Letting go of a graphic design client is a lot like breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend; it's not exactly pleasant, and it might even be someone you actually like, but sometimes it just has to be done. Breaking off a professional relationship nicely is a delicate operation, and chances are you don't have an HR department to rely on, so this responsibility falls directly on your shoulders. If it's time to say goodbye to your client, you can reduce stress and discomfort by taking steps … [Read more...]

We see them every day—in our homes, on TV, out in the street. They're the famous logos of the brands we've come to know and love. These logos not only accurately represent the famous brands they're attached to, they've become a part of our shared pop culture. Heck, someone even made a short film with logos and mascots comprising all of the characters, props and scenery. Logos are practically enshrined by our society, and yet they were designed by people just like any other piece of graphic art. … [Read more...]

When we listed our choices for the worst fonts ever, we were surprised to find out that many of you disagreed with some of our selections. We received several comments from readers who saw value in the fonts that we ridiculed or thought we had unfairly judged some of the fonts we selected. But it's something we should have expected—after all, that's the power that fonts have on people. Just the act of looking at a certain font face can involuntarily stir up powerful emotions or instill a sense … [Read more...]

Contrary to popular belief, Photoshop isn't just for editing photos. It's also a tool for designers who like to create art from scratch. Using the virtual art tools provided by the program, a skilled artist can craft amazing images and designs with or without the use of a pen tablet. But for many designers, the tools that Photoshop provides are not enough. Fortunately, these artistic brushes for Photoshop are the next best thing to using an actual paintbrush, pencil, or other art tool. Every … [Read more...]

If a business card and a brochure had a baby, that baby would look exactly like a rack card. Rack cards are the best of both worlds, displaying an array of information through a medium that's portable and fits neatly into the racks found in hotels, travel centers, rest stops, convenience stores, waiting rooms, reception desks–basically any place that gets a lot of foot traffic. This poses a unique design challenge you won't find in any other print media. Rack cards are usually found amongst … [Read more...]

In Western culture, we sometimes look at "cuteness" as a childish or juvenile quality—but in Japan, it’s a whole different story. The prevailing “kawaii” culture in Japan puts so much value on being cute that even police agencies use adorable mascots to reach their audience. And even here in America, the power of cuteness can't be overlooked. Cute animals dominate the most popular images and videos on social media, enthralling audiences with their inescapable charm. Tap into the hypnotic … [Read more...]

One of the best things about being a freelance graphic designer is the freedom to pick your clients—but it can also be one of the worst things. It means having to protect your own interests and knowing when to let a client go for the sake of your career, your finances, or your general sanity. "Firing" a client isn't always about getting away from a job you don't like or a person that stressed you out. Sometimes, you might find yourself in a position where you have to say goodbye to your … [Read more...]