5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Design School

July 23, 2010 – 9:15 am

When looking at design or art programs, there are so many things to consider. First and foremost, you have to be fairly sure that you really want to become a graphic designer. Whether you’re looking at part-time online courses or full-time graphic design colleges, it’s a major investment that you shouldn’t take lightly.

Once you’re feeling confident in your career path choice and have rounded up a list of potential schools, here are 5 things you need to consider before making a final decision:

1. Reputation

Make sure your graphic design schools are ranked at the top. And then, find out what current students and alumni have to say about it. Do some research on whether or not the school can help you get internships and jobs, either through name alone or sponsored placement.

2. Location

Sure, you may really want to live in the wilds of Alaska, but schools that are located in hubs of design might be a better bet, making it easier to tune into the local art community and find work. If you decide to pursue an online degree, remember that often you eventually need a local option for critical hands-on work and studio time.

3. Faculty

Are there any teachers there that you’re just dying to work with? Any big names that you recognize? Someone who specializes in the type of niche design work you love?

4. Specialties

Veteran graphic designer and teacher, Adam Richardson, says that matching your interests to a program’s strengths is crucial. If you’re into the engineering and manufacturing end of the design process, don’t pick a school that specializes in environmental sustainability. Also realize that some programs are really conceptual, while others focus on tangible skills. Choose accordingly.

5. Cost

Another great piece of advice from Richardson–take some part-time or summer courses before taking the full-time plunge. Getting a taste of the program before you apply can be one of the best ways to make a final decision on schools–and a great test to see if design school is really what you want to do.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Design Careers 4 Comments

Positive Posters Design Contest

July 23, 2010 – 8:21 am

positive2010Do you have graphic design chops and a sunny disposition? Then the Positive Posters design challenge was made for you. Founded in 2009 by Australian graphic designer Nick Hallam, the non-profit international poster competition asks participants to come up with an original poster design based on a different positive theme each year.

The top 30 poster designs are then featured in a gallery exhibition. A group of international judges chooses the winner, who goes on to receive a bevy of cool prizes and some serious exposure on the streets of Melbourne. Hallam and company will make 3,500 prints of the winning poster and slap them up all over the city.

Last year’s contest, under the theme of “change,” drew 339 entries from 53 countries. The winning graphic design by Peter Chmela is shown to the left.

Coming Up With Your Winning Graphic Design.

The theme this year is “A Glass Half Full.” You have until October 9, 2010 to design and submit your poster. The winning poster had to express hope, optimism, and a positive outlook. Need some inspiration? Here are a few sources worth checking out:

  • Images of Hope and Help. This 2007 photo gallery from the Red Cross is full of some stunning photos. They prove that grand gestures and small moments alike can express optimism.
  • Gig Posters. Here are 50 amazing band posters that are sure to inspire. Great graphic design, good music–it doesn’t get more optimistic than that.
  • Shepard Fairey. If all else fails, go to Shepard Fairey, the original mastermind behind Obama’s “hope” poster.
By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Announcements 5 Comments

London Science Museum: A Great Logo, Decoded

July 16, 2010 – 11:17 am

London Science Museum logo

Looking to attract a more sophisticated audience and re-energize its image, the London Science Museum launched a sleek new identity earlier this summer. But one question remains–can people even read their logo?

Comprised of letters resembling computer code stacked on top of each other, deciphering the new logo is no easy feat. But it seems that’s integral to the entire brand idea.

“After experimenting with several routes, the chosen idea stemmed from research we did on codes, puzzles, patterns, and basic digital typefaces,” said Michael Johnson of Johnson Banks in an interview with Creative Review. The new logo thus imparts a sense of discovery, science and computers, while also hinting at the cutting edge exhibits inside the museum’s walls.

But how can a logo that’s so hard to read work so successfully? Does it really adhere to best practices for logo design? Well, let’s work through the basic logo design checklist to find out. Is it:

  • Simple? The streamlined type, block formation, and single color actually make this logo deceptively simple.
  • Memorable? This unique style definitely sets the London Science Museum apart from competitors.
  • Timeless? Johnson notes that a test group participant called the concept “binary, modern, and classical at the same time.”
  • Versatile? From images of outdoor signage and typeface explorations, it seems to be working well in multiple environments, large and small scale.
  • Appropriate? It certainly screams science, even if you can’t read it.

And there you have it–a great logo, decoded.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Best of Logo Design, Logo Design Tutorials 8 Comments

Three Off-the-beaten Path Graphic Design Careers

July 16, 2010 – 10:32 am

According to The Princeton Review, nearly 25,000 people try to enter the field of graphic design each year. But only about 60 percent persevere the first two years, and only about 30 percent make it to the 5 year mark.

