Learning Graphic Design

I guess I can start by saying I'm completely new to Graphic Design. By saying that I mean I have no knowledge whatsoever about it, pretty much a baby. The thing is I'm always fascinated at the different pictures online that people post. They do it with Photoshop (I think they call it) and I got kind of interested in it. The only problem is I tend to have these moments when I just don't feel like learning it until I reach college but I know that I would have a good advantage if I was to learn a thing or two starting now. "Knowledge is Power" afterall. With that being said the main reason I'm posting this is to find out where can I begin my journey of learning to become a Graphic Designer. I've stumbled across a few softwares that would help me such as:
1) Adobe Photoshop CC
2) AutoDesk 3DS Max
3) GIMP
I'm trying to find out the best one that can help me along the way. If you would assist me or give me some wise advice I would greatly appreciate it.
I thank you in advance.

It's not the hammer that builds a house. It's the person using it. Don't focus too much on the tools of the trade. Instead, focus on the concepts. Design Theory encompasses a great deal including color theory, typography, type face terminology, grids, columns, rule of thirds, white space, design aesthetics, artistic talent, etc... These are the actual skills you must master to become a good graphics designer. The tools you use are secondary.
Read everything you can starting with these links:
50 free lessons in Graphic Design Theory
http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/50-totally-free-lessons-in-graphic-design-theory--psd- 2916
Color Theory
Color Matters welcomes you to the world of color: Symbolism, design, vision, science, marketing and more!
Good luck!
Nancy O.

Similar Messages

Interested in learning graphic designing... What Adobe products should I buy?

I would like some input from people already using Adobe's products. As the topic states, I'm interested in teaching myself graphic designing for t-shirts. My t-shirts may sometimes have just a background design with added text or I may get fancy and try to design a diamond watch.
Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I'm trying to do. Money is not the issue here. I just want to get the right products from Adobe.

Hello!
If you are interested in creating illustrations, Adobe Illustrator is a really great tool. It allows you to create vector illustrations which means that they are scalable to any possible size. Here's a short video introduction to Illustrator CS6:
Illustrator is great way to start. However, if you're serious about becoming a designer you may want to consider a Creative Cloud Membership.
The Adobe Creative Cloud gives you access to all of the Adobe CS applications as well as some subscription exclusive apps (Muse and Edge Animate) among many other benefits!
Here's a link to learn more!
Hope this helps!
Julia

Copywriter learning graphic design - what will I need?

I currently have a 2008 MacBook Pro - 2.4 GHz Intel Core Duo, 2GB 667 MHZ, etc. and I probably will need either a new Mac Book Pro (largest size) or iMac with greater speed, capacity, etc.
Any graphic designers out there who can recommend exactly what I need? I can't spend a ton of money but need to be able to use InDesign C5.
Please advise!

I think you're in the wrong forum -- this is the branch for Illustrator plug-in developers, not Illustrator users
Try here instead if you haven't already:Illustrator

Is the 13inch MBP for $1199 practical for graphic design?

Hi,
I'm wondering if someone can please advise... my wife wants to get into graphic design, and I would like to get her a laptop for a gift... I use a macbook pro 2.53 but that's not in my budget...
would the macbook pro for $1200 (13inch 2.26 2gb 160hd) be better than the macbook for 999?
do you think those specs are sufficient for running PS, Ilustrator etc..?
I'm looking for something she can use to learn graphic design on and actually do work... is 13in screen practical?
Thanks

Hi chaimdan,
Photoshop is actually more dependent on the CPU /RAM/HD than on the Graphic processor, so the absence of the dedicated GPU won't hurt her with the base model MBP compared to your own. It will be a little slower with Photoshop than your own because of the ten percent or so difference in CPU speed, but not much.
I'd be inclined to bump it up to 4 Gig of RAM though (i installed Corsair "MacRAM" in my own which was much cheaper than ordering the computer with the 4 Gig configuration). I found a substantial improvement with various graphics related apps after upgrading.
To connect to a large monitor you will need an adaptor - either "MiniDisplay Port to DVI" or MiniDisplay Port to VGA", depending on the monitor . Almost all current flat screen monitors will support DVI, which is the way to go if you can.
Personally I'd get the MBP rather than the MB because of the FW port. While USB is Ok for backing up, to avoid filling up her internal drive too much (Photoshop likes plenty of room to move for optimum performance) she is going to need to think about getting an external drive for storing images, or even for use as a "scratch drive" when using Photoshop, before too long. FW800 is vastly better for this sort of purpose.
Cheers
Rod

Which 27" iMac for graphic design?

