MonthOctober 2014

Tips On Good Print Design

Of course with design, many designers have there own principles which they follow. Remember firstly to think outside of the paper and take some risks!

Less is more – may sound like a cliche but it really is true. Remove the noise and stick to the basics. If you cram too much content, then it can look messy.

Typography is extremely important when it comes to design also. A font can change the appeal and the message your design is trying to put across. There are plenty of websites which allow you to test out fonts, so check them out and see how your design comes across.

Following SMART

There aren’t many rules when it comes down to logo design. The main job of the logo is to identify your brand. Although there aren’t rules, there are guidelines one can follow.

Simple, Memorable, Appropriate, Resizable, Timeless – SMART.

Simple = Look at some of the most popular logos in the world and see how simple they are. Main examples – Nike, Apple and McDonalds.

Memorable – Achieved by simplicity, creating a logo which is memorable is key to design.

Appropriate – Create a logo which is appropriate for the target audience of the business.

Resizable – If it’s recognisable no matter the size of the logo, then you’ve done well.

Timeless – Can the logo stand the test of time? Trends are only for clothes and music. Make sure your logo stands out.

Cheap and Cheerful Design Software

Not everybody can afford the costly prices of design giants Adobe. But not to worry, there are excellent free alternatives which can help you design on a budget.

Inkscape

An open-source vector graphics editor, it’s a great alternative for those who cannot afford to use Illustrator. It has a clear interface and is user friendly, containing a 3D boxes tool which allows speedy drawing and editing.

Easel.ly

A great graphic design software which allows you to create infographics for free using stock templates. There are more templates available, but at a cost. You can use different themes and also upload images onto the graphic.

Blender

A 3D graphic software used for creating visual effects and animated films, Blender is great for texturing, simulation, animation and much more. It’s also available on three formats for free – Windows, Mac and Linux.