An introduction to Graphic Design.

1. Graphic Design
Business of Graphic
Design

2. What is Graphic Design
Process of solving a problem visually.
Design is goal driven.
Keep target audience in mind to
decide outcome.
Combination of creativity, artistic ability,
and technical skill.

3. Evaluate Design Criteria
• Does the idea resolve a specific problem
or meet a goal?
• Is the idea creative and original?
 Is the idea an appropriate treatment for the
intended media?
• Will the idea work within the budget?
• Is the idea appropriate for both the client
and the target audience?
• Is the idea appropriate for the intended
message?
• Is your client satisfied with the idea?

4. Design Team
 Art Director  Digital Prepress
 Head Graphic Specialist
Designer  Web Programmer
 Production  Copywriters
Designer  Editors
 Layout Artist  Proofreaders
 Imaging Specialist  Research and
 Illustrator development

5. Research and Development
• Design always begins with a clear
idea of the problem.
• Develop good ideas.
• BRAINSTORM ideas (first step)
• Brainstorming with Words
• Visual Brainstorming

6. Brainstorm
 Words and/or phrases
◦ Use synonyms, antonyms, rhyming
words, analogies
◦ Words or phrases you would not use
(reverse think)
◦ NOTHING is wrong

7. Visual Brainstorming
 Draw thumbnail sketches
◦ Quick
◦ NOT perfect or size accurate
◦ Keep in book, binder for future reference

8. Dealing With Creative BLock
 Rationalization
 Procrastination
 Burn Out
 Over Work
 Not a creative person

9. Inspiration Files
Contain
 Words
 Phrases
 Thumbnails
 Cartoon strips
 Doodles
 Photographs
 Letterheads
 Business cards
 etc

10. Target Market
 Demographics determine design
◦ Research groups can help determine

11. Propaganda & Motivational
Psychology
 IT WORKS!
 Symbolism – gives ideas or helps
manipulate

12. Working With Clients
 Find out
◦ Client’s ideas
◦ Target market
 Include client in design process
 Show direction of design(s)
 Never “spring” design on client
 May need to “stir” the client in the right
direction.

13. Tidbits
 Ages 25 – 50 have more money to
spend
 Appeal to childhood memories
 Keep up with current standards
 Keep up with current trends
 Keep up with events in the world

14. Researching the Internet
 Keywords
 Boolean Searches
◦ and, not, or (narrows search)