Perhaps that means graphic design is a tough career to pursue. Or perhaps those lost souls with a graphic design education aren’t looking at all the different ways to use their design skills.

Graphic designers aren’t limited to cut-throat agency life or the unstable freelance market. So before you even think about giving up, take a minute to consider a few examples of some interesting and unorthodox design careers:

1. Film Title Design

A good film title sequence sets the tone, builds up anticipation–and can sometimes be better than the film itself. Who could forget those iconic James Bond title sequences?

Info graphic, courtesy of the National Science Foundation

2. Visual Journalism

Both news professionals and visual communicators,  visual journalists know how to tell a story through maps, info-graphics, videos, illustrations, and more.

3. Environmental Design

Environmental design can be architecture-focused, but it also includes executing something like the overall visual design for the Olympics. From ensuring cohesive signage to syncing up the looks of the stadiums, it takes a graphic designer’s eye to pull it all together.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Design Careers 4 Comments

Think Your Rebrand Has What it Takes To Win?

July 9, 2010 – 8:38 am

Think you’ve done some outstanding rebranding work over the past year? In just a few days you can really see how your rebrand stacks up against the best of the best. The prestigious REBRAND 100® Global Awards are about to start accepting submissions for 2011. Winning one of these puppies is just about one of the highest recognitions a graphic designer could garner in the realm of brand repositioning.

The first and only competition of its kind, the REBRAND 100® receives entries from all over the globe, from multinational big-name brands to local non-profits. All you need is one amazing rebranding case study that’s sure to wow the judges.

For a sneak peak at what you might be up against, take a look at this excellent example from the 2010 winner’s showcase. Yes, it’s Nike, but don’t worry–the other winners included a medical device company and an educational non-profit from NYC.

Nike’s winning entry stuck out because of the sheer visual impact of the design strategy. In the before picture, we see a lineup of Nike’s golf ball offerings. While they all look like Nike products, it doesn’t look like a cohesive suite of products. The graphic design and overall packaging is all over the place:

nike-before

In the winning after shot, the product line is now working as a streamlined retail unit. Each type of ball still retains its unique personality, but all are unified by the cube box shape and the placement of branding and sub-branding. It makes for a bold statement on the shelf, and makes it easier for the customer to choose Nike Golf:

nike-afterSo start pulling together your best rebranding effort, whether it’s a just logo update or a full on identity change. Then on July 12 check Rebrand.com for contest details.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Announcements, Uncategorized 3 Comments

Understanding Copyright Basics: Part 2

July 8, 2010 – 12:01 pm

copyright-2OK, so you’ve got the basics on protecting your own work. Next up in your copyright and graphic design education–how to make sure you’re not stepping on the law’s toes when you use work from another artist.

Well, under fair use laws, there are ways you can legally and fairly use someone’s graphic design work. Using someone’s copyrighted material is cool if you’re using it as part of a parody, a critical review, or for an educational purpose.

But before you go lifting an image for your next graphic design “parody,” make sure you understand how the law determines if material was fairly used. Again, the rules are vague–and every case is determined individually by examining 4 major criteria:

  1. Purpose and Character of Your Use: Did you make significant changes or improvements to create something new or give the original new meaning?
  2. Nature of the Copyrighted Work: Are you disseminating facts and information (better) or borrowing from fiction (worse)?
  3. Amount and Substantiality of What You Used: Are you using just a small portion or short quote? Is that borrowed piece (however big or small) the heart of the work?
  4. The Effect of the Use on the Potential Market: Is your work depriving the original creator of income or are you now making money from what you borrowed?

As you can see, there’s no solid rule about what or how much you can legally borrow. And even if you think you’ve used something fairly, the owner of the copyrighted material can take issue at any time.

So how do you avoid infringing on someone’s copyright? Well the simple and direct answer is asking for permission to use the material. Even safer–check out Creative Commons to find works that are actually licensed to be shared, resused, and remixed.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Graphic Design 101 1 Comment

Understanding Copyright Basics: Part 1

June 30, 2010 – 6:29 am

copyright1A crucial part of any graphic design education is understanding copyright law. Yes, it sounds boring, but you’re an artist–and knowing how that little “c” mark works can help you protect your original stuff and protect yourself from an infringement lawsuit.

What is a copyright, anyway?

A copyright protects “original works of authorship,” meaning any literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic thing you create. Poems, movies, novels, songs, paintings–even software and architecture can be protected.

When your work is copyrighted, that means you own the rights to reproduce, create adaptations, distribute, sell, display, or perform that work. Graphic designers are usually most concerned with the rights to reproduce or adapt designs, photos, and illustrations.

So when is my work protected?

The moment you create something, it’s protected. You don’t even have to register with the U.S. Copyright Office, although doing so can help you prosecute someone if someone is infringing on your rights.

