Author: Julia Sotnykova (page 1 of 3)

March 27, 2018

5 Essential Tools Every Graphic Designer Needs

With internet usage on the rise, many businesses are transitioning from physical to digital media. Rather than publishing newspaper or direct mail ads, for example, they are publishing email ads and newsletters. With this digital evolution comes the need for graphic design services. Professional graphic designers can take advantage of this trend by using the following tools to streamline their operations.

#1) Adobe Photoshop

Every graphic designer needs software to create, edit and save his or her work. Released February 19, 1990, Adobe Photoshop is the industry’s leading graphic design software, supporting raster imaging editing, digital art creation, photo touch-ups and more. Adobe even offers several subscription-based Creative Cloud suites that include Photoshop as well as other software like Illustrator, After Effects and Adobe XD.

#2) Paper Sketchbook

A basic sketchbook with a pen or pencil can prove invaluable for graphic designers. It allows designers to quickly provide mock-ups to clients so that they can better understand the client’s vision. When a client is trying to explain their idea, the designer can draw it in a sketchbook. Once the client is happy with the sketch, the designer can fire up his or her computer to create it.

#3) Tablet Computer With Stylus

Graphic designers should also invest in a tablet computer with a stylus. As most seasoned graphic designers know, a keyboard and mouse limits creativity. Using a tablet with a stylus, such as the iPad with Apple Pencil, designers can create beautiful, hand-drawn designs that resonate with their clients.

#4) External Hard Drive

While it’s no substitution for a cloud storage service, an external hard drive is a smart investment for all graphic designers. It allows designers to back up their digital creations. If the designer’s primary computer becomes lost, stolen or damaged, he or she can retrieve their work from the external hard drive.

#5) Time-Tracking App

Finally, a time-tracking app is a smart tool that can help graphic designers meet deadlines and improve their productivity. When juggling multiple projects at once, many designers struggle to deliver projects on time. A time-tracking app like DUE, however, can keep designers on schedule by providing reminders of upcoming due dates.

These are just a few tools that can help graphic designers succeed. Designers should also explore other tools like a project management app, text editor, and monitor calibrator.

March 27, 2018

Cheapest Destinations To Fly To From Toronto

Residents of Toronto might present a convincing argument that there’s little reason to leave home when the city already has so much to offer. If, however, they should choose to plan a vacation or quick getaway, it can be useful to know which destinations are friendliest on the wallet when it comes to airfare. Here’s a sampling of some of the least expensive destinations from the Toronto airport, based on the Cheap Flights 2017 compass report.

New York

Find out what’s happening in the city that never sleeps — arguably the most exciting of U.S. cities — for a lower price than you’ll find for far less desirable destinations. Be forewarned, however, that it’s rare to find similar NYC bargains in the lodging department.

Boston

This Massachusetts city is not only rich in culture and sports history (try to take in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, or check out the Celtics at the Garden), but its coastal location makes it a good base for day trips to the beach, whale watching, and other ocean-related activities.

Washington, D.C.

The capital of the United States offers a myriad of fascinating monuments, museums, and libraries. Visitor access to many of these institutions is either free (see this page for a partial list), or available at negligible cost.

Chicago

The Windy City is a hip and happening tourist destination, containing iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower(formerly known as the Sears Tower) and Wrigley Field. Sample the city’s famous deep-dish pizza, or ask for a hot dog that’s been “dragged through the garden” (check the Wikipedia page for a full definition before committing).

Fort Lauderdale

While the above destinations have plenty to offer, sometimes a little fun in the sun is in order. This South Florida city is just the ticket, with its world-class golf courses, glorious beaches, and prime shopping opportunities. Need a dose more action? The excitement of Miami is a short drive away.

Cancun

Why content yourself with venturing south of the Canadian border when you can travel south of two borders — and for a very reasonable price? Find out why Cancun continues to climb in the ranks as a top travel destination.

March 27, 2018

Vacation Destinations to Make You Feel Like a Kid

Most people consider their childhood among the most carefree times of their lives. Aside from the obvious reasons—no jobs or bills to worry about—one of the key reasons is that children are free to play, imagine and embrace a fantasy world in a way that is unavailable to most adults in their day to day lives. So, it makes sense that there when choosing a vacation destination, there is great appeal to recapturing some of that youthful aura. Vacationers looking to feel like a kid again have numerous options, ranging from high-adventure to imaginative fun. Here are just a few of the best vacation destinations to make an adult feel like a kid again.

Whitney Peak Hotel – Reno, Nevada

At Reno’s Whitney Peak Hotel, adults can relive their Spiderman fantasies on the outdoor climbing wall that scales the hotel. The wall reaches a dizzying 164 feet. Those willing (and able) to reach the peak are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. For less adventurous guests, the hotel’s Basecamp rock gym provides plenty of opportunities to play, as well.