Hi, I'm making the switch from pc to Mac. Firstly, I hope I'm asking this in the correct section of the forum, if not could you please suggest the best category for me.
I'm a long time PC user. I am also a graphic design student (and I do a fair amount of work as well). I work all day and often nights on the computer. I mainly use Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. I'll be learning, or at least dabbling, in most of the Adobe creative suite over the next couple of years, however those 3 are the main programs I use.
I often run at least 2 programs at the same time (ie illustrator and indesign).
I was going to get a MacBook pro, but as I never travel for work (at this stage) and I'd need to buy a larger screen anyway, I decided to go with the iMac. (Mac pro is too expensive for me at this stage)
I'm hoping to get suggestions on which iMac to go with. I'm definitely getting the 27", but I don't know which model to get, or what upgrades if any, I would need.
Keeping in mind that I'm a student, and part time worker. I can afford the i7 model (at a stretch) but would I still need to upgrade anything on top of that?
I appreciate any advice.

I'm running CS5 on both a Mac (quad core duo2, 4GB RAM) and a PC core duo2 with 6GB of RAM.
I hate to say it but PS runs much smother on my PC. So if anything can be learned from that: RAM is much more important than the processor.

Collaborating with a Graphic Designer

Hello,
I am going to be working on a new website for my employer and
I was
hoping some of the web professionals could give me some
advice.
I did our previous website by myself using Dreamweaver 4 and
Fireworks
4. When creating the visual look of the old site, I used
Fireworks to
create a mock-up of the way I wanted the page to look. I then
used
Dreamweaver to create a web page that duplicated the mockup.
Any fancy
graphic images (such as the masthead) were sliced up using
Fireworks and
imported as an HTML table into Dreamweaver. This worked
pretty well for
me while working solo.
However, for this new website I will be working with a
graphic designer.
What is the best way to take the graphic design that she
produces and
translate it into HTML+CSS in Dreamweaver? Can I use a
process similar
to what I used while solo? (i.e. let the designer create a
mockup in a
graphic program and then try to duplicate it in Dreamweaver
as best I
can with HTML and importing graphics as needed.) Or is there
a better way?
Keep in mind that the designer we are using is not
knowledgable about
creating websites or using tools like Dreamweaver/Fireworks.
I believe
she uses with Photoshop/Illustrator/Quark Xpress. (I will be
talking
with her tomorrow.)
Also, what software should I plan on ordering? I am planning
on
upgrading our software to Adobe CS3 Web Standard. But if she
is using
Photoshop, should I get plan on getting the Premium version?
Can
Fireworks import Photoshop files well, or do I need
Photoshop?
Thanks for you help.

