graphic-design

Graphic design: Start from sketch

by Graphic design

Graphic design: Start from sketch

Graphic design is an art form that involves creating visual content to communicate a message to an audience. One of the most essential tools for graphic designers is sketching. Sketching is the process of creating rough drawings of design ideas, concepts, and layouts. Starting from a sketch can help designers visualize and explore their ideas, and bring their creative concepts to life. In this article, we’ll explore why sketching is so important in graphic design and offer some tips on how to get started.

✦ Why Start From Sketching?

Sketching is a powerful tool for graphic designers for several reasons. Firstly, sketching allows designers to visualize their ideas and see how they would look in real life. This helps designers to refine and develop their ideas before moving on to digital design software. Secondly, sketching is a great way to brainstorm new ideas and explore different concepts without committing to a final design. Finally, sketching is a great way to communicate your ideas to clients or team members. Sketches are easy to understand and can quickly convey a concept or layout, helping to ensure everyone is on the same page.

✦ Tips for Starting from Sketching

1. The first step in starting from sketching is to choose the right materials. Pencils, markers, and paper are the most common tools for sketching. Choose a set of pencils with varying hardness, so you can create different shades of gray. Use markers with different nib sizes to create varied line weights. Finally, choose a high-quality paper that can handle your chosen materials without smudging or bleeding.

2. Before you start sketching, it’s essential to plan your design. Think about the purpose of your design, your target audience, and the message you want to convey. Sketch out some basic layouts and ideas before committing to a final sketch.

3. When starting from sketching, it’s important to keep your designs simple. Focus on the key elements of your design, such as typography, color, and composition. Keep your sketches loose and rough, and don’t worry too much about the details. The goal is to capture the essence of your design concept, not create a finished piece.

4. After you’ve created your initial sketch, take a step back and evaluate your work. Look for areas that need improvement or refinement, and iterate on your design. Create new sketches, refine your composition, and experiment with different colors and typography. Keep refining and iterating until you’re happy with your design.

5. Once you’ve finalized your sketch, it’s time to move to digital design software. Use your sketch as a guide to create a final design, adding in more details, colors, and typography as needed. Remember, your sketch is the foundation of your design, but your final design will likely evolve as you work.

✦ Here listed some ways to find fresh ideas and inspiration through sketching:

1. Keep a Sketchbook Handy

Always carry a sketchbook and drawing art pencil kit with you at all times, so you can quickly jot down ideas or sketches as they come to you. Inspiration can strike at any moment, so having a sketchbook handy and drawing art pencil kit will allow you to capture those ideas before they slip away. Here are some cost effective graphic design kit that you may order now in online:

ImageProductDetails  Price
graphic designUCreate Poly Cover Sketch Book, Heavyweight, 9″ x 12″, Black, 75 SheetsUCreate drawing and sketch pads are great for experimenting with various techniques.; making it easy for artists to develop their own creative style.
•Premium drawing paper is 70 lb.
•Durable black poly cover and back
•Spiral bound and Perforated sheets for final art
•Each sketch book contains 75 sheets		Check Price
graphic designArt 101 Doodle and Color 142 Pc Art Set in a Wood Carrying Case, Includes 24 Premium Colored Pencils, A variety of coloring and painting mediums: crayons, oil pastels, watercolors; Portable Art Studio •Art 101 is a leading supplier of innovative and fun artistic products with 13 years of experience providing high-quality artistic tools at an affordable price
-Country of origin : China
-Includes 24 Premium Core Colored Pencils which color, shade, and blend beautifully
-Includes a variety of coloring and painting mediums, including crayons, oil pastels, and watercolors		Check Price
Graphic designU.S. Art Supply 44-Piece Drawing & Sketching Art Set with 4 Sketch Pads (242 Paper Sheets) – Professional Artist Kit, Graphite, Charcoal, Pastel Pencils & Sticks, Erasers – Pop-Up Carry Case, Student•Complete 44-piece professional drawing and sketching art set that includes every tool and sketch pad you need to create amazing sketches! The zippered carrying case has all the tools conveniently stored in an elevated pop-up organizer providing easy access to them!Check Price
   
