Best Colors for Web Designing

January 1st, 2012 by maureen | 4 Comments | Filed in Tutorial
Graphic Design Tutorial

Web Color


There are many web design tutorials that cover Web color in detailed scientific terms. However, for our objectives, let’s briefly discuss Web color and how it will be used in the Web portfolio. You will need to develop a color scheme for your Web portfolio pages. This means that you will designate colors for your page background, the type used on the page and any other static elements that reside in the page. There are two types of color that can be used in Web graphics. The colors can be associated with the Web graphic file formats we just mentioned: GIF and JPG.


GIF


GIF files use index color. Index color consists of 216 common colors found on all computer monitors and within all Web browsers. These common colors reside in a Web palette. The Web palette of colors is available in Macromedia Fireworks and Adobe Photoshop so they can be used in design of Web screens without variance of color when the pages are on the Internet. Also, the Web palette is the standard color palette in Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Flash. This allows us to achieve consistent color across Web applications and Web browsers.


We use Web colors for:


Web text/HTML text

Web page backgrounds

Web page colors used for table or layer backgrounds

Web links

GIF files


JPG


JPG files use red, green, and blue (RGB) for graphical color. RGB color is also known as full color. Full color items include bitmap graphics or photographs. We want to utilize photographs as much as we can within a Web portfolio to add to the visual rhetoric and the narrative that we are trying to present. Extensive use of photographs, especially their manipulation in programs such as Adobe Photoshop, require a brief description of the RGB color model. RGB color is known as additive color because of all colors, red green, and blue were added together at their full intensity that would create pure white. The mixtures of the relative strengths of these colors, “create the millions of colors computer monitors can show” (Kimball, 2003, p. 95). The strength of these colors is set in from zero to 255 with zero being the least intensity and 255 being the highest intensity. When red, green and blue are combined at zero intensity the result is black. At full strength, high intensity, where the values are set at 255, 255, 255, the result is pure white. To remember this, here is a simple metaphor. Think of the red, green, and blue as light switches. Each light switch using a slider has a range of zero to 255. When all the white switches are set at zero the room is dark. What all the light switches are set to 255, the room is lit at full intensity. Once you begin to use image-editing applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia fireworks, you begin to explore computer color within your graphics and photographs. When discussing color usage, full color or RGB color is present in photographic JPG files and other created artwork. Full color images should not be saved as GIF files because of the limited number of colors. By having limited colors, the full color image will represent the true colors using the existing Web palette of 216 colors.


This creates a poor, dithered, and ugly image. That is why it is very important to use the right file format for each specific graphic. When converting print images to the Web, it’s important that you do not use the CMYK color model for anything including graphics. The CMYK model is not a monitor friendly color space. The CMYK graphics cannot be seen in CMYK on the Internet. They can only be represented by the RGB color model or the Web safe (indexed) color model. Here are the rules for Web color:


Full color images (RGB palette) and photos are saved as JPG.

Flat graphics (Web 216 palette) with limited color are saved as GIF files.

For Page backgrounds use the Web safe palette (Web 216 palette) in all computer graphics, multimedia, and Web development applications. Now, let’s discuss Web page and graphic size.


Size


Web pages are measured in pixels. Pixels are the unit of measurement for the screen. A Web page can literally be any size. Standard Web pages usually fit into a few sizes:


W × H

600 × 800

640 × 480 (Dreamweaver default)

1024 × 768

550 × 400 (Flash default)


The default Web page sizes provided in Web friendly applications and listed earlier are a great place to start. You will probably use a smaller, custom size for pop-up windows. The Web page size you choose is up to you. Remember to use actual space for the Web page effectively so that the content is in the proper proximity to the user’s navigation patterns. Web page size affects the way users move around the Web pages and the Web portfolio site. One rule: Pick a size for all main screens and stick to it.


Consistency in page size r should be used on each level of the Web portfolio design flowchart. You will need to understand size in the image editing application when you develop screens and Web graphics. We must keep our graphics within the page size guidelines otherwise they will over extend the Web browser and the user will need to scroll to see them. That is not a good thing and will definitely turn off the user. When you are looking at Web screens and graphics in an image editing application such as Macromedia Fireworks or Adobe Photoshop, you can see the exact size the image will occupy on a monitor when the view is set to 100 percent.


This means that you can get an accurate indication of how a page will look before going through the process of making it an HTML Web page. This helps with design and production. It helps eliminate guess work when developing pages. Size also depends on resolution. Let’s discuss resolution next.

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How to Find the Best Graphic Designer

January 1st, 2012 by maureen | 151 Comments | Filed in Graphics Design
Graphics Design

If you have a business, at some point you’re going to need a graphic designer. Though you may be able to print your own business cards or letterhead, if you want them to look good and really make your business stand out, you need someone who knows how to make fonts, colors and graphic elements work together.

A graphic designer is trained to use design elements (from photos to clip art to lines and boxes to typography) to convey information or create an effect on a consumer.

Basically, what you’re trying to do is let people know about you, whether it’s yourself, your business or your product that you’re trying to show in the best light.

So, if you really want to catch people’s attention in print, you need a design that is eye-catching and leaves a positive impression. And that’s where a good graphic designer is so invaluable.

What do you need?

Your first questions when hiring a graphic designer should be to yourself.

What are you presenting to the world that requires a professional design?

How will it be presented—in product packaging, in business stationery, in brochures, in magazine ads?

