Tag Archive: Graphic


What is Graphic Design?

Filed Under: Graphic Design
Oct.06, 2010

­What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is graphically communicating a visual message or display to a direct audience through the source of a logo, through print, and/or on the web.

 

What makes a great Graphic Designer?

Great graphic design starts with a professional, creative designer. A great graphic designer understands that incredible visual art displays three underlining principles. First, great design must be visually appealing towards a specific audience or in most cases a certain customer base. Second, good graphic design needs to communicate the perfect visual message which will in turn create a professional visual image. Thirdly, great graphic design uses creative imagery, typography, and well displayed layout themes to enhance their design.

 

Working with your Graphic Designer!

It is helpful to be prepared when working with your graphic designer. The five following steps will create a very pleasant and promising design experience.

 

1.) It is time to choose a product!

Taste of Ink Design and Print Studios offers custom designed promotional material. Products range from silk business cards, to magazines, to websites. It is your job to choose the perfect product for the occasion and let a professional designer perfect your image.

 

2.) It is time to choose an audience!

Choosing a specific audience is the most important ingredient when selling a product, idea, or thought. This is why handpicking your audience is the first of five steps when dealing with your graphic designer. Make sure you take the necessary time and precaution when choosing your audience.

 

Ask yourself the necessary questions, “Who is your audience, why do they want to buy your product or want to read this information, what can I give them that they will not only want but use, and what image (professional, classy, traditional, modern) do you want your audience to see? If you answer these questions truthfully, you should have a very good picture of the image and vision you want to portray to your audience. Remember to be honest as possible when describing your image to your graphic designer. ­­

 

3.) It is time to promote a product, thought, or idea with content!

If you are selling a product, it is much easier than selling a thought, or idea. However, the three all fall under the same premise. Just remember one main point, “You are not selling anything!” That is why you are hiring a graphic designer! You are basically the mind behind the design or as we call it, the “display”. The average person focuses so much on their promotional material by the trying to sell, sell, sell. Well, selling product, a thought, or idea is obviously the final goal, however reaching that goal should not focus on selling at all.

 

You hire a graphic designer for one purpose, to use a professional service that you yourself do not have the time to do or do not have the creativity within. For most of us we have plenty of time, just not gifted with creative genius.

 

So for this step don’t worry about ‘sell, sell, sell’; but moreover choose content that matches with the image you want your audience to read (see). When you look at it this way, it is not selling at all. It is using words, and visual imagery to create the perfect identity that you want you audience (customers) to see. With this said, remember that the content you give your designer is explainable, and clear so that the design (display) will match your vision.

 

4.) It is time choose imagery for your display!

Now its time to once again remember the image you want to display and come up with ideas for pictures and visual imagery. You will share your ideas to your graphic designer and remember to be as descriptive as possible. Our graphic designers are creative but they need your help to let them know what you want!

 

5.) It is time to create your perfect company image!

Now let our graphic design team to do all the work. Choose a product, follow the steps and together, let our professional’s and your vision create your perfect company image!

 

The Art of “Busines Card Design”

I will next introduce a critically acclaimed designer. I will show you a true designer and the fine art he provides people worldwide every day. Experience the work of art through marketing material…..!

Graphic design is an art. You understand the importance of it and now it is time for the fun stuff. His name is Nathan Mummert, and he is a graphic design artist who has succeeded to master his own design technique for ‘the business card’. He has bent the rules and has awed many other designers with his creative genius and power to move industries with a single 2” x 3.5” business card. I had Nathan design my personal business card; he calls a silk business card. The silk business card was done so wonderfully, I have been told to this day that over four people saved my card and showed it to others. Honestly, he is a marketing genius, and his rates run around $60 a business card design. Presently, Nathan is a business card designer out in the hot paradise of Tempe, Arizona for an online firm by the name of Taste of Ink Design and Print Studios. To further his gift to others he is able to design online at tasteofinkstudios.com and can talk to you one-on-one daily.

Sorry for the long introduction. Basically, I wanted readers to read about design, and understand the importance of it by seeing a true professional designer. Here are a few photographs of Nathan’s critically acclaimed designs. Enjoy readers, if you ever need a business card design, now you know what who is the best in the business.