Deaf Web Designer
Perhaps I should correct my sentence, that in my opinion
(once I was a
graphic designer) photoshop and illustrator was a great tool
for me both
to create web images for the web and for print design. The
save for web
dialog box has helped me a lot for optimizing the web images.
I also used firework for creating websites. But It seems for
me that
photoshop and illustrator is very perfect for me to create
artwork both
for the web and print design. No matter how complicated the
job, the two
programs were indeed very helpful for me.
I'm not saying that fireworks is bad for creating web images.
Since this
program is only for the web design (I really think so).
Remember that
Will's designer is only familiar with both program. I think
it would be
wise for his designer to stick with his tool rather than
learning a new
tool.
But. for years, even though I had fireworks, Photoshop and
Illustrator I
choose to stick with both program to works. So user friendly,
and both
program share the same interface.
I don't think that Illustrator is mainly for vector-based
application,
mobile developer also use its capability for creating svg
images, and
also for animation. And photoshop is not only for creating
bitmap, it
also often use for beautifying video and 3D animation.
Whatever it is, choose what you like. As long as you are
comfortable
with it.
Cheers
Deaf Web Designer wrote:
> Dreamworms,
>
> I am afraid that you provide inaccurate information
about primary purpose of
> Photoshop and Illustrator.
>
> Illustrator is mainly a vector-based application, while
Photoshop is a
> high-end image editing application (which is a
bitmap-based image editing app).
> While Fireworks is ideally a web image *and* web graphic
(including
> fundamentals of vector-based and bitmap-based app),
where Fireworks does a nice
> job in opitmize the file size that is specifically
designed for faster-loading
> web images or web graphics. To make it work, you need to
have a better
> understanding on how Fireworks works.
>
> As for workflow between Photoshop, Illustrator,
Fireworks and Dreamweaver, it
> can be accomplished. But again, you need to know and
understand the primary
> functionality and the primary difference between these
applications per se.
>
> But when you say "Photoshop and Illustrator are the
image editing tools that
> are perfect..." that is very inaccurate statement.
>
> Cheers, Brian
>
>
quote:
Originally posted by:
Newsgroup User
> Photoshop and Illustrator are the image editing tools
that are perfect
> for the web.
>
> Will G. wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > I am going to be working on a new website for my
employer and I was
> > hoping some of the web professionals could give me
some advice.
> >
> > I did our previous website by myself using
Dreamweaver 4 and Fireworks
> > 4. When creating the visual look of the old site, I
used Fireworks to
> > create a mock-up of the way I wanted the page to
look. I then used
> > Dreamweaver to create a web page that duplicated
the mockup. Any fancy
> > graphic images (such as the masthead) were sliced
up using Fireworks and
> > imported as an HTML table into Dreamweaver. This
worked pretty well for
> > me while working solo.
> >
> > However, for this new website I will be working
with a graphic designer.
> > What is the best way to take the graphic design
that she produces and
> > translate it into HTML+CSS in Dreamweaver? Can I
use a process similar
> > to what I used while solo? (i.e. let the designer
create a mockup in a
> > graphic program and then try to duplicate it in
Dreamweaver as best I
> > can with HTML and importing graphics as needed.) Or
is there a better way?
> >
> > Keep in mind that the designer we are using is not
knowledgable about
> > creating websites or using tools like
Dreamweaver/Fireworks. I believe
> > she uses with Photoshop/Illustrator/Quark Xpress.
(I will be talking
> > with her tomorrow.)
> >
> > Also, what software should I plan on ordering? I am
planning on
> > upgrading our software to Adobe CS3 Web Standard.
But if she is using
> > Photoshop, should I get plan on getting the Premium
version? Can
> > Fireworks import Photoshop files well, or do I need
Photoshop?
> >
> > Thanks for you help.
>
>
>
>

Best book for graphics design

Hi my name is Aby. I am from India. I am working as a graphics designer in a start up company. I have not done any course in designing. I learnt of my own by seeing youtube videos and examples. I really want to learn professional designing, for which i guess i need to do a course. So please suggest me where i can learn and excel in designing. Otherwise please suggest me any book in which i can learn best designing. Here is my behance portfolio : Aby Abraham on Behance

Yes. I'll go along with Lawrence. You have a nice set of work on Behance. What skills do you have so far Aby? Do you have other Adobe applications? You really need Illustrator, and probably Indesign, (again as suggested by Lawrence). I am not sure about suggesting a book because graphic design is such a large subject, and goes way beyond just knowing how to use the applications. In my experience, having the ideas is the most important starting point, as that will give you focus on what you need to learn. It will also hard wire it into you, in a sort of use it or lose it way, because so much of what you learn in a linear fashion from a book, is going to be forgotten a week later if you've had no need to make use of it.
Unfortunately, this means lots of frustration and pulling your hair out in the early days, but once you get into it, you will start taking it in really quickly.
For Photoshop, I'd recommend all of the Steve Caplin books. These are How to Cheat at Photoshop, 100% Photoshop, and Art & Design in Photoshop. Steve also has a more recent book called '3D Photoshop', which I have not got round to buying yet, but How to Cheat, and 100% are must have titles for a Photoshop illustrator.
http://stevecaplin.com/
What sets Steve apart from other Photoshop authors is that he is constantly employed by the world's media to create illustrations for newspapers and magazines.
I'll also agree with Lawrence about Lynda.com. Look for titles by Nigel French (I love his Photoshop for Designers - Type Essentials). There are also some good titles on logo design.
I don't feel qualified to recommend books on Illustrator and InDesign, but there are forums for those apps.
Good luck and I hope you make it.

