relationship between primary, secondary and tertiary colors. The complementary color scheme can be viewed opposite a chosen color as in the early diagram below.
Color expert, Jim Krause, offers an easy to understand webcast entitled, Applying Color. The session touches on the basics of color theory and how it relates to building your own online color palette.
2) Complementary Color Scheme
The idea of color harmony relates to music and how various notes when played together created a pleasing sound that comforted the spirit. When choosing a color scheme design either from a color palette online or pulling from an html color scheme, harmony is an important element to attached to it.
In Krause’s Color Index, Revised Edition, he provides more that one thousand color combinations from web color schemes and implementing a split complementary color scheme to invoke dramatic imagery. Included in this popular book are RGB values and tips on incorporating color palettes from the Adobe Swatch Exchange, alleviating the need to use an online color palette.
3) Color Scheme Ideas and Contex
When developing color scheme ideas, and specifically color schemes for websites, it’s important to remember how the color fits with the site itself such as its context with its audience, objects and overall strategy. Color Inspirations by Darius A. Monsef, IV provides more background on color theory and includes more than 3,000 color scheme ideas. Monsef provides CMYK and HEX color values for producing a web design color scheme. Inside is inspirational articles on developing web color schemes including information on both a complementary color scheme and a split complementary color scheme. Included with the book is a bonus CD with color schemes for websites ready to import.
4) Color Scheme Design and Branding
A web design color scheme is affected by logo color and how it may complement or dissuade the visual user. Using Color in Logo Design is an excerpt from Krause’s book, The Logo Brainstorm Book. Whether you plan to design a logo, or simply understand the context it might evoke within an online color palette, this book provides the insight you need. Topics covered include:
One color plus black
Monochromatic
Complementary
Splitcomplementary
Analogous
Triadic
Semi-muted
Heavily muted
5) HTML Color Scheme
Your color scheme may be directly tied to the color of your logo, so remember to not only take that into account, you’ll need to understand how the Pantone Color translates into an HTML color scheme.
What is the difference between Clorox household bleach and a generic brand of household bleach? The price is one obvious difference. On average a gallon of the branded Clorox bleach is $3.97. Its generic competitor is about $1.55. What do you think makes intelligent shoppers choose a brand over a generic version? In a nutshell – a branding strategy.
branding strategy, brand strategy, design strategy, brand positioning strategy, multi brand strategy
The Clorox vs. generic bleach has been an ongoing debate and a great brand strategy example.
What is brand strategy? Brand strategy is a plan used across multi-media platforms that communicate a message to the consumer. The message can be direct or indirect. The goal is stand out in the marketplace, be top of mind for a specific product space and make the consumer feel great about his or her choice of the brand/product.
A brand strategy template would begin with a brand positioning strategy. The brand positioning strategy is developed by determining several factors from audience demographics to pricing. One of the best tools to use as a first step is Archetypes in Branding: A Toolkit for Creatives and Strategists, written by Margaret Pott Hartwell and Joshua C. Chen. The authors include 60 archetypes with definitions and attributes. Some notable brands/archetypes include Volkswagen/Explorer, Schwab/Sage, Nike/Hero, etc. Zeroing in on an archetypal character to personify a brand makes sure that all departments clearly understand the brand strategy in order to develop a design strategy.
Branding Design Across Mediums
Any brand building strategy will include customer touch points from social and online to print, television, or radio. A brand marketing strategy is the second step in becoming a branding strategy expert. Become a Branding Expert Download Collection is the strongest brand development strategy program available, featuring top branding experts working in a variety of industries. The cost of this entire collection is just $65, 71 percent off if you purchased them separately. It’s well worth the investment.
In the branding expert collection, Debbie Millman offers a good brand strategy definition in her OnDemand Designcast, Why We Buy, Why We Brand.Millman’s keen sense of strategy design has made her one of the most sought after in the subject. In this Designcast she focuses on multi-brand strategy and how consumers are drawn to some products over others. Knowing what motivates the consumer should never be overlooked. Some companies build a brand development strategy around the product, dress it up and throw it out onto the shelves. To be successful, strategy design should be developed with the eyes of your audience. Your brand strategy template should include these questions: – What problem is my brand solving for the consumer? What will motivate the buyer to choose my brand over competitors?
If you don’t have four hours to spend in one afternoon for the entire collection, choose Chermayeff & Geismar's Identity Design Process Revealed On Demand Master Class first. Sagi Haviv is a genius. His brand strategy examples are inspiring. The agency has also worked extensively with some of the world’s more recognizable businesses, developing their corporate brand strategy.
