Newbie - in all design matters

[Hawken80]

Hello. I'm about to complete a masters degree in industrial economy and technology. I have a part time job where I'm going to help a small firm certify withing the ISO 9000 standards.

Within this certifying project, I found a need to design big wallpapers wich present all the activities of the firm. I soon discovered that powerpoint is not adequate :p, so I started a home study of adobe illustrator. I must say that I am absolutely stunned with the complexity of the tools within this programme.

So. My skills are probably good enough for designing wallpapers ATM*. However, I really want to learn more. So, after saying hi, I want some tips on:

What books to read on basic design? Are there any good video tutorials, other than the adobe (Lynda and totaltraning) wich mainly covers the tools, not the teqnuiqes?

*edit: wallpapers of textboxes that is :D

Hawken

[budafist]

Do you mean you want to learn about design/colour theory?

One of the best ways to learn that stuff is by studying relevant designs already out there. I'm not saying copy them at all. I'm saying figure out what works and what doesn't work and apply them to your own work.

[garricks]

Welcome, Hawken!

For books on the mechanics of using the software, there's the "Bible" series, the "O'Reilly' series and the "Quick Start Guide" series. All of them are good. Specifically regarding Adobe products, there's a forum right here to handle that, and there are comprehensive "User to User" forums at www.adobe.com that I read every day.

And if you have a question about a specific technique, tool, or method, post it here and you'll get an unending series of opinions! :p (seriously, there are some very experienced folks around here.)

Don't dip a toe in the water, do a cannonball!

[Hawken80]

Thanx for quick replies. Well, it is hard to ask for something when you don't know what it is. I guess basic design theory and colour theory would do the job. I just ordered the non designers design book, I found the post with all the book tips.

Hawken

[morea]

Welcome to GDF, Hawken.

When you have a few moments, please take a look over the threads posted here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42); they explain just about everything you need to know about GDF.

If you're not familiar with vBulletin forums there are some great tips to help get you acquainted posted here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28801). Enjoy your stay!

[Red Kittie Kat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/welcomes/welcome44.gif


Welcome Aboard :)