Graphic Design Forum Articles

Vector and Raster Halftone Patterns
Here's how to create Photoshop halftone effects that can be converted to Illustrator for vector work.

Logos, Flags, and Escutcheons
There is often debate—and confusion—among creative professionals about the role and importance of logos. Design legend Paul Rand offers his opinion in this classic essay.

The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers
We talk with Stefan Bucher about the rewards and challenges of writing and designing his latest book, "All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers".

What To Expect out of a Design Career
Young designers often set impossibly high standards and lofty goals. Are they setting themselves up for early disappointment?

Quick Color Correction
Here is a 2 minute color correction technique that utilizes threshold and curves.

Magazine Layout
Advice on laying out, setting up, and selling ads for a magazine.

Understanding DPI and Image Resizing
This article offers an explanation of dots per inch and what happens during image resizing.

The Business Side of Design Part 1, Starting Out
OK so you’ve worked your butt off for two or four years. You’ve worked and studied hard. You’ve become a master at PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign and that hard earned degree hangs framed on the wall. You’re all set to take the world by storm with your cutting edge designs.

The Business Side of Design Part 2, Marketing
When starting a business most of us will have a small client base already in place. This usually consists of friends, family and contacts from previous jobs and school.

Creating Outdoor Print Banners
Everything you need to know to prepare files for large format digital banners.

Understanding the Differences Between a Distiller and a PDF Writer
PDF files are created in one of two ways, using a PDF Writer or using Adobe Acrobat Distiller. Each serves its purpose but you should understand the differences to help you decide which one to use in your workflow.

Building a Relationship with your Printer
A professor once said to me, "It is extremely important as a Graphic Designer to form a good relationship with a printer." At that time I didn't fully understand why it was so important. Of course now I know it's about respect and teamwork.

Keeping Your Computer Safe from Hackers
Hacking is a general term used to describe someone abusing a computer system that is not their own. Learn how to prevent this.

Configuring Your WinXP Computer for Web Hosting and Script Development
Every installation is unique and may have difficulties, but these are the basics of setting up your own development server with IIS.