Awesome! But what about stuff I do for clients?

Well, if you work for an agency or company, you usually sign over rights to any work you produce there. Same thing for freelance clients. They’re buying the work, and the rights to it, from you, so it’s technically not yours to reproduce, sell, or display anymore.

This is confusing. Where can I learn more?

The laws are purposefully vague, so that copyright cases can be decided on an individual basis. But don’t worry. Stay tuned for more on protecting your work and using other people’s work fairly. In the meantime, take a look at the comprehensive copyright information over at Stanford’s Copyright and Fair Use Center.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Design Education 6 Comments

Tackling Great Typography

June 30, 2010 – 4:41 am

With thousands of fonts and the ease of digital technology, you’d think that every art director, graphic designer, and amateur out there would be able to achieve typographic perfection. But typography has been a specialized art since the printing press was invented, and it takes skill to really get it right–whether you’re a pro or just starting graphic design school.

What makes the art of typography so difficult is that it’s not just some magic formula of kerning, leading, and type choice. It’s about using a typeface to home in on the personality of the brand, and then laying it out so that it creates visual harmony on the page, package, or website. The words need to have rhythm and flow–and that’s hard to teach.

But seeing where designers hit the typography nail on the head can help train your eye. So here are a few great examples to get you started:

From Our Farms eggs1

Designer Simon Thorpe makes this egg carton for farm-fresh eggs look earthy and rustic. We get the feel of the farm, without any hokey visual farm references.

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day mrs-meyers

This logo is bright and fresh, just like you’d want your clean house to be. But see how the layout of the sleek text also signals neatness and order?

The Smiling Skull smilingskull

This wine label from Rhinocerosred Design could have gone very goth with the wrong typeface. Instead it achieves a mischievous and playful tone that serves as an excellent contrast to the dark color scheme. Source:Lovely Package.

Find more great examples at Designer-Daily and Typographica.org.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Best of the Best Designs, Graphic Design 2 Comments

How to Avoid Facebook Disaster

June 25, 2010 – 10:17 am

Since we’re on the topic of good office and freelance behavior, it would be remiss to leave out the rules of engagement when it comes to Facebook and work. We’ve all heard the horror stories–someone leaves a disparaging status update about their boss, and the next day they’re fired. Remember Heather Armstrong, who was promptly booted from her graphic design job after writing about work on her blog? More and more companies are paying attention to what’s said on the web–and finding out if their workers are the ones saying it.

Facebook can be especially dangerous because friends, family, and business contacts are often co-mingled. But you don’t have to give up on social media just to pursue your graphic design career. In fact, Facebook can be a really powerful tool when used correctly. So here are some tips on the best and worst ways to use FB.

5 Facebook Mistakes:

  • Spending work hours updating your status and posting pictures
  • Posting something your wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing in the lunchroom
  • Not keeping tabs on where you’re mentioned or tagged
  • Making personal gripes about your client/boss/cubicle neighbor public
  • Letting friends disclose personal information

5 Facebook Moves That Can Do You Good:

  • Joining graphic design professional groups
  • Sharing your portfolio and other design inspiration
  • Working your connections for job leads
  • Staying in touch with colleagues, professors, former clients
  • Setting up a professional page that’s separate from your private page
By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Design Careers No Comments

How to Get Booted from your Freelance Gig

June 25, 2010 – 9:47 am

Freelancing can be a great gig for graphic designers–the projects are always changing, you have more flexibility, and you can set your own schedule. Many designers get to know certain clients and companies well, getting repeat business. Freelancing can even be a great way for people working on their graphic design education to get their feet wet in the working world.

But international branding expert Karen Post says that even the most talented of graphic designers won’t make it past their first freelance job if they don’t follow a few basic rules. Her motto: if working with a freelancer is too much work, it won’t be long before they get the boot. So read up on these sure-fire ways to, well, get yourself fired:

1. Ignoring the culture/dress code/office etiquette.

If you’re working onsite, remember that you’re a guest–do your best to fit in and be polite to your new cubicle neighbors.

2. Having a bad attitude.

No one will care how brilliant your work if they can’t put up with your personality. Check your grumpy/arrogant/obnoxious self at the door please.

3. Missing deadlines.

Not only is this incredibly unprofessional, it’s risky–there are a million other freelancers out there who can do your job, and do it on time.

4. Wasting time.

Don’t blur the lines between personal and private time. Keep the coffee/facebook/chat breaks to a minimum and never on billable time.

5. Failing to read the contract.

Know your responsibilities up front, and meet them promptly. Under-delivering or over-billing can get you an express ticket to the black list.

By All Graphic Design Staff Posted in Design Careers, Self Promotion & Marketing No Comments