Mr. Davies’ GDI Studio 310

 Business Cards  Stationery & envelopes  Invoices  Brochures  Websites  Internet banner ads  Print ads  Posters  Postcard mailers  Flyers / pamphets  Invitations  Catalogs  Annual reprots  Newsletters (print)  E-zines

Graphic design is the process of communicating through the use of text and image. The term graphic design refers to both the process through which the communication is created, as well as that which is produced.

…right up through the development of the alphabet wiki.verbix.com

The Industrial Revolution created a need to advertise goods mass-produced and the need for graphic designers grew again.

 Work in many areas of the world of corporate communication.  Are responsible for creating and maintaining the visual identity for companies wherever company logos or names appear.  Work with writers, photographers, programmers, and PR and marketing staffers.

 Are usually referred to as “in house” designers.  While those who work for themselves are often referred to as “freelance” designers.

1. Production Artist (starting position with an associate’s degree) 2. Junior Graphic Designer (starting position for a bachelor’s degree) 3. Senior Graphic Designer 4. Art Director 5. Creative Director

1) When does your design need to be completed? 2) What tools and resources are available to help you? …these limitations, plus background information about the purpose of the design, the target audience, message, and overall look and feel.

 Most projects have a well-defined endpoint—a date by which your project needs to be done.  If your window of opportunity to complete your project is small, such as a matter of days, you’ll want to start brainstorming what can be done given those restrictions…  …can you draft a flyer on your computer and print it out in the office? Or can you pay rush charges to get some new business cards produced through an online service like Vistaprint.com?

 Start by determining your completion date, and work backward using a calendar to set internal deadlines to get everything done on time.  For example: If you need your printed piece in a week, you know you probably can’t have a commercial printer involved…they typically need at least a week to do their job

 Conversely, if you have months until your boss expects to see an overhauled website, you have time to interview several web gurus and hosing companies, and consider having new photos taken….  You’ll still want to work out a schedule and set milestones to stay on track, but you have far more options to work with on the more realistic schedule.

 As you begin, you should also consider whether you need to design a printed piece or whether it can be distributed electronically.  Preparing a file for print production takes time, and the printing itself takes money, so if you’re short on either, take a close look at your electronic options.

Who are you trying to reach and what are you trying to achieve?  Employees  Customers  Volunteers  Community members  An awards committee  Business clients

What do you want your piece to accomplish?  Generate new business?  Reconnect with old customers?  Garner support for a legislative issue?  Raise money for a charity?  Invite participants to a charity auction?  Increase awareness of a new service you’ve introduced?

Start by looking at what others have come up with that you like.  Scope out the competition.  Conduct an online search for business like yours outside your area (and request their marketing materials).  Look at what arrives in your mailbox with a critical eye  Study the looks and approaches used in other industries.  Review the online portfolios of other designers.