Articles Index

How to Organize Your Graphic Design Files
As graphic designers take on more and more projects, organizing the files related to the projects becomes increasingly important.

Graphic Design Projects for Friends and Family
A common dilemma that graphic designers face is whether or not to take on projects for friends and family, and what to charge them.

Texture in Graphic Design
Texture can refer to the actual surface of a design or to the visual appearance of a design. In the first case, the audience can actually feel the texture, making it unique from the other elements of design. In the second case, texture is implied through the style of design. Rich, layered graphics can create visual texture that mirrors actual texture.

Profile of Graphic Designer Saul Bass
Saul Bass was a Bronx- born graphic designer who took his New York style to California and became famous for his work in film and classic logo design. He studied in New York at the Art Students’ League as a teenager and developed a unique style that is both recognizable and memorable.

Profile of Graphic Designer Paul Rand
Paul Rand was one of the most famous and influential graphic designers in history. He is best known for his logo design and corporate branding, creating timeless icons such as the IBM and ABC television logos.

The Benefits of a Graphic Design Blog
There are many benefits to writing your own graphic design blog. Writing a blog can build a community around your website, promote your business, and help to establish yourself as an expert in the field.

What is Graphic Design?
An introduction to the basics of graphic design and its different applications.

How and Why to Get your Credit Line on Graphic Design Projects
Getting your credit line on your work is a great way to spread word-of-mouth on your business. It is satisfying, and lucrative, when someone sees your work and contacts you for a project.

What to Include in a Graphic Design Contract
Graphic design contracts are important to protect the designer and clearly spell out the terms of an agreement and project. This list describes sections to include in a graphic design contract.

Using Shapes in Graphic Design
Shapes are at the root of graphic design. They are figures and forms that make up logos, illustrations and countless other elements in all types of designs. Altering the size, form, angles, colors and other characteristics of the shapes in a design can significantly impact its message and success.

Essential Graphic Design Tools
There are several tools that are essential to graphic design. See how a computer and software, design books, a sketchpad and even other designers can be essential to your design process and business.

Mac vs. PC
One of the most common ongoing debates in the computer world is whether to get a Mac or a PC. Macs, produced by Apple, have often been used in the design world, with the PC (running the Windows operating system) dominating most of the business world. When looking at the two for graphic design work, the focus is on the handling of graphics, color, and type, the availability of software, and overall ease of use.

Growing Your Business Through Word-of-Mouth
At any stage of a business in graphic design, word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to land more jobs.

Types of Graphic Design Portfolios
When trying to break into the field of graphic design, having a solid portfolio is crucial for landing jobs and clients. The online, PDF and classic "book" portfolios each have benefits and drawbacks.

The Design Process
When starting a new design project, there are steps to follow that will help you to achieve the best results. You can save yourself time and energy by first researching the topic, finalizing your content, starting with simple sketches, and getting several rounds of approval on designs.

Brainstorming in Graphic Design
Before you even begin to create a first version of a design in graphics software, it is important to harness your creativity to come up with concepts and ideas for a project. Unless the winning idea simply pops into your head (it has been known to happen), it is often difficult to sit down and start designing without a brainstorming session.

Designing For Print vs. The Web
An overview of the differences between designing for print and for the web, with a a focus on audience, layout, color, technology and careers.

Project Management Software
As client lists and project sizes grow, turning to graphic design project management software is a great way to stay organized by using to-do lists, calendars, collaboration, automated billing and more.

Time Tracking in Graphic Design
There are many benefits to time tracking in your graphic design business. Keeping track of the hours you spend on projects, and specific tasks, can help you set your rates, improve your business, and even save time in future projects.

Charging Hourly vs. Flat Rates for Graphic Design Projects
A common decision to be made when starting a graphic design project is whether to charge a flat or an hourly rate. Each method has pros and cons, as well as ways to work towards a fair deal for both you and your client.

Graphic Design Time Tracking Software
As a graphic design business grows, using time tracking software can help you keep organized, properly bill your clients, set your rates and study your workflow. There are many stand-alone time tracking applications, as well as options that are part of larger project management packages.

How to Design a Graphic Design Business Card
Whether you are a freelancer or you own your own design firm, it is crucial to have business cards for your graphic design business. A well-designed card with the right content will help you look professional, show off your work, and land new clients.

How to Create a Graphic Design Project Outline
Before beginning the design phase of a job, it is helpful to create a graphic design project outline. It will provide you and your client with some structure when discussing and creating the pages and elements of a project.

What to Ask Graphic Design Clients
At the start of a project, it is important to know what to ask graphic design clients to gather as much information as possible. This will often occur before you have landed a job, as it is necessary to have this meeting to help determine the cost and timeframe of the project.

Creating a Graphic Design PDF Portfolio
Many graphic software programs, such as InDesign and Illustrator, have the option of exporting a design as a PDF, which allows you to create a PDF portfolio. This PDF portfolio can be a custom designed brochure-style piece showcasing your best work, which can be emailed to prospective clients or employers.