Does a Branding Strategy Smell?
According to branding expert, Joe Duffy, a brand marketing strategy should include all consumer interactions once it’s launched in the marketplace including sights, sounds and smells. Strategy design takes into account packaging design and marketing as it enters the market.
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman, challenges the traditional brand strategy definition. Millman interviewed 20 world leading designers on their views of corporate brand strategy verses a singular brand building strategy. Can a product brand separate itself from the corporate brand? And, how do corporate leaders/your clients answer, “What is brand strategy?” Their definition will determine your success.
Becoming a branding strategy expert may leave you with more questions than answers. Millman points out, “We are now living in a world with over one hundred brands of bottled water. The United States alone is home to over 45,000 shopping malls. And there are more than 19 million customized beverage choices a barista can whip up at your local Starbucks. Whether it’s good or bad, the real question is why we behave this way in the first place.”
What used to take a pool of artists weeks to complete, can now be created in hours using any number of graphic design software. Within minutes a design can be cropped, duplicated, colored, resized and integrated into several web design programs.
Many continuing education classes offer web design certificate programs for completing a series of tutorial and online learning programs and have become extremely popular for computer users of all ages. Most software companies offer free web/graphic design software for a trial period. Sampling is a great way to entice new customers and loyal users.
Today, computer design programs, and more specifically graphic design programs, offer extreme ways to bring art and design to life using 3-D technology, iPad app development and smart phone web incorporation. The best web design program begins with easy installation, usability and integration. Once you purchase a graphic or web design solution, your next step is to enroll in an independent study, online class or in a local continuing education program in order to gain in-depth knowledge of what your design program can do.
There are some opportunities to access free web design programs, but they are usually variations of higher-end design solutions. While there is no one “best web design program,” there are many great options beginning with designing programs like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, which allow designers the creative flexibility to engage with an audience like never before. Adobe typically will offer web design certificate programs through official Adobe training or experienced teachers.
Graphic Design Software Options & Benefits Graphic design programs like Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (DPS) lets designers develop projects for numerous platforms from print and digital to mobile and tablet. DPS is a suite with graphic design programs that can include motion, interactivity and more.
If you are interested in classes or training for some of your web design programs MyDesignShop.com offers an independent study course - An Introduction to Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (DPS). This course is one of the best design programs available, offering new tools to create iPad apps, with step-by-step instructions on how to submit your new app to the Apple app store.
Graphic & Web Design Programs: Adobe Creative Suite 6
Many designers continue to refresh their knowledge and expertise by taking classes a few times per year. Claudia McCue, an Adobe Certified Instructor, provides an MP3 download for designers entitled - Adobe InDesign Deep Dive. McCue offers time saving tips to incorporate other suite graphic design software that designers may not be aware of. If you’re not familiar with Adobe Creative Suite 6 (CS 6), you can download Creative Suites 6 Reviewed. It’s also a great way to compare graphic design programs and earlier versions of Adobe’s Creative Suites with CS 6. The graphic design software new features reviews covered in this ebook cover Photoshop CS6 and InDesign CS6.
Photoshop is not just one of the best graphic design programs, many designers would say it is one of the most essential software for all types of graphic design. Russell Brown and Julieanne Kost have developed a “rapid-fire” teaching program for Photoshop that gives users quick tips and techniques for utilizing this dynamic graphic design software. Billed as The Greatest Photoshop Show on Earth and presented by (MP3), this digital download is a popular program for those looking for instant immersion.
Lynda.com trainer and author, Michael Ninness, offers the perfect companion to The Greatest Photoshop Show on Earth. Ninness discusses the integration of Photoshop and illustrator with Flash in Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash®, Oh My. . . presented on MP3. The program includes the best ways for importing content into Flash and integrating bitmaps into Flash movies.
Color Calibration Design Software
If the odd name doesn’t pique your interest, Pantone’s Color Munki Design capabilities will. Sold as a software and hardware designing program for color management, this solution offers enormous benefits for both the individual designer and in-house teams. Once loaded onto a computer, the Color Munki calibrates both the monitor and printer. Colors can be captured using the handheld device by placing it onto the color choice and tapping a button. The resulting scan loads the proper color codes onto the software and saved in a personally created palette. RBG, CMYK and Pantone colors are included in the color scan results.
The 21st Century has produced graphic and web design programs that can create nearly any set, scenario or background, enhancing engagement and loyalty. The best way to find the designing program that works best for your interests is to read reviews, download free trails and invest in insider insights. Knowledge is power, but learning never stops.
