Why Hire a Graphic Designer?
Below you will find some helpful information about design, color, photography and working with a graphic designer. I hope you will find it useful and that it will help you create your best first impression with your clients.
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Why Hire A Graphic Designer?
I have a computer so I can do it myself!
Even though it is tempting to save money, I think in the long run, designing your own business collateral can be a big mistake. First impressions are everything in business, and a poorly designed logo, business card, promotional signage, etc, can reflect poorly on you and your business. A professional logo and business card can make or break a potential deal with a prospective client.
Graphic Designers have the education and experience to create the look you wish to achieve. The use of color, fonts, style, contrast, balance, etc., along with an artistic eye will give your business branding the professional look you need to compete with your competition.
Designers also have the industry standard software to create designs in formats acceptable for any type of use, web, print, specialty formats, etc. You'll find that you are very limited with a software like Publisher and will find many printers and companies that can't open your files or use them for professional printing jobs.
Current graphic design software costs between $1200 and $1800 depending on your needs and there is a steep learning curve before you can achieve those professional results.
However, for those of you who are determined to do your own design, you'll find tips, books and products to educate yourself about the basics to help you on your design journey.
Color Wheel
The Power of Color!
Color influences our response to the world around us.
For example, the color purple conveys mourning in Thailand, and royalty in Europe. Europeans and Americans associate the color white to marriage, angels and peace. However, in Japan it relates to mourning; in China, to death and in India, to unhappiness.
"Marketing research shows that
over 80% of our visual information
is related to color, making color
a powerful element in design."
In advertising, knowing your target market and/or using combinations of different colors can help overcome these cultural differences.
In addition to having an emotional influence, colors can influence a physical reaction. For example, warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) will attract and hold attention opposed to the cooler colors (blues, greens).
Color Associations
Here are just a few of the associations we have with color.
Passion, Energy, Love, Violence, Leadership
Pink
Romance, Calming, Peace, Sweetness
Blue
Wisdom, Formality, Trust, Loyalty
Green
Success, Hope, Freshness, Healing, Harmony
Yellow
Intelligence, Joy, Warmth, Caution, Optimism
Purple
Spiritual power, Mystery, Extravagance, Magic
Black
Protection, Sophistication, Elegance, Wealth, Power
Pay attention to the colors around you. Notice your own reaction to specific colors that you see. Are you attracted to a specific combination of colors? Which ones make you feel positive? Which ones attract your attention?
Digital Photography Tips for Amateur Photographers
Framing Your Subject
When you look through your lens, notice the composition of your subject matter.Does your subject look natural instead of 'arranged' or 'posed'?
A natural or relaxed looking photo is more appealing. Whether you are shooting people or scenery, be aware of the way the elements within the frame fit together as a composition.
Lighting
If you need to use a flash to fill in shadows on your subject's face, here is a trick I've used. To soften the effect of a bright flash. take a white coffee filter, cut a piece off and wrap it around your popup flash. Tape it , so that once it is fitted correctly, you can reuse it.
The flash provides plenty of light but you won't get the red eye or burnout spots from a bright reflecting flash.
Frame of Reference-Has Distracting Background
Frame of Reference
Be aware of your surroundings and be creative!
Frame of Reference-An interesting close-up
Working with a Graphic Designer
Prepare your Content and Ideas to Save Money
Give your designer a clear picture of what you would like to accomplish. Have all your written content, product descriptions, any images of your products, color preferences and clearly express your goals. Your designer will work with you to organize and optimize your information to achieve your vision.
You'll find more tips on my website/blog
Reno Graphics Design Firm Takes Bold, New Step
- Reno Graphics Design Firm Takes Bold, New Step
- Reno Graphics Design Firm Takes Bold, New Step. Down economy is up time for Reno graphics design business, spurring creativity and launch of new brand.
II'd love to hear from you!
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- mac mac Aug 18, 2009 @ 4:14 am
- amazing tips. i love the tips about framing and shooting with your camera..amazing..
love ur site. great stuff
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Reply
- nekoneko nekoneko May 9, 2009 @ 11:24 am
- I love it
am a graphic designer wannabe..sigh
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Reply
- SoydelBarza SoydelBarza Mar 17, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
- Totally interesting!!!, Thanks for te tips! =D
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Reply
- Tiddledeewinks Tiddledeewinks Jan 14, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
- Very useful lens.
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Reply
- d-artist d-artist Nov 6, 2008 @ 7:10 am
- yes, most people make a big mistake with the backgrounds, like featured in your poloroid module, however it is still a nice image...5*
- Load More
Design and Photography Products
Non-Designer's Design Book, The (3rd Edition)
If you want to know the basic principles of design and try your hand at designing yourself, this is the book for you.
Amazon Price: $23.09 (as of 12/05/2009) 
List Price: $34.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
The Digital Photography Book
This book will give you the information you need to help you to take professional quality photographs with your digital camera.
Written in a straightforward manner, without all the techno-photo-speak.
Amazon Price: $14.61 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $24.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
A less expensive camera than the A700 but with almost the same qualities. It has two less megapixels but if you don't plan to make prints of the size below, it is a wonderful value for this quality camera.
Amazon Price: $599.99 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Aspherical ED Lens
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price:
Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $835.95 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Books on Color Theory
Understanding Color: An Introduction for Designers
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $46.13 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $65.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Color Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Graphic Designers
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Amazon Price: $21.90 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $30.00
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Color Index 2: Over 1500 New Color Combinations. For Print and Web Media. CMYK and RGB Formulas.
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Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $24.99
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Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color
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Amazon Price: $27.04 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $39.99
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Color Design Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Color in Graphic Design
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $40.00
Graphic Design & Photography Software
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Standard
Has all the essential tools for page layout, image editing and illustration for professional design and print production.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $1,349.49 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $1,399.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium
Has all the essential tools for page layout, image editing and illustration for professional design and print production. New Acrobat 10 Pro, Fireworks CS4, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash CS4 Professional, and Dreamweaver CS4
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $1,679.49 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $1,799.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
![Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vqDZb1A1L._SL75_.jpg)
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 [OLD VERSION]
A pared-down version of Photoshop, yet a very useful tool for photographers. Has many of Photoshop's powerful features.
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Amazon Price: $72.25 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $99.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Professional, powerful photo editing software. The industry standard. Ideal for photographers, graphic designers, web designers and print service providers.
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Amazon Price: $682.99 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $699.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
![Adobe Photoshop Extended CS4 [Mac]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-kIoCTx1L._SL75_.jpg)
Adobe Photoshop Extended CS4 [Mac]
Professional, powerful photo editing software. The industry standard. Ideal for photographers, graphic designers, web designers and print service providers. For Mac Users.
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Amazon Price: $937.99 (as of 12/05/2009)
List Price: $999.00
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