Graphic designBellofy 33 Piece Drawing Kit with 100 Sheets Pad | Drawing Kit for Adults Comes with Sketch Supplies for Kids, Beginners & Artists | Drawing Set Contains Sketching Pencils, & More Drawing Stuff•Create Masterful Sketches With This Sketch Set – You’ve discovered it too! Art pencils for drawing and shading are developed by artists for you to perfect drawing, sketching & shading techniques.Check Price
Graphic designFaber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Set• includes bright vibrant colors, Perfect for a colorful mandala. Includes: #247 indanthrene blue (superfine nib), #125 Middle purple pink (superfine nib), #107 cadmium Yellow (Brush nib) and #161 Phthalo green (Brush nib)Check Price
Graphic designSTAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Set | Drawing Kit with Art Pencils, Drawing Pens, Eraser and Double Hole Sharpener •7 sketch pencils and 3 pigment liner pens let you lay down sharp lines or soft shades. The most widely used graphite drawing pencil degrees are included. From soft to hard: 8H, 6H, 4H, HB, H, 2H and 4H. Pen widths are 0.3mm, 0.5mm and 1mmCheck Price
Graphic design MarkerCopic Ciao Marker Set, 6-Colors, Primary •This set features a set of six Copic Ciao markers in the primary colors, a perfect base for building your palette
•Replaceable tip
•Ethanol-based ink dries acid-free
•Permanent and non-toxic
•Refillable		Check Price
Graphic design kitArt 101 Doodle and Color 142 Pc Art Set in a Wood Carrying Case, Includes 24 Premium Colored Pencils, A variety of coloring and painting mediums: crayons, oil pastels, watercolors; Portable Art Studio•Art 101 is a leading supplier of innovative and fun artistic products with 13 years of experience providing high-quality artistic tools at an affordable price
•Country of origin : China
•Includes 24 Premium Core Colored Pencils which color, shade, and blend beautifully		Check Price
Amazon Art Pencil KitAmazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit•All-in-one 17-piece drawing and sketch supply kit for artists of all skill levels
•Includes 6 pencils (2H, HB, H, B, 2B, 3B), 3 charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard), and 4 compressed sketch sticks (2 charcoal, 2 conté)
•Also includes 1 standard eraser, 1 kneaded eraser, 1 blender/smudge stick, and 1 dual-barrel sharpener.		Check Price

2. Explore Your Environment
One of the best ways to find inspiration is to simply look around you. Take a walk in your local neighborhood or park, and observe the world around you. Pay attention to the colors, textures, patterns, and shapes that you see. Take photos or make sketches of interesting details that catch your eye, and use them as a starting point for your designs.

3. Use Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a great technique for generating new ideas and concepts. Start by writing down a central word or idea, and then draw branches that represent related concepts. For example, if you’re designing a logo for a coffee shop, your central word could be “coffee,” and your branches could include concepts like “beans,” “brewing methods,” “cup designs,” and “coffee culture.” By visualizing these concepts, you may come up with new and interesting ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

4. Draw from Life
Drawing from life is a great way to improve your observation skills and hone your drawing abilities. Attend a life drawing class or draw everyday objects around your home or office. By drawing from life, you’ll learn to see the world in a new way, and you may discover new design ideas and concepts.

5. Look to Nature
Nature is a great source of inspiration for designers. Take a walk in a park or botanical garden, and observe the patterns, textures, and colors of plants and flowers. Use these natural elements as inspiration for your designs.

6. Experiment with Typography
Typography is a key element of graphic design, and experimenting with different lettering styles and fonts can spark new ideas. Try hand-lettering, calligraphy, or try experimenting with different font pairings to find unique combinations that stand out.

In conclusion, finding inspiration through sketching is all about exploring new ideas and pushing your creativity to the next level. By trying new techniques, exploring your environment, and collaborating with others, you can find fresh inspiration and create designs that truly stand out. Remember to stay open-minded, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with your sketching process! So, stop wasting time, start your sketching process right now!

indesign

The differences between adobe indesign and illustrator

by Graphic design

Adobe InDesign and Illustrator are two of the most popular software programs for graphic design and publishing. While both of these applications are created by Adobe and serve a similar purpose, they differ significantly in terms of their features, capabilities, and intended use.