Graphic Design Programs Designers Shouldn't Live Without
What used to take a pool of artists weeks to complete, can now be created in hours using any number of graphic design software. Within minutes a design can be cropped, duplicated, colored, resized and integrated into several web design programs.
Many continuing education classes offer web design certificate programs for completing a series of tutorial and online learning programs and have become extremely popular for computer users of all ages. Most software companies offer free web/graphic design software for a trial period. Sampling is a great way to entice new customers and loyal users.
Today, computer design programs, and more specifically graphic design programs, offer extreme ways to bring art and design to life using 3-D technology, iPad app development and smart phone web incorporation. The best web design program begins with easy installation, usability and integration. Once you purchase a graphic or web design solution, your next step is to enroll in an independent study, online class or in a local continuing education program in order to gain in-depth knowledge of what your design program can do.
There are some opportunities to access free web design programs, but they are usually variations of higher-end design solutions. While there is no one “best web design program,” there are many great options beginning with designing programs like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, which allow designers the creative flexibility to engage with an audience like never before. Adobe typically will offer web design certificate programs through official Adobe training or experienced teachers.
Graphic Design Software Options & Benefits
Graphic design programs like Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (DPS) lets designers develop projects for numerous platforms from print and digital to mobile and tablet. DPS is a suite with graphic design programs that can include motion, interactivity and more.
If you are interested in classes or training for some of your web design programs MyDesignShop.com offers an independent study course - An Introduction to Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (DPS). This course is one of the best design programs available, offering new tools to create iPad apps, with step-by-step instructions on how to submit your new app to the Apple app store.
Graphic & Web Design Programs: Adobe Creative Suite 6 Many designers continue to refresh their knowledge and expertise by taking classes a few times per year. Claudia McCue, an Adobe Certified Instructor, provides an MP3 download for designers entitled - Adobe InDesign Deep Dive. McCue offers time saving tips to incorporate other suite graphic design software that designers may not be aware of. If you’re not familiar with Adobe Creative Suite 6 (CS 6), you can download Creative Suites 6 Reviewed. It’s also a great way to compare graphic design programs and earlier versions of Adobe’s Creative Suites with CS 6. The graphic design software new features reviews covered in this ebook cover Photoshop CS6 and InDesign CS6.
Photoshop is not just one of the best graphic design programs, many designers would say it is one of the most essential software for all types of graphic design. Russell Brown and Julieanne Kost have developed a “rapid-fire” teaching program for Photoshop that gives users quick tips and techniques for utilizing this dynamic graphic design software. Billed as The Greatest Photoshop Show on Earth and presented by (MP3), this digital download is a popular program for those looking for instant immersion.
Lynda.com trainer and author, Michael Ninness, offers the perfect companion to The Greatest Photoshop Show on Earth. Ninness discusses the integration of Photoshop and illustrator with Flash in Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash®, Oh My. . . presented on MP3. The program includes the best ways for importing content into Flash and integrating bitmaps into Flash movies.
Color Calibration Design Software
If the odd name doesn’t pique your interest, Pantone’s ColorMunki Design capabilities will. Sold as a software and hardware designing program for color management, this solution offers enormous benefits for both the individual designer and in-house teams. Once loaded onto a computer, the ColorMunki calibrates both the monitor and printer. Colors can be captured using the handheld device by placing it onto the color choice and tapping a button. The resulting scan loads the proper color codes onto the software and saved in a personally created palette. RBG, CMYK and Pantone colors are included in the color scan results.
The 21st Century has produced graphic and web design programs that can create nearly any set, scenario or background, enhancing engagement and loyalty. The best way to find the designing program that works best for your interests is to read reviews, download free trails and invest in insider insights. Knowledge is power, but learning never stops.
What is the difference between Clorox household bleach and a generic brand of household bleach? The price is one obvious difference. On average a gallon of the branded Clorox bleach is $3.97. Its generic competitor is about $1.55. What do you think makes intelligent shoppers choose a brand over a generic version? In a nutshell – a branding strategy.
branding strategy, brand strategy, design strategy, brand positioning strategy, multi brand strategy
The Clorox vs. generic bleach has been an ongoing debate and a great brand strategy example.
What is brand strategy? Brand strategy is a plan used across multi-media platforms that communicate a message to the consumer. The message can be direct or indirect. The goal is stand out in the marketplace, be top of mind for a specific product space and make the consumer feel great about his or her choice of the brand/product.