Do you need a logo created from scratch, or do you already have an image to work off of that just needs polishing and minor tweaks?

Do you need a single business card design, or do you want a total package with branding—brand your product and name with a memorable marketing tool, such as a logo or jingle?

As soon as you have these questions sorted out, you’re then prepared to ask graphic designers some questions.

1) Ask how long they’ve been in business.

Someone that can prove twenty years of experience with happy customers is probably going to charge more than someone new to the business. They are also more likely to be able to help you figure out what you’re looking for, unless you have a very concrete idea to begin with. If you don’t have a solid idea of what you want, a less experienced graphic designer may take several tries to create what you want, and could cost more in the long run.

2) Ask to see previous work.

Many graphic designers have a certain style. While their work doesn’t all look the same, there are often similarities you’ll spot in their portfoloio. One designer may specialize in a softer look (with light colors and a floral motif), while another designer may favor something edgier (sharply contrasting colors, geometric shapes). Neither is bad in and of itself, but if you’re trying to set up a day spa, you’d likely go for Designer A’s style rather than Designer B. A punk rock band would have the exact opposite reaction.

3) Ask for references.

You don’t want to hire a graphic designer who can never finish a project on time, especially if you’re on a tight timetable. Is the designer open to suggestions? Can s/he take constructive criticism? Yes, they’re the designer, but you’re the customer, and your opinion counts. This can work the other way too. You could hear from references that this person takes his or her time, but it’s definitely worth the wait because the price is right and the end product is fabulous.

4) Who does the actual work?

Are you hiring a firm that gives the grunt work to subordinates, who may not be able to do the level of quality work you want? Or is this a one-man show, where you have to wait your turn until the graphic designer can get to your project in his roster of clients?

5) Exactly what services does the graphic designer provide?

If s/he designs a brochure, who prints it? If a banner is created, whose responsibility is it to get the real thing done? Will you be given a CD with your logo and master copies of the letterhead and brochure files and then need to take the CD to the printer yourself, or will the CD be delivered along with your first batch of printed materials? Additionally, will you have several mock-ups to choose from, or will the designer simply create one version for your to approve or disapprove?

6) Will the graphic designer spend time consulting with you?

A good designer will take the time to listen to your ideas, and ask questions to make sure s/he is clear on your vision and the feeling you want your logo and marketing materials to evoke in potential clients.

7) Ask about copyrights.

Does the graphic designer keep the copyright and just license reproduction rights to you, or do you get the copyright? Does the designer ensure that the brand s/he creates doesn’t infringe on an existing brand?

8) Ask about the price.

What are you getting and not getting? Request a list of everything that is included, either in the form of a fee schedule or an entire project quote. Make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into, and what you’re getting out of the relationship you’re about to start.

You will be signing a contract and you will be in this relationship for the term of that contract. After you put your signature on something is not the time to discover you made a mistake, or had more questions.

In Conclusion

What you want to ask a graphic designer before you hire him or her is everything. Do your research on the going rate in your area for various design work, and be willing to talk to several designers before choosing one. Shop around. Ask around. If you see graphic design you like at a business, ask who did their work.

Most of all, remember that a graphic designer is supposed to give some type of memorable representation of “you”, whether it’s for business or for personal use. You will want an excellent working relationship that can potentially last a long, long time.

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Create the Best Wall Art with These Canvas Art Pieces from CanvasDezign

June 24th, 2011 by maureen | 143 Comments | Filed in Digital Art Design
Digital Art Design

CanvasDezign can recreate your favorite pictures and photos into great pierces of canvas art. We provide you with the best quality of canvas prints at a price you can easily afford. We have contributed to the success of numerous artist and photographers by immortalizing their work in the form of canvas art.

Creating beautiful and exclusive artwork that becomes treasured heirlooms at your home and even your office has never been so easy. At CanvasDezign, we work on your digital images to create wall art that is truly one of its kind.

There is no limit to what you can do with a digital image of your memorable moment or shot. Whether it is a favorite piece of art designed by your child or just a memorable moment in your life, you can enjoy it forever with these wonderful pieces of art.
There is no limit to what you can do with a picture and a piece of canvas at CanvasDezign. We work with your digital prints to transform them into a print to canvas that will become the focus of attention wherever you choose to put it up.

The most attractive part is that the whole process is remarkably easy. The only thing you have to do is to upload your picture on our online site and answer a few easy questions. We will process your request and have your canvas art packed, mounted and delivered at your doorstep, all set to become the talk of town!

We have a wide collection of canvas arts on offer. You can choose from a wide category of floral, abstract or other categories to create a wall art that is truly remarkable. CanvasDezign is among the leaders specializing in canvas arts and picture on canvas prints. We are well known for our quality and our canvas art pieces can be with you for generations, if you follow a few basic maintenance tips. We use a special anti fade ink that is rich in tone and brings out the best in your picture.

Since we are the leaders in wall art and canvas arts, we print hundreds of pieces for our trade and retail customers. This makes it easier for us to understand your requirements and also offer you the best prices in the market. We specialize in transforming your simple but memorable pictures into canvas art.

We offer you services that range from the simplest of jobs for wall art to the most complex recoloring of giclee arts. We use the latest in digital printing technology to give you the best quality stretched canvas prints. We produce and recolor giclee prints also. You can also avail of bespoke true matches in canvas prints. The only thing you need to do is to send us a color and we will find the exact match for it. Try it out- just upload your picture on your site, your privacy is our responsibility.  You will see a wonderful wall art in instants.

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