✦Here are the key differences between Adobe InDesign and Illustrator:

1. Purpose

The first and foremost difference between Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is their intended purpose. Adobe InDesign is primarily used for creating and publishing multi-page documents layout such as books, magazines, brochures, newsletter, email design and other printed materials. On the other hand, Adobe Illustrator is mainly used for creating vector based graphics and illustrations like -Brand identity and brand guidelines design -Packaging and label design -Social media post design -Ad Campaign post design -Logo and business card design -Stationery design -Flyer design -Vector images tracing etc.

2. Design Tools

Another significant difference between Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is the design tools that are available in each application. Adobe InDesign comes with a comprehensive set of tools for laying out text, images, and other page elements, such as tables, charts, and footnotes.

In contrast, Adobe Illustrator provides a powerful set of vector design tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and typography.

3. File Formats

The file formats supported by each software are another area of difference. Adobe InDesign supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, EPUB, and SWF, which makes it ideal for creating digital publications.

In comparison, Adobe Illustrator primarily supports vector graphics file formats such as AI, SVG, and EPS.

4. Workflow

The workflow in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is also different. In Adobe InDesign, you can create and manage multiple pages and have master page layouts within a single document, which makes it easy to create multi-page documents.

In contrast, Illustrator is designed for creating single-page designs and there have no master page facilities within the document.

5. Typography

Adobe InDesign is known for its extensive typography features, including paragraph styles, character styles, and Open-type font support. It also has advanced features for controlling type, such as kerning, tracking, and hyphenation.

By comparing, while Illustrator also has some typography features, they are more limited compared to InDesign.

6. Image Editing

Another key difference between InDesign and Illustrator is their image editing capabilities. InDesign has basic image editing features such as resizing, cropping, and color correction.

However, Illustrator has more advanced image editing tools such as the ability to trace bitmap images and create custom brushes.

7. Object Manipulation

Both InDesign and Illustrator have object manipulation tools, but they differ in how they work. In InDesign, you can manipulate objects by resizing, rotating, and skewing them, and adjusting their position and alignment.

In Illustrator, you can manipulate objects by editing their anchor points and paths, and applying various effects such as drop shadows and gradients.

8. 3D Graphics

InDesign has limited 3D capabilities, but it can import 3D graphics created in other applications.

In Illustrator, you can manipulate objects by editing their anchor points and paths and applying various effects such as drop shadows and gradients.

In conclusion, Adobe InDesign and Illustrator are both powerful software applications that offer different features and capabilities. Understanding the differences between these two applications can help you determine which one is best suited for your specific design needs. Ultimately, the choice between InDesign and Illustrator depends on the nature of the project, your level of expertise, and your budget.

photoshop

The differences between adobe photoshop and illustrator

by Graphic design

Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are two of the most popular graphic design software programs in the world. While both are excellent tools for creating digital artwork, they have distinct differences that make them better suited for specific tasks. Understanding the differences between these two software programs can help you determine which one is right for your needs.

1. Motive

Adobe Photoshop is primarily used for photo editing and image manipulation. It is a raster-based program, meaning that images are made up of pixels. It is excellent for editing and manipulating photographs, creating graphics for websites and social media, and designing layouts for print or digital media.

On the other hand, Adobe Illustrator is primarily used for vector-based graphic design. Unlike raster-based programs, Illustrator creates images using mathematical equations, resulting in infinitely scalable designs. It is an ideal tool for creating logos, icons, typography, and other graphics that need to be scaled up or down without losing quality.

2. Tools

Photoshop has an extensive range of tools for editing and manipulating images, including brushes, filters, and layer masks. It also has features for retouching, color correction, and compositing.

Illustrator, on the contrary, has tools that are specific to vector design. These include shape tools, pen tools, and anchor points for precise control over paths and curves. It also has features for creating gradients, patterns, and typography.