A brand strategy template would begin with a brand positioning strategy. The brand positioning strategy is developed by determining several factors from audience demographics to pricing. One of the best tools to use as a first step is Archetypes in Branding: A Toolkit for Creatives and Strategists, written by Margaret Pott Hartwell and Joshua C. Chen. The authors include 60 archetypes with definitions and attributes. Some notable brands/archetypes include Volkswagen/Explorer, Schwab/Sage, Nike/Hero, etc. Zeroing in on an archetypal character to personify a brand makes sure that all departments clearly understand the brand strategy in order to develop a design strategy.
Branding Design Across Mediums
Any brand building strategy will include customer touch points from social and online to print, television, or radio. A brand marketing strategy is the second step in becoming a branding strategy expert. Become a Branding Expert Download Collection is the strongest brand development strategy program available, featuring top branding experts working in a variety of industries. The cost of this entire collection is just $65, 71 percent off if you purchased them separately. It’s well worth the investment.
In the branding expert collection, Debbie Millman offers a good brand strategy definition in her OnDemand Designcast, Why We Buy, Why We Brand.Millman’s keen sense of strategy design has made her one of the most sought after in the subject. In this Designcast she focuses on multi-brand strategy and how consumers are drawn to some products over others. Knowing what motivates the consumer should never be overlooked. Some companies build a brand development strategy around the product, dress it up and throw it out onto the shelves. To be successful, strategy design should be developed with the eyes of your audience. Your brand strategy template should include these questions: – What problem is my brand solving for the consumer? What will motivate the buyer to choose my brand over competitors?
Does a Branding Strategy Smell?
According to branding expert, Joe Duffy, a brand marketing strategy should include all consumer interactions once it’s launched in the marketplace including sights, sounds and smells. Strategy design takes into account packaging design and marketing as it enters the market.
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman, challenges the traditional brand strategy definition. Millman interviewed 20 world leading designers on their views of corporate brand strategy verses a singular brand building strategy. Can a product brand separate itself from the corporate brand? And, how do corporate leaders/your clients answer, “What is brand strategy?” Their definition will determine your success.
Becoming a branding strategy expert may leave you with more questions than answers. Millman points out, “We are now living in a world with over one hundred brands of bottled water. The United States alone is home to over 45,000 shopping malls. And there are more than 19 million customized beverage choices a barista can whip up at your local Starbucks. Whether it’s good or bad, the real question is why we behave this way in the first place.”
What is the difference between Clorox household bleach and a generic brand of household bleach? The price is one obvious difference. On average a gallon of the branded Clorox bleach is $3.97. Its generic competitor is about $1.55. What do you think makes intelligent shoppers choose a brand over a generic version? In a nutshell – a branding strategy.
branding strategy, brand strategy, design strategy, brand positioning strategy, multi brand strategy
The Clorox vs. generic bleach has been an ongoing debate and a great brand strategy example.
What is brand strategy? Brand strategy is a plan used across multi-media platforms that communicate a message to the consumer. The message can be direct or indirect. The goal is stand out in the marketplace, be top of mind for a specific product space and make the consumer feel great about his or her choice of the brand/product.
A brand strategy template would begin with a brand positioning strategy. The brand positioning strategy is developed by determining several factors from audience demographics to pricing. One of the best tools to use as a first step is Archetypes in Branding: A Toolkit for Creatives and Strategists, written by Margaret Pott Hartwell and Joshua C. Chen. The authors include 60 archetypes with definitions and attributes. Some notable brands/archetypes include Volkswagen/Explorer, Schwab/Sage, Nike/Hero, etc. Zeroing in on an archetypal character to personify a brand makes sure that all departments clearly understand the brand strategy in order to develop a design strategy.
Branding Design Across Mediums
Any brand building strategy will include customer touch points from social and online to print, television, or radio. A brand marketing strategy is the second step in becoming a branding strategy expert. Become a Branding Expert Download Collection is the strongest brand development strategy program available, featuring top branding experts working in a variety of industries. The cost of this entire collection is just $65, 71 percent off if you purchased them separately. It’s well worth the investment.
In the branding expert collection, Debbie Millman offers a good brand strategy definition in her OnDemand Designcast, Why We Buy, Why We Brand.Millman’s keen sense of strategy design has made her one of the most sought after in the subject. In this Designcast she focuses on multi-brand strategy and how consumers are drawn to some products over others. Knowing what motivates the consumer should never be overlooked. Some companies build a brand development strategy around the product, dress it up and throw it out onto the shelves. To be successful, strategy design should be developed with the eyes of your audience. Your brand strategy template should include these questions: – What problem is my brand solving for the consumer? What will motivate the buyer to choose my brand over competitors?