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED: Graphic Designer needing to organize my graphic library

Ive been wanting to find a better way of organizing my extensive library of the following (Vector & Raster art): Backgrounds, Raster/Vector Patterns, Logos, Icons, Vector Design Elements, Fonts (I use FontBook), print & web templates, Stock Photos, ALOT of vector art, anything from flourishes to multi colored complex images, Web Design stuff (icons, buttons, banners...etc.) and last but not least Adobe CS native color swatches, patterns, gradients, actions, and brushes. I am sure I left out some, but you get the idea.
I have been building my large collection over the period of 4-5 years and has grown to 40g of internal HD space to house these in loosely catergorized subfolder (i.e., Vector Art, Stock Photos, PS plugins (gradients, brushes, ETC) backgrounds/Textures, so on and so forth. I would love to store my Data externally but with the throughput speeds of USB, am not wanting to slow down Bridge anymore than it already is. But help with external storage and accessing files quickly would also help
As your probably thinking it is getting to be a pain to manage and even worse finding or searching for items, considering alot are generically names from packages Ive acquired (i.e. 132456.eps. flower00234.jpg, etc.) Bridge helps alot but I am trying to catergorize and keyword folders or images this as clean as possible hopefully thru manually doing it on a system recommended or using a 3rd party software to apply metadate like keywords that will be searchable is IDEAL!
I am starting to use Lightroom 3 to manage and catalog my StockPhotos (not to many), but love the functionality of the keyword and meta data features within LR.
So that is what I am trying to accompish:
1. organize all my art in to specific catergories
2. hopefully use metadata and keywords within the OS or a 3rd party program to make items easily searchable within the Finder or Adobe Bridge.
3. Properly manage and store art as it comes to me several times a day to keep everything current so I can do a backup of just my Design files, every month or so to keep stored off computer or on the cloud.
Any suggestions(software/procedures), links, or general help on this issue is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks Again for any help lended!!! Any anyone that is willing to help me thru this and is interested in Graphic Design tools or graphics, I can definitely share ANYTHING from my collection for helping
Drew

Dont mind one bit, if i can pass along any advice to help someone, Im happy to do so.
first off....My art catalog is mass collections of various file types, and media uses, so I started by keywording by some of these keywords; Vector, Web Graphics, Stock Photos, Patterns (Vector/Raster), Textures, Backgrounds, Shapes/Objects (vector/Raster), and after indifiying a sorting the various files, just in folders and sub-folders, under one main Artwork Directory, and that helped me organize them for transfering between my home office, to my work server. After that it was pretty much a breeze except for one issue I ran into (I will explain at the end). Since I run Bridge at Work and at home, the structure and navigation to search for files by catergory was alot easier, by mimicking the same setup on both Bridge for PC at work and Bridge for Mac at home. the last step I did to help refine things a little better, I keyworded two things within Bridge to make the search faster, and it was just these tags, Vector, Raster High Res, Raster Med-Low Res. I also use the ranking/star system to tag my most used, favorite. 1 star for frequently used, and 5 star for my favorite art packages. When I use the word "favorite", in my terms that is art that i see potential to use in future designs and good clean art that Ive never used, so I can incorporate new designs. That might not be the best way to do it in Bridge, but after bouncing around alot of approaches this eems to work just fine for my graphic/web design needs.
One more thing that I do as I acquire new art, is make a Folder with a custome icon to stand out, that is labeled Un-Catergorized art. And as I download art unless I use it right away, I drag and drop into that folder. I was advised to not do this and label and file appropriately as soon as I aquire stuff so I dont get behind, but to aleviate that, I have made automator actions that move all files that have been in the folder for more than 5 days to move into a diferent folder (Delete Me), and have put an automation on that folder to delete files that are 3 days or older (in that folder). It may sound like alot of work just to remind, but by adding another automator action in Mac OSX to email me when the first move is made, It trained my mind to process all new art every friday like clock work, and have since stop using the email action and the delete after 3 days action! With the size of my library....getting close to 60gig....and consisting of a wide array of different media, I found this to work for my workflow.
Give this a thought, because this may help you in some way, but everyones catalog is different.
The only current problem/issue that I am trying to resolve at the moment is catergorizing and tagging (somehow) all my Creative Suite Plugins for PS, and LR. Because it is getting pretty extensive, with patterns, actions, swatches, shapes, styles, etc...
The issue I ran into with processing VECTOR art in Bridge CS5, was the lack of support for previwing .EPS files, and took a good chunk of my vector art and converted to a native AI file to be able to view the preview in bridge, but there is work arounds I found.
Bridge has really been awesome for someone like me, and learn something new about this robust program everyday.
As far as PS & LR plugins, I could theroretically just add everything I get to their respective plugin system folder on my drive, but I move them around alot and found it easier to search my folder structure and COPY/PASTE plugins in the system folder as needed and clean out the system plugin folder every so often.
I just installed CS5.5 Master Collection last night, and even though Bridge isn't the same build as the changed DW 5.5, and indesign 5.5 (all the rest of the master collection for the most part NOTHING changed, even though its labeled as 5.1 instead of 5.0 or 5.5. So I will be doing some research on this to see if any new features were added in Bridge but doubt it
Hope this helps! and feel free to ask anymore questions
Later, Drew

