September 29, 2008 – 7:00 am
Graphic design is tons of fun, but it’s also work—and it takes a lot of mental energy. Sometimes you just have to get away and play. So how do you play and relax?
As many of you know, one thing that I’m enjoying a lot at the moment is letterpress. I’ve successfully restored a Vandercook SP-15 press, and today I cleaned up the C&P (not sure the model number or size at the moment. I know there’s a chase somewhere, but I haven’t measured it yet). And again, I must say, Evapo-Rust is a wonderful product!
Check out the results of the Evapo-Rust and see what I’ll be printing as my first official project on the Vandercook!
September 26, 2008 – 7:00 am
Do you want to be an ACE? I do! And that’s why I’m studying to take the Adobe Certified Expert exam for InDesign.
There is so much to this program that I never knew! I’ve been using it fairly regularly for at least a year and I thought I had a pretty firm grasp of it. There are so many little ways that InDesign can help you out by automating layout elements. Let me share a few I’ve learned this week, specifically setting document defaults for all new documents (and what you can set as a default), working with sections, and autoflow text.
September 24, 2008 – 7:00 am
Whether it’s a giant banner or a tradeshow backdrop, large format printing presents unique challenges for designers. Here are six handy tips for smoothing out the process.
You generally only get one shot at printing a large format piece. Large format printing is EXPENSIVE and you more than likely won’t get a mock or preview piece. Be sure you go over all the details with a fine-tooth comb and this list for best results.
September 23, 2008 – 8:10 am
Today Adobe released a sneak peak on their fourth edition of Creative Suite and since the web is all over the new features of Photoshop, I’m going to take a closer look at the features of Illustrator CS4 (version 14).
Last time Adobe updated their Creative Suite, the features was a bit scares on new and improved tools and features, probably because of the Intel porting for Mac OS X, so this time around should be exciting!
September 22, 2008 – 7:00 am
For graphic designers, there are three main job situations: an in-house art department, a studio/firm/agency, or freelance.
I remember when I was close to graduating college in 2006, the professors asked us which situation appealed to us the most and why. At the time, I wanted to be an in-house designer because I thought a situation like that would afford me the most stability without the huge time commitment that I had always heard was required of studio designers.
Now that I’ve been an in-house designer for almost 3 years (I started working before I graduated), I’m wondering what the pros and cons really are for other positions.
September 19, 2008 – 7:00 am
Something sparked my interest in parent sheet sizes yesterday. I don’t remember what it was, but I was rather disappointed to not find much information when I searched for parent sheet imposition and prepress tips.
When you’re thinking about sizing and folds for a new design, particularly for brochures or invitations, you have to take into consideration what will be the most economical to lay out on parent sheets when printing.
Parent sheets are the large sheets that printers initially print a project on. These are usually set up so that cutting and folding of common paper sizes (like 8.5x11) are easy.
The usual parent sizes are 17x22, 19x25, 23x35, 25x38 and 26x40 for the U.S., and A2, A1, and A0 for Europe and other countries that use ISO sizes.
September 17, 2008 – 7:00 am
What do you think the most important thing about graphic design is?
knowing what graphic design is (or isn’t!)?
learning about the Elements and Principles of design?
being flexible and adapting to be what the client needs, be it illustrator, designer, copy writer or web developer?
a set of rules or a creed?
just practicing?
problem solving skills?
your title?
Come join the discussion!