Does a Branding Strategy Smell?
According to branding expert, Joe Duffy, a brand marketing strategy should include all consumer interactions once it’s launched in the marketplace including sights, sounds and smells. Strategy design takes into account packaging design and marketing as it enters the market.
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman, challenges the traditional brand strategy definition. Millman interviewed 20 world leading designers on their views of corporate brand strategy verses a singular brand building strategy. Can a product brand separate itself from the corporate brand? And, how do corporate leaders/your clients answer, “What is brand strategy?” Their definition will determine your success.
Becoming a branding strategy expert may leave you with more questions than answers. Millman points out, “We are now living in a world with over one hundred brands of bottled water. The United States alone is home to over 45,000 shopping malls. And there are more than 19 million customized beverage choices a barista can whip up at your local Starbucks. Whether it’s good or bad, the real question is why we behave this way in the first place.”
What is (#FF0000), (#00FF00), (#0000FF)? If you answered Red, Green and Blue HTML font color codes, then you would be correct. How about (#00FFFF), (#FF00FF), (#FFFF00)? The first is Cyan or blue/green, the second Magenta or red/blue and the third Yellow or red/green.
As you design your web page, how important do you think color is in communicating your brand or message? Crucial. Visitors to a website are typically engaged, interacting with images and content. As a designer, creating an atmosphere online, or an experience if you will, is initially prompted by color and design. This makes the need to understand font color codes extremely important.
On the web, font color codes, also referred to as HTML font color codes, are created using Hexadecimal triplets or Hexadecimal notations for RGB values denoting red, green and blue colors - (#RRGGBB). Web browsers read HEX codes as notations that begin with the pound sign - # - followed by two digit RGB values. Each follows a color intensity code with 00 signifying the least amount of color present to FF, which notes the highest amount of color present. Each color has a range from 0 to 255 for a total of 256. The possible color combinations is staggering – over 16 million!
Quiz #1: What color is (#000000)?
Answer: These numbers represent the absence of any color so that font color code would correspond to black. Similarly, the HTML font color code that represents the highest intensity of color is (#FFFFFF), which becomes white.
Quiz #2: What is the HTML code for font color for the following: Cyan (blue/green), Magenta (red/blue) and Yellow (red/green)? 1) (#FFFF00) 2) (#00FFFF) 3) (#FF00FF)
Answer: 1) Yellow; 2) Cyan; 3) Magenta;
Font Color Charts with Names
If you don’t need 16 million different colors, there are some easier ways to insert font color code into your design. A color chart with names of basic colors can be found in Color Inspirations: More than 3,000 Innovative Color Palette Ideas. Web browsers can read 16 basic color names that can be inserted as HTML tags instead of a font color code - aqua, black, blue, fuchsia, gray, green, lime, maroon, navy, olive, purple, red, silver, teal, white, and yellow. Not only does Color Inspirations include over 3200 color palette ideas, it also offers a color numbers chart. A bonus CD allows you to import every color palette from Color Index and Color Index 2 directly into into InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. The color numbers chart includes codes for CMYK and RGB, as well as HTML code for font color or HEX.
Pantone Font Color and HEX Color Codes
As a designer, color comes in all shades, codes, and names. It’s entirely possible that you could end up with a color chart with names, a Pantone colors chart, and even several HTML color charts, or you can just invest in the Pantone® Plus Series Color Bridge® Guides Coated & Uncoated Set and Supplements (336 New Colors). These color guides show all necessary color codes – RGB, CMYK, HEX and of course Pantone. Colors are shown as the would appear on coated and uncoated paper with the various codes printed adjacent to it the color example. Expanding your library beyond a Pantone colors chart is more productive and organized than having several color code guides, especially if you design for all forms of media and need to code accordingly. This Pantone® Plus Series Color Bride® includes a set of two fan guides for all the Pantone Solid colors (coated and uncoated), a color index, a lighting evaluation tool, and a digital image color-correction tool. The Pantone Color Management System is also provided in this comprehensive Pantone bridge package.
Font Color Codes Design
Once you’re ready to create, remember to continue to inspire your creativity as often as possible. Author Patrick McNeil’s, The Web Designer’s Idea Book, Volume 3 is filled with examples of “Best in Class” websites and serves as a great resource for finding plug-ins and tools to enhance your work. This third volume of one of the bestselling books on web design is filled with more than 600 themes and trend examples on website creation.