3. Output

The output for both programs is different due to their different workflows. Photoshop is better suited for producing raster-based images for print or web use. Some examples: Photo editing, photo manipulation, photo restoration, Photo retouching, Clipping path, Mockup creation, web template creation, etc.

While Illustrator is better for producing vector-based graphics for print or digital media. Some examples: Logo, Brand identity and brand guidelines design, Packaging and label design, Social media post design, Banner design, Stationery design, Flyer design, Vector tracing, etc.

4. File Formats

Photoshop supports a wide range of file formats for images, including JPEG, PNG, PSD, and GIF.

Illustrator, alternatively, supports vector-based formats such as EPS, AI, and SVG. Both programs can also import and export various file formats.

5. Typography

Both programs have typography features, but Illustrator is better suited for creating and manipulating vector text. Illustrator has advanced typography tools, such as kerning, tracking, and ligatures, that allow for precise control over text. Photoshop also has some typography features, but they are more limited in comparison.

6. Image Resolution

Because Adobe Photoshop is a raster-based program, image resolution is an important consideration. The resolution of an image is determined by the number of pixels it contains, and higher resolutions are necessary for print work or high-quality images. Photoshop has advanced tools for adjusting and optimizing image resolution, such as upsampling or downsampling.

Illustrator, by contrast, is a vector-based program, so image resolution is not a concern. Vector graphics are made up of mathematically defined shapes, so they can be scaled up or down without losing quality.

7. Filters and Effects

Photoshop has an extensive library of filters and effects that can be applied to images, such as blurs, distortions, and color adjustments. These filters and effects are designed to work with raster-based images, and they can be applied to layers or selections.

Illustrator also has some filters and effects, but they are designed for vector graphics. These filters and effects can be used to add texture, stylize vector graphics, or apply effects to text.

In conclusion, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are both powerful software programs for creating digital artwork, but they have distinct differences in purpose, tools, workflow, learning curve, output, layers, file formats, color management, typography, price, image resolution, pen tool, filters and effects, integration with other Adobe software, and use cases. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right tool for your specific needs and create stunning digital artwork.

canva

The differences between adobe Illustrator and Canva

by Graphic design

When it comes to graphic design software, Adobe Illustrator and Canva are two of the most popular options available. Both programs have their own strengths and weaknesses, and which one you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

✦ Here are some of the key differences between Adobe Illustrator and Canva:

1. User Interface

One of the most noticeable differences between Illustrator and Canva is their user interface. Illustrator has a more complex and technical interface, which can be intimidating for beginners.

On the contrary, the interface of Canva is simple and intuitive, making it a great option for those new to graphic design.

2. User Preference

User preference plays a significant role in choosing between Adobe Illustrator and Canva. Some designers prefer the technical precision and scalability of Illustrator, while others prefer the simplicity and user-friendliness of Canva. Designers who are comfortable with Adobe’s suite of software may prefer Illustrator due to its compatibility with other programs, advanced features, and ability to work with a wide variety of file formats.

traditionrolex.com

illustrator vs canva
Adobe illustrator interface

On the other hand, designers who prioritize ease of use and collaboration may prefer Canva. Canva’s intuitive interface, extensive library of templates and design elements, and real-time collaboration features make it a great choice for teams that need to work together on projects.

illustrator vs canva
Canva User Interface

Ultimately, the choice between Illustrator and Canva will depend on a designer’s individual needs and preferences. It’s essential to consider factors such as the type of design work you do, the size of your team, and your budget before making a decision.

3. Design Capabilities

Illustrator is a vector-based design software, which means that it uses mathematical equations to create shapes and graphics. This allows for more precise and scalable designs, making it ideal for logos, icons, branding, social media post, flyer, brochure, and other graphics that need to be resized without losing quality.

Canva, on the other hand, is primarily a template-based design software, which means that it offers pre-designed layouts and elements that users can customize to their liking.

4. Pricing

Another major difference between the two programs is their pricing.

Illustrator is part of Adobe Creative Cloud, which is a subscription-based service that starts at $20.99/month.

illustrator pricing

Canva, then again, offers both free and paid plans, with the paid plans starting at $6.49/month.