BLUDVLZ's Revised Rules of Graphic Design

It's been a year or so since I last posted these, and since the old post has gone to the great forum resting place in the cybersky, I decided to repost. This time with some choice addtions.
REVISED RULES OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
1. Before you can break the rules of graphic design, you must first know the rules of graphic design.
2. Microsoft Word is not a graphic design program.
3. The greatest obstacle to an effective campaign is usually the client.
4. Always build in a little extra safety time when determining project deadlines; just in case something goes wrong or breaks.
5. Before a designer can do his job he needs all the pertinent information up front; reverse engineering a project never produces a good result.
6. Any advertisement will be successful as long as you give away a free tool set.
7. Never use script or calligraphic fonts in ALL CAPS.
8. Microsoft Excel is not a graphic design program.
9. There is no point-and-click solution to good graphic design.
10. Photoshop is not a verb.
11. The death penalty should be enacted for those designers who use the following fonts:
Comic Sans
Zapf Chancery
Ad Lib
Exotic
Brush Script
Monotype Corsiva.
12. Never mess with a client who tosses his own dick salad.
13. Adobe does not yet include a talent filter in any of its programs that will miraculously make a bad design, good.
14. Microsoft PowerPoint is not a graphic design program.
15. Images pulled off of the Internet DO NOT work in print.
16. The client isnt always right, and when hes wrong its always going to be the designers fault.
17. Clipart is evil.
18. Clipart is your best friend.
19. The best computer for the job is the one that is working when you really need it.
20. Camera-ready art that is built to the exact specifications is good; camera-ready artwork that is scanned off an inkjet printout and faxed to you is bad.
21. Microsoft Publisher is the most dangerous piece of software in existence.
22. When you find a good print house, keep it.
23. Develop good relationships with other designers who work in other specialty areas; it always comes in handy in a pinch when looking for artwork or logos.
24. Never be satisfied with your current level of expertise; always look for ways to improve your talents and understanding of design.
25. Dont just know how to use one program, know as many as possible.
26. Learn good time management skills.
27. Educate the client whenever possible.
28. Dont get too defensive about creative feedback. Be able to offer solid reasons for your design decisions and be prepared to offer alternative suggestions as a compromise.
29. There is always a way to make a good layout, better.
30. A starburst is a method for poor designers to draw attention to the copy points that should have been addressed through better layout.
31. Never blindly trust a file sent to you by another designer unless you truly trust the designer.
32. The designer that doesnt keep up with current technology wont be a designer for long.
33. Always pay attention to changing design trends.
34. You will find yourself identifying typefaces on billboards as you drive down the interstate (Note: This will drive your family and friends nuts).
35. No one but designers and artists will ever truly understand the creative process.
36. Just because you have a computer and a program does not automatically mean that you are a graphic designer.
37. Only production artists and bosses seem to have 9-5 workdays.
38. No matter how many hours you work, make sure you set aside enough time to let your creative mind recharge.
39. A solid marketing plan can help poor creative. Good creative will never help a poor marketing plan.
40. Never underestimate the importance of being able ********.
41. A good designer needs to know how to fix his own computer.
42. A good designer can be effective w