Do you ever get asked ‘Where did you get that idea from?’ in any of your projects or pieces of work and you couldn’t answer the question? Well, I have actually come across that a few times and it made me think to myself, where do I get my creativity? How do I get my creative juices flowing? How do I boost my creativity?
I made a short list of where I usually got my ideas from and came down to two things I always did to get my creative juices flowing, that being mindmapping and finding inspiration. I then compared my ways to other creative individuals on the net but we will get to that in a bit.
Mindmapping
So what? Everyone has heard of mindmapping but are you doing it in the best possible way – the way that suits you best? The key to perfecting mind-mapping is creating your own personal style.
Do you use keywords? Images? Both?
Do you use a variety of colours?
Do you use a hierarchy system? A number system? Outlines? Circles?
Do you use random words for inspiration or do you relate words? Both?
Are all lines & thoughts connected? Or do you loiter off into new mind maps?
You must find the best method that suits you, as the key to getting great ideas and getting your creative juices flowing is by perfecting your own personal style, as not everyone has the same way of doing things.
Finding Inspiration
If you are really stuck for ideas (even after mindmapping), I have always found that by getting an idea of what other people have done and what has succeeded (or failed) is a great way to get your feet off the ground again.
Although mindmapping and inspiration are two great ways of getting creative, there are many other ways to help you out. For example, a creative blog by the name of Think Simple Now outlines in an article how to get to your inner creativity. See below.
Other Creative Methods
Have you ever tried practicing any of the methods below? Give it a try, you’ll be surprised.
Get Relaxed – Take a moment to do something that makes you happy; that brings you joy; that you love; that centers you. Meditate, take a walk, go for a swim, read something that puts you in a good mood, write a diary – writing down your thoughts.
Give Gratitude – Thinking about all things you are grateful for produces a positive energy flow and vibration. As you feel the love in your heart for all the wonderful blessings and gifts in your life, you will instantly relax and feel all warm-and-fuzzy inside. In that moment of warmth and love, you are open to creative energy.
Tickle Your Imagination – Imagination is highly visual. Try closing your eyes, and imagine that you are in a scene, any scene. Okay – pick your ideal scene, practice seeing the details of your environment in this scene. See the colours, the textures, touch something. What does it feel like? What do you hear? What do you smell? What is the temperature like? Etc. This makes you more relaxed and gives you gratitude also.
Be In the Moment – Every outstanding musician or artist will tell you that when they are creating great music or art, there are no thoughts, they are completely in the moment, and experiencing flow. Athletes call this ‘being in the zone‘. You can practice present moment awareness by giving full attention to whatever you are doing: eating, washing dishes, making your bed, etc. Meditation helps tremendously. The book “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle is also highly recommended.
Be Inspired – Practice seeing beautiful things that moves you emotionally. Flip through a book containing thought provoking images, go to an art gallery, read something inspirational, talk to someone who calms you.
Draw – This may sounds funny, but one of the effective ways to practice getting in touch with your creative side is to start drawing. Drawing forces you to see things differently.
See Alternatives – Be curious. Practice asking yourself how to do something differently. When seeing the solution to a problem, ask yourself, “What are some alternative ways to doing this?“. Develop the mental attitude that “there is always another way” even when alternatives seem ‘impossible’.
Be Open – Never shut down any idea that comes your way, do not make judgments about it. Appreciate any idea that comes to you, even ones that seem “stupid” or “obvious”. This way, you encourage more creative ideas to surface from your being.
Think on Paper – With a bunch of loose paper, start jotting ideas down. Write everything down that comes to your head: random words, phrases, ideas, thoughts: sometimes you might want to circle things and draw lines to connect ideas. When an inspiration hits, follow it. If you suddenly have a different idea, jot it down somewhere on the page or in a new page.
Smart Objects are layers that contain image data from raster or vector images and they allow you preserve an image’s source content with all its original characteristics, enabling you to perform nondestructive editing to the layer / object. You can create Smart objects using several methods: by using the Open As Smart Object command; placing a file, pasting data from Illustrator; or converting one or more Photoshop layers to Smart Objects. To edit the smart object all you have to do is choose the Layer > Smart Objects > Edit Contents > Make Your Changes > File > Save and it automatically updates!
Hope you enjoyed these Photoshop & Illustrator tips. Got any more to add?