5. Integration with Other Software

Illustrator integrates seamlessly with other Adobe software such as Photoshop and InDesign, making it a great option for designers who work with multiple programs.

Canva, on the other hand, offers limited integration with other software, which can be frustrating for those who need to transfer designs between programs.

6. Learning Curve

As mentioned earlier, Illustrator’s interface can be complex and technical, which can make it difficult for beginners to learn. Canva, however, has a simpler interface and offers a variety of tutorials and resources to help users get started.

7. Collaboration Features

Illustrator does not have as many collaboration features, making it less ideal for team projects but has some plugins and extensions.

Conversely, Canva is designed for collaboration, making it an excellent choice for teams that need to work together on projects. It offers features such as shared design folders, team templates, and real-time collaboration.

8. File Formats

Illustrator is known for its ability to work with a wide variety of file formats, including EPS, AI, PDF, and SVG.

Canva, in other ways, primarily exports designs as JPG, PNG, or PDF files, making it less versatile when it comes to exporting designs.

9. Advanced Design Features

Illustrator is a powerful design software that offers advanced features such as the ability to create 3D graphics, work with perspective grids, and use advanced typography tools.

Canva, while it offers a wide variety of design elements, does not have as many advanced design features.

10. Mobile App

Illustrator does not have a mobile app, making it less convenient for mobile users.

Then again, Canva has a robust mobile app that allows users to design on the go, which is a significant advantage for those who need to work from their mobile devices.

In conclusion, both Adobe Illustrator and Canva have their own unique features and strengths. Illustrator is a powerful, industry-standard design software that offers advanced design features, precise design capabilities, and the ability to work with a wide variety of file formats. Canva, on the other hand, is a user-friendly design software that offers collaboration features, an extensive library of templates and design elements, and a robust mobile app. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a designer.

Is Canva and Adobe Illustrator the same?

Certainly! Here are some specific advantages of Adobe Illustrator over Canva:
Advanced Vector Editing
Customizability
Drawing Tools and Pen Tool
Blend Modes and Effects
Industry Compatibility
Extensive File Format Support
Remember, while Adobe Illustrator offers advanced features and precision, Canva has its own advantages, especially for quick and accessible design projects. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the specific needs, expertise, and preferences of the designer.

Does Canva support Illustrator files?

Canva partially support Adobe Illustrator (AI) files as an importable file format. Canva primarily focuses on providing a user-friendly web-based design platform with its own proprietary file formats. However, Canva does offer the option to import and work with other common image file formats such as JPEG, PNG, and SVG.
It’s important to note that exporting an Illustrator file to a raster format like PNG may result in a loss of vector scalability. If retaining the vector scalability is important, saving the file in SVG format would be a better option as it preserves the vector nature of the design.

Can Canva replace graphic designers?

Canva is a useful tool for simple design tasks, but it lacks the expertise, creativity, and strategic thinking that professional graphic designers bring to the table. Graphic designers are essential for complex projects, customized designs, maintaining brand consistency, and delivering impactful visual communication.

Do graphic designers use Canva?

Yes, graphic designers can use Canva as one of the tools in their design workflow. While Canva is often associated with non-designers or individuals without extensive design experience, professional graphic designers may utilize Canva for certain purposes. They might use Canva for quick mock-ups, simple designs, or as a starting point for design concepts. However, graphic designers typically rely on a combination of tools, including industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, to create more sophisticated and customized designs. Canva can be a valuable addition to a graphic designer’s toolkit, offering convenience and a wide range of templates for certain design tasks.

Do big companies use Canva?

es, many big companies and organizations use Canva as part of their design workflow. Canva offers a user-friendly platform with a wide variety of templates, stock images, and design elements that can be customized to create visually appealing graphics. It provides an accessible and efficient solution for creating social media posts, presentations, marketing materials, and other design assets.

What programming language is Canva?