 

I will leave you with a quote:

“Graphic Design Creates Perception into a Reality”


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How to Find the Best Graphic Designer

Filed Under: Graphic Design
Oct.01, 2010

If you have a business, at some point you’re going to need a graphic designer. Though you may be able to print your own business cards or letterhead, if you want them to look good and really make your business stand out, you need someone who knows how to make fonts, colors and graphic elements work together.

A graphic designer is trained to use design elements (from photos to clip art to lines and boxes to typography) to convey information or create an effect on a consumer.

Basically, what you’re trying to do is let people know about you, whether it’s yourself, your business or your product that you’re trying to show in the best light.

So, if you really want to catch people’s attention in print, you need a design that is eye-catching and leaves a positive impression. And that’s where a good graphic designer is so invaluable.

What do you need?

Your first questions when hiring a graphic designer should be to yourself.

What are you presenting to the world that requires a professional design?

How will it be presented—in product packaging, in business stationery, in brochures, in magazine ads?

Do you need a logo created from scratch, or do you already have an image to work off of that just needs polishing and minor tweaks?

Do you need a single business card design, or do you want a total package with branding—brand your product and name with a memorable marketing tool, such as a logo or jingle?

As soon as you have these questions sorted out, you’re then prepared to ask graphic designers some questions.

1) Ask how long they’ve been in business.

Someone that can prove twenty years of experience with happy customers is probably going to charge more than someone new to the business. They are also more likely to be able to help you figure out what you’re looking for, unless you have a very concrete idea to begin with. If you don’t have a solid idea of what you want, a less experienced graphic designer may take several tries to create what you want, and could cost more in the long run.

2) Ask to see previous work.

Many graphic designers have a certain style. While their work doesn’t all look the same, there are often similarities you’ll spot in their portfoloio. One designer may specialize in a softer look (with light colors and a floral motif), while another designer may favor something edgier (sharply contrasting colors, geometric shapes). Neither is bad in and of itself, but if you’re trying to set up a day spa, you’d likely go for Designer A’s style rather than Designer B. A punk rock band would have the exact opposite reaction.

3) Ask for references.

You don’t want to hire a graphic designer who can never finish a project on time, especially if you’re on a tight timetable. Is the designer open to suggestions? Can s/he take constructive criticism? Yes, they’re the designer, but you’re the customer, and your opinion counts. This can work the other way too. You could hear from references that this person takes his or her time, but it’s definitely worth the wait because the price is right and the end product is fabulous.

4) Who does the actual work?

Are you hiring a firm that gives the grunt work to subordinates, who may not be able to do the level of quality work you want? Or is this a one-man show, where you have to wait your turn until the graphic designer can get to your project in his roster of clients?

5) Exactly what services does the graphic designer provide?

If s/he designs a brochure, who prints it? If a banner is created, whose responsibility is it to get the real thing done? Will you be given a CD with your logo and master copies of the letterhead and brochure files and then need to take the CD to the printer yourself, or will the CD be delivered along with your first batch of printed materials? Additionally, will you have several mock-ups to choose from, or will the designer simply create one version for your to approve or disapprove?

6) Will the graphic designer spend time consulting with you?

A good designer will take the time to listen to your ideas, and ask questions to make sure s/he is clear on your vision and the feeling you want your logo and marketing materials to evoke in potential clients.

7) Ask about copyrights.

Does the graphic designer keep the copyright and just license reproduction rights to you, or do you get the copyright? Does the designer ensure that the brand s/he creates doesn’t infringe on an existing brand?

8) Ask about the price.

What are you getting and not getting? Request a list of everything that is included, either in the form of a fee schedule or an entire project quote. Make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into, and what you’re getting out of the relationship you’re about to start.

You will be signing a contract and you will be in this relationship for the term of that contract. After you put your signature on something is not the time to discover you made a mistake, or had more questions.

