Sky blue
Is the sky really that blue? Are the blossoms on that tree really that pink? The short answer is no.
7 deadly sins of DIY design, part 2: Attack of the design zombies
Don't fall victim to the graphic design zombies! (Source: http://media.screened.com)
Beware… There are zombies are among us! Walking, talking beings devoid of any conscious thought or willpower, they see and hear what’s around them, but are unable to respond. This is because they are being controlled by evil sorcerers who dabble in the magical arts of graphic design!
OK, so they’re not zombies in the dramatic sense. But there are an overwhelming number of people out there who will do things for no apparent reason (and this is by no means limited to design). When you apply this lack of logic to something like graphic design, you can end up with a bloody mess… Like when a zombie, say, rips a someone’s head right off and then has no idea why it did it.
I actually don’t know what zombies do, so it’s hard to give a reasonable example.
But anyway. Zombies don’t usually care if what they do makes sense—but I’m guessing that you do. And if you’re going to be undertaking a DIY design project, fight to break free of the spell of the magical sorcerer who’s enticing you to commit these final Deadly Sins of DIY Design.
A quick recap:
Last time we covered Deadly Sins of DIY Design 1 through 4. To recap, those were:
- Using Comic Sans.
- Filling up every square centimeter of available real estate.
- Using bad graphics.
- Changing your colors as often as you change your underwear.
And now, to complete your “sex ed” of design and overcome the evil sorcerer, here are 5 through 7.
Read more >>
7 deadly sins of DIY design, part 1: Sex ed + design
The tools of design are dangerous in the wrong hands.
Everyone’s doing it. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about: do-it-yourself design.
I’m not gonna lie to you: It will be cheaper to design your own business cards and marketing brochures. But before you invest in the newest edition of Microsoft Publisher, hang on! Your friendly neighborhood graphic designer (that’d be me) must advise you against designing something when you’re obviously not ready for the consequences. Good graphic design requires the proper tools and knowledge of how to use them.
“But everyone else is already doing it!” you say.
Whether that’s true or not, I know you’re going to do it anyway at some point. So I feel that it’s my duty to educate you on what might happen if you’re not careful. Protect yourself now, or you could be dealing with unintended consequences down the road…
Puppy portrait
Pet portraiture is becoming more popular. Here’s my latest shot of my own doggie model, Bailey.
Does your furry friend like posing for you, too? Share your photos!
10 urban color schemes :: cityscapes
Color is one of the most important parts of branding, and thus deserves a lot of thought. If you need inspiration, explore what’s right outside your window! Cityscapes aren’t just gray and cold: Zoom out a little, change your focus, and you’ll find cool blues, vibrant reds, and bright greens. Here are a few examples to spark your own creativity.
Freebie! February 2012 desktop calendar
Happy February! Enjoy a free calendar wallpaper for your computer desktop!
Click the links below to download the appropriate resolution.
1920 x 1080 | 1440 x 900 | 1280 x 800 | Request a different size
Special thanks to the Green Bulb Gang for providing the inspiration for this graphic!