There are many different possible ink combinations of “black” – the most common “rich black” contains percentages of all 4 inks: 75C, 68M, 67Y 90K which is the default in Photoshop. You should take note that the default black in Illustrator & InDesign is NOT rich black but rather plain black (K=100). You may use rich black for large black areas however do NOT use rich black for smaller text; registration problems can occur. Another neat tip is if your text is large enough that you want to use rich black, but is just small enough that registration may pose a threat, outline your text with .5 or 1 pt of k=100. For more CMYK black tips visit: Rich Black VS Plain Black.
A tagline should also be developed to define the business to its audience. When customers hear a tagline, they should immediately think of its associated company. For example, when someone says, “The happiest place on earth,” the first thought is Disneyland. Other large corporations have been extremely successful with this tactic, including M&M’s “It melts in your mouth, not in your hands” and Campbell Soup’s “Mmm, mmm…good!”
The point is to keep the tagline simple and easy to remember. Being clever or witty is only advised if it doesn’t complicate the message. It also needs to remain short since the tagline is typically incorporated into the logo design, as well as all collateral marketing pieces.
As the brand is implemented, it is imperative that everyone affiliated with the business is able to articulate the messages. Each person who represents the company is a brand ambassador, from the CEO, to the sales manager, to the receptionist. Embrace it.
Negative feedback about products and services should be considered when developing the branding strategy. Make a list of the current public perceptions, then take a critical look at how those beliefs can be repositioned. For example, a product that is perceived as being outdated can be repackaged as something that is traditional and timeless.
At a minimum, the focus groups’ opinions should steer the final branding position statement. Typically one to two paragraphs, this descriptive statement must embody who the company is and what it uniquely delivers. From these sentences, cull sound bites (short phrases) that can be incorporated any time someone speaks or writes about the business.
Once this is accomplished, visual and textual elements can begin development. These should reflect the personality and values of the brand, but also match the interest and lifestyles of the target audience. For example, if a surfboard company wants to attract a young, athletic audience, the messages, fonts and artwork should be playful and outdoorsy. In contrast, a retirement savings company needs to build a more subdued brand in order to portray an image of trust.
It is easy to hire a graphic designer and writer to assist in the creation of the branding elements. But, significant time, money and energy will be lost if a well thought out plan isn’t created first. The first place to start is with a SWOT analysis (detailed SWOT Guide here). When evaluating the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to a company, it is crucial to be brutally honest. Inflation of successes and marginalization of limitations will set this project up for failure.
A thorough review of the business should include what it accomplishes, how products and services are delivered, why it exists and what it makes it different from competitors. Also consider the target audience, what their top concerns are and how the business can help. Be careful not to quickly reject an idea as ridiculous during this brainstorming phase. An off-the-wall suggestion, once examined, often has practical applications.
When the list is able to be narrowed down to the three best ideas, a focus group of five to ten people should be assembled to gauge their reactions, perceptions, misconceptions, connotations, feelings and general opinions. A separate focus group of staff and board members, as well as current customers, should also be gathered.
A crucial part of developing a branding strategy is the creation of a strong logo, but it’s important to remember your logo is not your brand. This visual element symbolizes the brand and can play a large role in establishing an emotional connection with the product. Integrating the logo into all corporate communication elements, including media relations, information packets, brochures, advertising, videos, fact sheets, newsletters, the website and social media, is an important part of building brand identity. Consistency in design, look and tone is vital in building credibility.
The number one rule for logo design is that it must be able to speak for itself. Effective logos do not have to be explained. Take a look at some of the world’s most successful brands: the Nike swoosh and the Air Jordan jump man logo, the golden arches of McDonalds, the interlocking rings of the Olympics, the colorful peacock of NBC. It’s almost impossible to think of Yahoo! and not hear the country twang. Both Google, with its ever-evolving doodles to celebrate special days, and Twitter, with its simple blue bird, have become so successful that the American lexicon now includes “googling” and “tweeting” as verbs. Brands & strong visual identities help this happen.
Once the domain of multi-million dollar corporations, the concept of branding is being embraced by individuals and small businesses as a means to distinguish themselves from the competition. It takes time and patience to develop an effective brand, both in the creation and the implementation phase. A brand cannot be created overnight; it is planned, maintained, groomed. But, if done effectively, the process is well worth the energy.
Simply put, a brand is the public image of a business, product or individual. It is reputation. It is a promise. When delivered consistently, a brand shapes consumers’ perceptions and expectations. A successful brand celebrates personality, honors values and embodies the spirit of the subject that it represents.