In Conclusion

What you want to ask a graphic designer before you hire him or her is everything. Do your research on the going rate in your area for various design work, and be willing to talk to several designers before choosing one. Shop around. Ask around. If you see graphic design you like at a business, ask who did their work.

Most of all, remember that a graphic designer is supposed to give some type of memorable representation of “you”, whether it’s for business or for personal use. You will want an excellent working relationship that can potentially last a long, long time.

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Graphic Design Training — Enhancing Your Computer Graphic Design Skills

Filed Under: Graphic Design
Sep.26, 2010

Graphic designers nowadays require not only creative abilities, but also some understanding of other graphic design-related areas such as computer graphic design.

During the 80′s, the advent of desktop publishing and of design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Fireworks, put the power and versatility of the computer at graphic designers’ fingertips. Designers for the first time were easily able to manipulate images and create 3D images using the computer. Computers are now considered to be an indispensable tool in the graphic design industry, though some traditional graphic designers may still prefer to use manual and traditional tools for their creative endeavors.

With modern graphic design concepts and methodologies always changing, graphic designers need to continually advance their knowledge of different graphic design techniques, innovations and graphic design software packages. At present, the basic instructions in graphic designing cannot guarantee for a competitive product anymore without the use of high technology, so that the demand for highly skilled graphic designers is higher than ever.

To become a computer graphic designer, the basic requirements include good creative abilities, good computers skills, and good communication skills.

Computer graphic design helps graphic designers complete their tasks faster and easier. They can effortlessly translate ideas into visual imagery, save it onto their computers and edit it whenever alterations are necessary.

There are great many benefits if you undergo computer graphic design training geared towards arming you with a wider range of cutting edge graphic design skills. Having computer design training also means a greater choice of employment. Computer graphic design skills are in great demand in such sectors as:

1. Advertising agencies – You can use your newly acquired graphic design skills to design appealing and eye-catching advertisements for different media.

2. Web design companies – Help design appealing web pages.

3. Design studios – Apply your design skills to photo editing such as editing the contrast and the brightness of colors on the photos.

4. Publishing houses – Perform layout design and editing tasks. Publications usually follow a distribution schedule; so make sure you are able to meet deadlines.

5. Corporate advertising departments – Design professional corporate ads.

6. TV and film companies – out of all the other jobs, this is where a graphic designer is most suited as it requires a comprehensive application of the designer’s skill and ability, especially if working on animation films.

Your computer graphic design training will open new doors for you into a world of greater opportunities. Your computer design knowledge, combined with your dedication and commitment, will surely help you reach your goal.

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Things to Consider When You Hire a Graphic Designer

Filed Under: Graphic Design
Sep.21, 2010

1.  Who is your target audience?

This will have a great impact on the style, content and message of your project. Some variables that can have impact on a design include the age range of your client base, their gender, their geographic location, and additional factors such as economic status and religion may also come into play.

2.  What is your message?

Make sure that you can tell a designer exactly what message you are trying to convey to your client audience. The overall message can be something as simple as thanking customers or announcing a new product. Once that is established, go beyond it to decide on the  “mood” of your product or service message. Is it excitement? Sadness? Compassion? Gather some keywords that will help with the overall style of your design.

3.  What are the specs of your project?

Decide ahead of time on the size of your project.  For example, a 12-page brochure will take much longer than a 4-page foldout. The amount of content can help to determine the dimensions and number of pages. Also decide if you need black and white or  2-color vs. 4-color printing as this will affect your final price, as will factors like paper stock and the size the number of pieces that you need to  print.

4.  What is your budget?

In many cases, you may not know your actual budget for a project.  Regardless, it is usually a good idea to at least have a range in mind. The designer may be able to alter some parameters (such as timeframe or the amount of design revisions to be provided) to fit within your overall budget.

5.  Is there a specific deadline?

Make sure to tell the graphic designer if the project needs to be done by a specific date. The job may coincide with your product launch, or another important milestone. If there is not a deadline, you will want to create a timeframe for completing the project and present it to the designer..