Well crap. I guess I hit my limit and it's too late for me to go back and edit. So here are the rules that are missing:
42. A good designer can be effective without wearing shoes, but not without wearing socks (this is one of those deep, philosophical statements).
43. Always keep a good digital camera handy. You never know when youll need to stage an impromptu photo shoot.
44. The creative mind works best when it works uninterrupted.
45. Dirty balls suck. Go optical.
46. The bigger the size of the project, the less it should say (in reference to copy on billboards, banners and posters).
47. Keep the Bevel and Emboss layer effects in Photoshop to a minimum.
48. You dont have to have formal training in graphic design to be successful, but it sure does help.
49. Take whatever steps are necessary to get the creative juices flowing.
50. More often than not, you cant fix it in post.
51. Get the client to sign off on everything before doing any printing or production.
52. That which doesnt kill you will only try harder the next time.
53. If in doubt, talk to the printer.
54. The key to defending yourself against backseat designers: Back up your chair suddenly.
55. Changing the keyboard layout on your fellow designers computer is a great way to break up the monotony of a stressful workday.
56. In advertising, sex sells. In graphic design, sex usually means youre hogging up all the bandwidth and have a sticky keyboard.
57. Never be afraid to push the limits of good taste (case in point, rule #56).
58. Never accept less for a job than you believe your time and effort is worth and get it in writing.
59. A good designer is thinking at least five steps ahead of the step hes currently on.
60. Never be afraid to walk away from a design and start over.

Graphic design and CS

Hi everyone. was wondering if anyone could help me out. I currently have photoshop elements 6 and am thinking about getting CS software. i really don't know where to start with it all. i am feeling a bit limited in elements6 and really want to get into more graphic designs. If anyone could help me out on whats the best choice for this it would be much apreciated.
thankyou
lou

The term CS covers the Creative Suites which are collections of Adobe applications for different purposes – all currently at version CS4.
The full version of Photoshop is just one of these applications, all of which have to be learned to be used properly.
Graphic Design is a very broad term and, while one of the suites may fit your needs, it may be that Photoshop is alll you require. This costs a lot less than a whole suite.
You need to look at the description of the suites and then tell us more precisely what you want to do in "graphic design".
See http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/
We can then answer better.

What kind of job can I get being a Web Designer/Graphic Designer?

I run BlackReefDesigns.com, and am doing quite a bit of
business consider I don't really advertise too much. I've learned
how to do eCommerce, Flash, etc and things are progressing nicely.
I feel confident in my skills, and I realize that anything I
don't know how to do, I can learn rather quickly. The problem is I
feel I need to become more of a 'business man' if I want my company
to really move forward. I'm only 23 years old so I was thinking of
going and working for a Web/Graphic design firm so I can learn more
about the business aspect of running my own company. Im also
working towards a B.A. in Graphic Design at a larger University in
Southern California...
Just curious, with my skillset, how much money could I, or
should I be making if I went and worked for someone else? Do you
guys know anybody in Southern California that I could work for?
thanks in advance

eh, teachers don't always know what they're talking about. in
fact, i
think a lot of the posts made here are a direct result of
poor teaching.
i know that's how i got a lot of my bad habits (not from a
teacher,
per se, but my first boss who taught me some basics) a lot of
people
think they know the dos and don'ts but really don't (plus,
they tend to
change). i thought i knew a lot of stuff until i started
coming here and
learned that a lot of what i thought was the right way to do
things
actually wasn't.
come here often. and listen to what these people say because
they know
their stuff (you'll quickly figure out who the ones are that
know what
they're talking about). i can't tell you how much i've
learned in the
relatively short time i've been a part of this forum. and i'm
still
learning!
teach yourself html. you don't have to be able to write an
entire site
by hand, but at least be able to look at the code and
understand what it
means. like others said, you seem to have a good grasp of
graphic
design, but websites have to be more than graphics.
to answer your money question, it really kind of depends on
the market
where you live. you might just want to look in the want ads
and see what
kind of salaries are being offered for this type of work in
your town.
there's also resources on the web where you can see average
salaries for
various jobs in different places. yahoo has one
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/salary)
but there are lots of others if you
search for something like "compare my salary."
good luck! you seem willing to learn, which is great!
JSloanSDRE wrote:
> JoeyD -
>
> I really appreciate your input. I wish more people would
be critical of my
> work. I can't ever progress when people say 'good job,
looks great'.
>
> I've learned everything myself when it comes to web
design, and it sucks
> because I wish I could have had a teacher to teach me
the do's and don'ts as I
> think I would have progressed much farther over the last
couple of years.
>
> I have been busy working on client work and haven't
updated my personal
> website in awhile (which I realize is a big no-no if I
want future business)
> but there is really no excuse for the padding issue. I
actually just fixed it
> right now.
>
> Again, thanks for the input, and I realize I have a
loooong way to go in Web
> Design, and that is why I want to get a job somewhere so
I can learn and work
> at the same time. I think however I am proficient in
Graphic Design and am
> curious as to how much income I would have working for a
firm as oppose to
> freelancing (just in Graphic Designs)
>
> thanks again JoeyD, and any future advice would be great
>