The objective of a branding strategy is to develop clear, compelling, consistent messages that are easily conveyed. A good brand contains messages that can speak to multiple audiences, including current customers, potential patrons and people who hold misconceptions. Yet, this needs to be delivered in a short, simple way.
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.
1. Experience
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:
Here are 6 Adobe Photoshop tips and tricks that you may not know about. This post is for Photoshop beginners.
1. Refining a selection
After you make a selection in Photoshop you can easily edit the selection using refine edge in the top toolbar. You must try this out, it is very useful!
2. Hidden Options Behind Arrows
I am amazed by how many people do not know about these tiny little arrows that hold so many more options! These tiny arrows are pretty much on every tool bar across the whole Adobe Suite. I assure these arrows will open you up to a whole new world.
3. Blending Options
If you right click on a layer in the layers toolbar, and then click blending options this will bring you to a whole vast array of effects that will keep you busy for hours. Use these options very sparingly.
4. Resist The Urge to use the filter gallery, especially the lens flare.
Not so much of a ‘tip’ but more ‘helpful advice’… but yes you heard me, do not use the filter gallery (unless you know how to well or for a effect that you need). Design is not filter effects and it never will be. Also please resist adding lens flare to your work, as well as rainbow gradients, embossed type and drop shadow unless you know how to use it well. You may want to check out 15 Signs Your a Bad Graphic Designer. NB. Rules can be broken.
5. Layer Blending Modes
Once you master the blending modes in Photoshop you can pretty much ‘own’ photoshop. Open up the layers palette, select a layer and click the downwards arrow where it says Normal. Try experimenting with different blending modes on different layers, put layers above or below other layers, change the opacity and so fourth and you will be amazed!
6. The best tip of all…
Practice. You can do this by doing tutorials or watching videos or experimenting on your own. Practice, practice, practice!
In my own personal experience I have found that if I find a design piece or style that I really like, I search the net and magazines for tutorials on how to recreate that effect and try to adapt it to my own personal project and style… I find this a great way to learn. Also if you ever need help, check out Adobes Help function in the programs and also write questions on forums (or blogs)… people will be more than happy to help you out!
What makes a good logo? A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic, simple in form and conveys an intended message.
There are five principles that you should follow to ensure that this is so… An effective logo is (in no particular order):
1. Simple
2. Memorable
3. Timeless
4. Versatile
5. Appropriate
1.Simple
A simple logo design allows for easy recognition and allows the logo to be versatile & memorable. Good logos feature something unique without being overdrawn.
2. Memorable
Following closely behind the principle of simplicity, is that of memorability. An effective logo design should be memorable and this is achieved by having a simple, yet, appropriate logo.
You may be interested to see some examples of bad logo designs.
3. Timeless
An effective logo should be timeless – that is, it will endure the ages. Will the logo still be effective in 10, 20, 50 years?
Probably the best example of a timeless logo is the Coca-Cola logo… if you compare it to the Pepsi logo below, you can see just how effective creating a timeless logo can be. Notice how the Coca Cola logo has barely changed since 1885? That is timeless design.
4. Versatile
An effective logo should be able to work across a variety of mediums and applications. The logo should be functional. For this reason a logo should be designed in vector format, to ensure that it can be scaled to any size. The logo should be able to work both in horizontal and vertical formats.
Ask yourself; is a logo still effective if:
Printed in one colour?
Printed on the something the size of a postage stamp?
Printed on something as large as a billboard?
Printed in reverse (ie. light logo on dark background) One way around creating a versatile logo is to begin designing in black and white only. This allows one to focus on the concept and shape, rather than the subjective nature of colour. One must also remember printing costs – the more colors used, the more expensive it will be for the business over the long term.
One should also familiarise themself with the commercial printing process so as not to come into printing problems further down the track. Learn to know the difference between the CMYK, Pantone and RGB color systems. When designing logos, the Pantone colour system is recommended.
5. Appropriate
How you position the logo should be appropriate for its intended purpose. For example, if you are designing a logo for children’s toys store, it would be appropriate to use a childish font & colour scheme. This would not be so appropriate for a law firm.
It is also important to state that that a logo doesn’t need to show what a business sells or offers as a service. ie. Car logos don’t need to show cars, computer logos don’t need to show computers. The Harley Davidson logo isn’t a motorcycle, nor is the Nokia logo a mobile phone. A logo is purely for identification.
For further evidence of this, take the top 50 brands of the world – 94% of the logos do not describe what the company does.
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