Cottage Lake Treehouse Bed and Breakfast – Woodinville, Washington

Is there anything more reminiscent of childhood than the backyard tree house? Guests looking to recapture that youthful feeling will want to visit the Cottage Lake Tree House Bed and Breakfast. “The Nest” is an ultra-cozy 144 square foot cabin perched among the trees on the banks of Cottage Lake.

Disneyland – Anaheim, California

There can’t possibly be a single reader surprised to see this one on the list, as it is probably the most recognizable symbol of youthful joie de vivre. Fans of the theme park declare that simply walking through the gates makes them feel decades younger. Visitors can while away the hours at such attractions as Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean and Dumbo to recapture the bliss of being a kid.

Travaasa – Austin, Texas

Travaasa, a 70-room sanctuary adjacent to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve near Lake Travis, has been described as a summer camp for adults. To be sure, there are numerous activities, including zip lining, Outward Bound ropes courses, hatchet throwing, archery and much more. But it is the top-notch amenities that distinguish Travaasa from a typical camp experience. Indeed, visitors can enjoy superior dining choices, drink service at poolside cabanas, and a host of restorative spa services to help with recharging after a day of play.

January 31, 2018

Graphic Design Trends 2018

Graphic design is one field that changes regularly, because people get tired of looking at the same things year after year. Artists are tasked with determining large trends that will dominate advertising and marketing (amongst other areas) in the coming year. This year, plenty of trends are making a comeback, while a few are just finding their footing. Let’s find out what styles will rule our screens this year.

Ultra Violet

If you’re an artist, you’ve probably heard about Pantone’s Color of the Year: Ultra Violet. This purple has deep blue undertones and, surprisingly, can actually be found in nature. You can expect to see Ultra Violet everywhere — from phone cases to fashion to ads. I am very excited to see the switch from pink to purple, and hopefully, you are too.

Negative Space

Many artists have completed a project and found that their drawings look flat. Negative space is a great way to help images pop without going too out-of-the-box. You can expect to receive positive feedback on any well-designed project with negative space utilization.

Moody Tones

The 80s and 90s are back in full-swing, as you’ll see in many artists’ palettes. Moody tones reflecting intense emotion are going to make a comeback this year, and it will be a nice change from the pastels of previous years. This trend will extend beyond graphic design; you might even see it crop up in hair salons around the country.

Cinemagraphs

Everyone knows what a GIF is, and cinemagraphs are a GIF’s refined older cousin. Chances are, you’ve seen a cinemagraph around the web already. They look like static images, but there is always one element that is moving. A classic example is a candle. The background and the candle itself are static, but the flame flickers. Cinemagraphs are going to show up more frequently and will be used to highlight key aspects of an image or a brand.

Serifs

Although these last few years with sans serifs have been fun, it is time to bring back some classic serif fonts! Modern serifs, reminiscent of mid-century advertisements, will appear on many mainstream websites and ads. However, each brand will carefully decide on which font reflects them best, and we will see a wide utilization of obscure or custom fonts as the year progresses.

Nearly every field has overall trends in any given year, but the trends in graphic design have the power to shape our perspective of the world. This weekend, we may have the chance to see some of these trends in action during the height of advertising: the Super Bowl. Let’s see how many of these trends we can tick off in one week.

October 4, 2017

Etsy Ideas for the Graphic Designer

Graphic design is an excellent field for the creative entrepreneur. Owning your own business and being able to pursue your passion is a dream of many, so why not find a way to combine the two? Luckily, Etsy is a marketplace that allows entrepreneurial graphic designers to sell their artwork with ease. However, knowing where to start with your Etsy shop can hold you back, so I’ve gathered ideas for you to use when opening your new Etsy store.

Logos

Every business needs a logo, including your Etsy shop. Make your logo perfect, because it’ll be the first place people look to see your design skills. Once you have your logo completed, try making a few mock logos and offering a custom logo in your store. These mock logos can give people an understanding of your style and expertise. There is also a wide range of flexibility, and you can find simple logos that are more cost-effective, as well as sophisticated logos that are more expensive. Decide where you fit in and price your product accordingly. Also, make sure you create a few logos for your customer to choose from, and remind them to be specific about what they want you to include.

Fonts

Creating custom fonts can be a process, but the benefit of a font is it is a one-and-done project. Once you create your font, list it for sale on your Etsy shop, and people can buy it continuously for as long as you leave it there. One piece of advice I’ll give is to make your font as perfect as it can be. There are hundreds of fonts out there, so find a way to make yours stand out. And if you create a few fonts, consider selling them in a font pack for a discounted price!

Art Prints

Gone are the days of paintings hanging in everyone’s house. Younger generations of consumers are buying art prints more often, and this is perfect for a graphic designer! The best part of art prints is you can offer them merely as a download, which your customers can print. However, to set yourself apart, consider finding a print lab that can produce high-quality prints to send to your customers. You will need to price either way accordingly, but the convenience of having a print shipped directly to them can outweigh the price difference.