What is the best, most affordable software for a new graphic designer?

My son is an artist and interested to learn how to be a graphic designer. Looking for the best, easiest to dive in, and most affordable software for my new, shiny iMac! Thanks....

I would say Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign are the industry standard in design. But not the most affordable if your are on a tight budget. Photoshop elements has most of major features as the full version of Photoshop but is much cheaper. You can also download a trail version of the Adobe products from Adobe's website for your son to try out.
Also, look in the app store on the Featured page, there is a link on the right, "Apps for Designers". There you can find several image editing and vector programs he could try. There might be a few layout programs as well.
I would say if he is serious about getting into graphic design, Adobe products are the way to go.

Website & Graphic Design Courses Online?

Can anyone refer me to some high quality website design and graphic design courses online. I dont mind paid services as long as it will teach me some useful information. I need to learn about color matching, schemes, and how to create original designs and images in photoshop.

http://revision3.com/pixelperfect
http://www.video-tutes.com
http://www.oxyweb.co.uk/blog/2008/08/26/top-web-design-and-photoshop-video-podcasts-worth- watching/
http://www.lynda.com

To pursue ACE (graphic design) or pursue Web Design knowledge

I have over 15 years of graphic design experience (corporate and non-profit sector) in the print world. I have about 5 years of basic web maintenance. At this point I'd like to take the next step in the professional world. Shall I pursue ACE (likely focused on InDesign) or take the time to learn all about web design? Any suggestions are welcomed, thanks in advance.

Sorry... This forum is to discuss how the forums operate, not specific products
You need to ask your question in the forum for the Adobe product you are using
Please go to http://forums.adobe.com/index.jspa and select the forum you need

2013 MacBook Air for graphic design?

I've been looking at the new 2013 13-inch MacBook Air for quite some time now. I'm a graphic designer, so I'll be looking to use Adobe CS6 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat) and Aperture. Also of course, the general things such as Safari, Mail and iPhoto.
I have the new 27-inch iMac at home, which serves as my main machine. 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz, 32GB RAM (8GB at the moment - upgrading soon), 1TB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX with 1GB. I love it!
I absoloutely love the MacBook Air - it's a lovely design, so lightweight and the new 12 hour battery life is just epic!
If I were to get the MacBook Air, I would definite upgrade to these specs;
- 1.7GHz dual core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz (although I'm told the i7 will drain battery quicker, and isn't much faster?)
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB Flash Storage (or possibly 256GB - bare in mind, I have a 1TB external hard drive).
So I guess the big question is... Will the new 2013 13-inch MacBook Air, with these specs, be sufficient for my needs?
Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
The problem of the MacBook Air is the GPU, and Adobe apps don't support the GPU of your MacBook officially because it's an integrated GPU.
Sincerely, if you want to use that type of applications, the only valid Mac is the 15-inch MacBook Pro. It includes a quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM (with the possibility to add up to 16 GB), a 500 GB HDD (with possibilities for bigger HDDs and SSDs) and a NVIDIA GPU which will work with your applications without any problem. Also, you can modify the RAM and hard drive without voiding the warranty.
If you want to give the MacBook Air a try, buy it and see if your applications work properly. You have 14 days to return it if it doesn't work as you expected, but to be sure, go for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air is designed for home tasks

Learning Graphic Design

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