Canva, as a web-based design platform, utilizes a combination of programming languages for its development and functionality. The specific programming languages used by Canva may include:
JavaScript
HTML/CSS: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
Python
Other technologies: Canva may also utilize frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular, or Node.js, which are commonly used in modern web development.
It’s important to note that the exact programming languages and technologies used by Canva may not be publicly disclosed, and the platform’s development stack may have evolved or changed over time.

How to earn money with Canva?

While Canva is primarily a design platform used to create graphics and visual content, there are several ways you can potentially earn money with Canva:
1. Freelance Design Services: If you have design skills and expertise, you can offer your services as a freelance graphic designer using Canva. Create custom designs, templates, or social media graphics for clients and charge a fee for your design services.
2. Selling Templates: You can create and sell customizable templates on platforms like Etsy or your own website. Design templates for social media posts, presentations, invitations, or any other popular design category, and market them to individuals or businesses looking for ready-made designs.
3. Print-on-Demand Products: Canva has integration with print-on-demand services like Printful, where you can create and sell your designs on various products such as t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. Design your graphics on Canva, upload them to the print-on-demand platform, and earn a profit from each sale.
4. Digital Products: Create digital products like ebooks, workbooks, or design resources using Canva. These products can be sold online through platforms like Gumroad or your own website.
5. Affiliate Marketing: Canva has an affiliate program that allows you to earn a commission by promoting Canva’s premium subscriptions or other related products. Sign up for the Canva affiliate program and generate income by referring customers to Canva.
It’s important to note that the specific method you choose to earn money with Canva depends on your skills, creativity, marketing strategies, and the demand for your products or services. Additionally, it’s crucial to review Canva’s terms of use and any applicable licensing restrictions when monetizing your designs created on the platform.

Can I sell my Canva designs on Etsy?

Yes, you can sell your Canva designs on Etsy, provided you comply with Etsy’s policies and any applicable licensing restrictions. Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Create Unique Designs: Using Canva, design unique and original graphics that are not in violation of any copyright or licensing restrictions.
2. Customize and Personalize: Make sure to customize and personalize the designs to make them unique to your brand or style. Avoid using Canva’s pre-made templates or elements without modification, as they may not meet the criteria for originality.
3. Check Licensing Terms: Review the licensing terms of any Canva elements or graphics you use in your designs. Ensure that you have the appropriate rights and permissions to use and sell those elements commercially.
Create High-Quality Listings: Take high-resolution screenshots or export your Canva designs in a suitable format for listing on Etsy. Craft compelling descriptions and present your designs attractively.
4. Describe Usage Rights: Clearly communicate the usage rights of your Canva designs in the Etsy listings. Specify whether the designs are for personal use only or can be used for commercial purposes.
5. Comply with Etsy Policies: Familiarize yourself with Etsy’s seller policies, intellectual property guidelines, and any other relevant rules to ensure compliance.
Remember, while Canva can be a useful tool for creating designs, it’s important to ensure that your designs are original and comply with licensing requirements. If you have any concerns or questions about selling Canva designs on Etsy, it’s advisable to consult Canva’s support, review Etsy’s guidelines, or seek legal advice for further clarification.

brand

Brand Identity VS Brand Style Guidelines

by Graphic design

Brand identity is the overall visual and emotional representation of a brand, which includes the logo, imagery, letterhead, envelope, social media identity including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn cover page, and other visual elements that help define and differentiate the brand from its competitors. It encompasses the brand’s personality, values, and attributes, and should be consistent across all touch-point to create a strong and recognizable brand image.

A brand style guide, on the other hand, is a set of guidelines that defines how the brand identity should be used in various applications, such as marketing materials, website design, packaging, social media, and other brand touch points. It outlines specific rules and recommendations for using the brand’s visual and verbal elements, such as the preferred logo usage including vertical and horizontal orientation, logo sizes, color palette, typography, tone of voice, and messaging guidelines. The style guide helps ensure consistency and accuracy in all brand communications and helps maintain the brand’s integrity and equity.

In summary, brand identity is the visual and emotional representation of a brand, while a brand style guide is a set of guidelines that defines how the brand identity should be used in various applications to maintain consistency and accuracy.