6.  Should you provide a creative direction?

Whenever possible, it is helpful to at least provide a little creative direction from your own imagination. Of course, the designer will be creating something new and unique, but some ideas rom you will help them get on the right track to your vision. Provide design elements that you already have in mind such as colors, fonts, or other previous designs or websites. It is also important to point out if there is an existing brand that you need to match that may already have a color scheme, font, logo or other element that needs to be incorporated into your new design.

7.  Should you request your own copyright?

Unless otherwise specified in a contract, the graphic designer retains the right to his or her creations, and will most often attempt to do so. When hiring a designer, you would need to specify if you plan to request the specific rights to own the newly designed logo. Copyright laws protect against additional use other than for the original business or product that the logo was designed for without proper compensation or agreement.

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What Can Graphic Design Companies Do for your Business?

Filed Under: Graphic Design
Sep.16, 2010

Many business owners have a lot in common. We can usually find a way to get just about anything done. Most of us have the tough skin it takes to make it through the challenges we face as entrepreneurs. Quite a few of us are even pretty good at delegating responsibility to our employees. What separates those of us that move on to the next level is knowing when to bring in outside professionals so they can free us up so we can focus on our business. While many business owners eventually realize that they must turn to a legal or accounting firm to avoid a sticky situation or get out of one, many never make this realization when it comes to graphic design companies.

It may make sense to try to do everything yourself at first, especially when revenue is tight. The thing to remember though is that what you know isn’t what matters most, it’s what you don’t know that matters most. If you know everything about building a house except how to properly pour a foundation, how long do you think your house will last? The same goes for graphic design. You can design your own marketing materials, but unless you have a strong marketing background you’re probably not going to get the results you’re looking for.

A professional graphic designer knows what works and what doesn’t. They know what emotions certain colors provoke and what colors work well together. They know how to properly utilize contrast or size, shape and color to draw attention to various elements. They know which images will most effectively motivate your target market. Utilizing a professional designer will actually save you money (and then make you money) because they can produce a more effective marketing materials that will deliver results without a lot of trial and error. Keep in mind, they are more than just a Photoshop jockey. Professional graphic designers have spent years honing their skills and the software they use is nothing more than a tool. Simply owning a copy of Photoshop doesn’t make someone a graphic designer any more than owning a set of Matco socket wrenches makes them a mechanic.

So, to answer the question, what can a graphic design company do for your business?

They can produce marketing materials that will present a more powerful message

They can save you both time and money

They can increase your revenue by providing you with more effective marketing materials

They can help you get the most from your marketing budget

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, spend some time talking to some graphic design companies to see which one would be the best fit for your company.

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Inexpensive and Easy to Use Professional Website Graphic Design Software!

Filed Under: Graphic Design
Sep.11, 2010

Web Graphics Creator is not only inexpensive, it can help you create the website that will impress your customers and bring you business. Web Graphics Creator offers you four different tools you can use to make your website stand out! The Web Graphics Creator is easy to use website graphic design software with an art center that has over 270 templates that you can modify, manipulate and make even better. You can even import your own images to use in the templates. Use this tool to create eCovers, page headers, ads, email campaigns and much more!


Now that eBooks are so popular the Web Graphics Creator has a 3D eBook Cover Creator that you can add text and effects to. With this tool you can generate professional CD jewel cases, e-books, video boxes, spiral notebooks, ID card, pamphlets and magazine like images. It is absolutely easy to create your own marketing tools.


Looking for a great way to show off what your business has to offer to your clientele? Use a flip book! Using your own images, import them into the flip book section and create an animated masterpiece. Make it eye catching so your customers can will have something interesting and different to see. Create eye catching animated buttons and navigation bars for your website using the button creator. All you do is choose the button that you like, ad your own text, then export! The Web Graphics Creator and logo creator software gives you all of the tools you will need to get started quickly. Once you purchase the software it is downloaded to your computer instantly. With an easy to use graphic design program, you will be able to give your website the pizzazz it needs to draw the attention of your customers! Nearly everyone has the internet at their fingertips! It is even more important for businesses to have a high-quality website. Laughingbird software offers an easy to use website graphic design solution. The Web Graphics Creator will have your website looking like a professional spent hours creating it!


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