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Design Refresher
Thriving graphic designers don't focus only on becoming proficient with the softwares used to create their layouts. They also learn the universal graphic design principles that will make their designs great.
Learning how to use every filter and effect in Photoshop does not make you a graphic designer. Learning how to use your graphics programs to apply design principles is what will make you a great designer.
We'll show you what you won't find in software documentation
We’ll provide you with all the articles, checklists, glossaries, reference charts, resources, templates and type specimens you need to help you create designs that standout from the crowd.
It's all about the details. The difference between so-so layouts and great layouts is the details. We'll show you the details; you'll become reacquainted with the fundamentals of effective graphic design:
- Principles of design: You'll learn my dozen design principles: alignment, appropriateness, balance, consistency, contrast, emphasis, hierarchy, proximity, relevance, rhythm, repetition and unity.
- Dividing space: You'll divide your page the same way a reader reads your page: by following the natural eye movements of your audience. You'll learn to make effective use of illusion, simplicity, white space, positive and negative space.
- Typography: We'll show you the essential typefaces in a successful graphic designer's arsenal. You'll learn everything you need to know about typefaces and how to choose the correct one to set the tone for your project. And, most importantly, you'll learn to set type like a professional!
- Color theory: We'll teach you the properties of color: color meanings, rules for using color effectively, how to come up with a color scheme, color combinations, and global use of color.
- Graphic elements: We'll show you how to add more sophistication and complexity to your designs with lines, rules, shape, and texture.
- The grid: No longer passé, you'll use today's programs to incorporate this fundamental of design (and it's never been easier!) You'll learn how to choose the correct grid for your layout.
Enjoy immediate access to the following essentials of design:
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Adding visuals that communicate at a glance
There is a fine line between choosing visuals that are merrily "pretty" and choosing ones that communicate. They say that a "picture is worth a thousand words". Your job is to decide what you want them to say. Learn how to choose the right visuals for your graphic design job that set the tone and communicate your message visually. . . . READ ON >
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Typography 301: Paragraph style rules
Good typography involves becoming proficient in the 3 categories: text, paragraph, and punctuation rules. Using this as a guideline, I've created this 3-part class on typography. This third part deals with the basic paragraph rules and my other articles will deal with the others. . . . READ ON >
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Typography 201: Punctuation done right
Good typography involves becoming proficient in the 3 categories: text, paragraph, and punctuation rules. Using this as a guideline, I've created this 3-part class on typography. This second part deals with the basic punctuation rules and my other articles will deal with the others. . . . READ ON >
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Typography 101: Basic rules for setting professional type
Good typography involves becoming proficient in the 3 categories: text, paragraph, and punctuation rules. Using this as a guideline, I've created this 3-part class on typography. This first part deals with the basic rules for setting type and my other articles will deal with the others. . . . READ ON >
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Working With Type
by Maria G. Nozza
How do we decide what typeface to use? In this article, I examine the topic of typeface selection and all the nuances in type: styles, combining type, and what type is appropriate and when. . . . READ ON >
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What's a font? A typeface? And is there a difference?
Nowadays, we never think about it much, but is there a difference when you say "what font is that?" and "what typeface is that?" Or are the 2 terms interchangeable? Find out why there still is a difference today between the words "font" and "typeface" and when to use which term. |image1| . . . READ ON >
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Anatomy of Type
A picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, it's easier to show a term than it is to explain it, especially with typography. It is essential for good communication to know when to use what terminology for type. Here's an illustrated guide to the most common terms in dealing with type: measurements & guides, stroke and endings. . . . READ ON >
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Color Glossary
As a professional, you should always use words properly. When first starting out, I would use terms incorrectly and that caused me some embarrassment. I started keeping a list of essential terms and their definitions. I would then keep this list handy to look up less familiar terms. . . . READ ON >
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Graphic Design Glossary
Part of a professional image is always use terms properly. Here is a list of essential terms and their definitions in Graphic Design. It's an ever-growing glossary and should be used as you would a dictionary. . . . READ ON >
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Typography Glossary
Typography is a field of its own with lots of terms and definitions to remember. To make things easier, I've created a glossary of all typographic terms and their definitions. Use it to look up terms, as a refresher, or a when you need the right word. This is continuously updated and will also include pictures where appropriate. . . . READ ON >
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