Print Production for the Amateur Designer

Having a project professionally printed can be intimidating. There are many types of service providers from which to choose—from corner print shops to quick-print chains to large scale commercial printing operations—and its an industry full of unique terminology. There is often a lot at stake when printing, and simple errors can be costly. Knowledge of…

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What’s In A Brand Book? Design Style Guide Basics

Simply put, a brand book—or style guide—is a set of rules that explain how a brand works, all in an effort to keep the brand consistent and recognizable to current customers and attractive and memorable to potential ones. Whether you’re creating a new style guide or simply familiarizing yourself with a client’s existing guide, there is…

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How to Find High-Quality Stock Photos | Free and Paid

While working with a photographer—and setting up a proper photo shoot—is almost always preferable for a creative project, timing and budget constraints (or subject matter) often preclude their use. This is where stock photography, existing, searchable, commercial photography available online for license, comes in. The stock photo world is a competitive one; acquisitions and mergers…

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Graphic Design Inspiration Tips | Getting Excited about Design Again

Just as writer’s block is the scourge of wordsmiths everywhere, we graphic designers are dealt our own creative slowdowns. “Design block” is something that happens to the best of us, but never fear. Graphic design inspiration is just a step away from the project screen on your computer. Step away from your computer. Go grab a…

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Choosing Information Graphics for Case Studies and White Papers

Case studies and white papers—particularly in the tech world—increasingly rely on well-designed information graphics. When looking to articulate your data visually in a paper, there are a few things to keep in mind. What’s the point? White papers and case studies exist to explain and persuade. How will the infographics you include contribute to that…

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Working Effectively With Your Graphic Designer

Collaborating with a graphic designer on any project can take a leap of faith. Will your creative vision be carried through, your brand standards respected and your deadlines met? Here are a few guidelines from a designer’s perspective to help ensure success. Establish expectations, timeline and budget up front Communicate to your designer exactly what…

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