Graphic Design Tip of The Week
October 16, 2014
GRAPHIC DESIGNER 101 FOR BEGINNERS If you’re just starting out as a “Newbie” Graphic Designer and are overwhelmed with all the tools and where to start. These pointers may help get you on your way to being an Awesome Designer. There are obviously many important tools to be considered, but today we’ll cover a few that really helped me a lot when I started out.
For Photoshop Learn how use different masking techniques with Layer Masks and Adjustment Layers. Master the Pen Tool, (not for drawing, but for cropping), so you can have control of what you’re cropping instead of resting your faith on where the Wand Tool or the Quick Selection Tool wants to go.
For Illustrator Master the Pen Tool for drawing;) Learn how to use Live Trace and Live Paint along with the Gradient Tool. Learn how to make brushes so you can eventually control the style of the stokes you’re using. Learn the Pencil Tool and Knife Tool for all your shadings and highlights in your illustrations.
For InDesign Learn about Trims, Bleeds, and how to work with Master Pages and Layers. Also master the use of Frames and Text Wrapping techniques. Once you’ve learned the basics of these tools, you’ll be good to go and start designing layouts.
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Learning the Basics for Each Software and Using Them for What They’re Meant for… The tools and simple techniques mentioned here are just some of the few tricks amongst many that will help you fast track your learning curve of the Adobe Suite Software by utilizing the best parts of each program. I know it’s easy to get caught up in just using one software for various things, but this can also hurt you in the long run. For example; If all you use is Photoshop and you have to create an accurate multiple page layout with bleeds, then this could be a problem for the final output, since the software is not really designed for that and it’ll also increase the amount of megabytes that will be in the final output. Another example would be; If your client needs a vector logo or illustrations and you’re doing this in Photoshop, then this could be an issue if your client ever needs to enlarge the image without quality loss, b/c only vector-based artwork is resolution independent and Photoshop runs on pixels. Or imagine if you need to manipulate a raster image and you’re using Illustrator or InDesign, although you’ll be able to do some type of manipulation work, it’ll not compare to what Photoshop can do…I think you get the idea. The bottom-line is in Graphic Design it’s incredibly easy to get “rusty” with your craft, especially if you’re not seeking to constantly evolve or innovate in your field. The best way to really stay on top of new and exciting design trends is to PRACTICE!!
Graphic Design Tip of The Week
October 16, 2014
The Take Away… Use each software for what they mainly specialize in (worry about the other stuff once you’ve mastered some of these tips) and it’ll make your design life a little easier and certainly more efficient as a beginner. Just remember: • Photoshop = Image Editing / Image Manipulation.
What Kind of Graphic Designer Are You? This is an important question that every up-and-coming designers should ask themselves. When I first started, I don’t think I asked myself this and I always felt “pulled” in different areas of design. Am I a Layout Designer or an Apparel Designer? Am I a Print/Digital Designer or a photoretoucher? The list goes on…so, my advise is find out wharf you love most about designer and what area you’re good at and what type of clients you may want to work for. Ask Yourself These 3 Questions: • What type of Designs do I love
and have a passion for? • What is my strongpoint or my
“sweet-spot” when designing? • What kind of projects do I
really want to get involved in? Figuring out your strength and passion in the areas of graphic design can cut out a lot of wasted time invested into areas you may not want to do later. I know it’s very good and beneficial to be a little bit of a “Jack of all trades” but just make sure you master the ones you love most. Page 2
• Illustrator = Drawing and Coloring. • InDesign = Layouts. Even though each software can technically do some of each other’s jobs in one form or another, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing the right thing, b/c the job may require certain creative or technical aspect for the final output. This is one of the biggest problems a lot of beginners face, so always make sure you know what platform is appropriate for the design and always find out first if your project is print-based or web-based, so you can adjust it accordingly. I know these may sound kind of a boring subject for beginners, but it can really save you time and a lot of headaches later.
Graphic Design Tip of The Week
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October 16, 2014