Business Products

Businesses always need promotional material and packaging professionally designed. You can make a ton of money by offering these services. From brochures to labels to business cards, there are endless options for business products you can provide. Make sure to research pricing, both on Etsy and elsewhere, and try to stay competitive. However, don’t sell yourself short; if you can provide high-quality work, charge for high-quality work. Businesses will appreciate the ability to give input, so also consider the time commitment and the number of mock-ups you will need to provide before your customer approves the design.

Printables and Templates

With the rise of bullet journaling comes the rise of printables. These templates are meant to be printed and utilized for planning purposes. Search through the bullet journal community to find ideas for products you can offer. Also, if your designs are unique enough, consider printing a small batch of custom journals (on quality paper) and selling those in your shop.
On the other hand, you can also create professional templates, such as resumé templates. Neither of these products will make you a significant chunk of money, but they can be an excellent way to add some supplementary income.

There are so many ways you can create an Etsy design business, and this list is just a small portion. For those starting out in this field, I suggest giving Etsy a try. Although it may not provide enough to be a day job, it can be a great way to add professional work to your portfolio and help you earn a little extra cash.

September 27, 2017

Graphic designers beware: computer vision syndrome is worse than you think

Our eyes are a precious commodity that shouldn’t be taken advantage of, but for graphic designers, it can be difficult to avoid what’s known as computer vision syndrome.

Computer vision syndrome can cause blurred vision, water or dry eyes, headaches, and pain in shoulders, back, and neck. To avoid the symptoms, make sure to make a conscious effort to blink often, move your monitor at least 16” away from your face, take breaks as often as possible, and use larger typefaces while reading online. As a graphic designer, it’s pretty impossible to stay away from screens altogether, but it’s best to make sure you have some time each day that does not involve a screen.

September 27, 2017

Reasons to Charge Graphic Design Work by the Hour vs. by the Project

As a graphic designer, you need to decide whether you’d like to charge by the hour or by the project, and deciding between the two can be confusing.

Hour

Experienced designers will more than likely charge by the hour because they have a pretty good understanding of how long a project will take them and what the work will entail. After consulting with a client and getting a firm grasp on what they’ll need to do, these designers can give clients a pretty close estimate on how much time it will take to complete the work.

Project

If you haven’t taken on too many large projects in your career, it’s best to charge by the project. The reason being, if you estimate how much time the work will take and you’re way off, your client may be angry that the quote was much lower than the actual bill amount.

September 27, 2017

What the Primary Colors Mean in Advertising

Everywhere we look nowadays there are advertisements. Even if you didn’t leave your house, there are ads online, on television, and logos all over your home from the cereal you eat to the soap in your bathroom. The following primary colors are effective in projecting a company’s values, and this is what they are meant to mean from the marketers that use them.

Red

The first color of Roy G. Biv is meant to be exciting and even create a sense of urgency in the onlooker. The most iconic logos that use red are Coca-Cola, Netflix, and CNN. It will also most likely make an appearance at your favorite store, in the form of a clearance sign.

Yellow

If the clearance sign isn’t red, it’s going to be yellow. That’s because yellow is meant to attract attention and energize customers.

Blue

Unlike red and yellow, blue is much more relaxing and signals productivity, dependability, and strength.

September 27, 2017

What Are the Normal Expenses Associated with Having Your Own Graphic Design Business?

Owning your own business can be not only a stressful venture, but it’s also an expensive one. It may seem that if you already own a computer and have experience in graphic design, there won’t be many expenses in the future, but the following expenses are ones that freelance graphic designers have to plan on having.

Travel

Although you may own a brick and mortar business, some clients will still expect you to come to them for a consultation. Meeting at your local Starbucks isn’t a huge expense, but once you start traveling outside of your area, it can take a chunk out of your income.

Advertising

You may be the best graphic designer in your area, but unless you’re able to market yourself and your business successfully, you’re going to need to rely on some advertising. Also included in this is the cost to have your website live.

Health Insurance

Unless you are still planning to work full-time at another job, you’re going to need to cover your health insurance.

September 27, 2017

3 Online Resources for Graphic Design Students

Being a student can be difficult. Being a student in the art field can be even harder. When it comes to pulling together projects and looking for inspiration, it’s best to have a repertoire of resources up your sleeve.

Fonts in Use

Are you a self-proclaimed Typophile? Or, are you just looking for the perfect font to use on your project? Organized by format, typeface, and industry, Fonts in Use is a user-friendly archive of typography.

Niice

Do you ever see something that inspires you, but forget to write it down? Niice is an online platform that allows you to gather images that inspire you all in one place. The site has an extensive library of images for you to peruse at your leisure and collect them on your boards. You can even download the boards you create so you have them available offline.

Digital Arts: Tutorials

Although you’re already in school for graphic design, there’s always room for improvement and always more skills to acquire. Digital Arts Tutorials provides free in-depth information on mastering techniques and design software.

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