How to begin in Graphics Design

[websterthehamster]

Hi,

I have been wondering this for a long time, and I'll bet I already know some of the answers, but here are a few noob questions:

1. I've seen all those cool "aero" icons and buttons (especially in Windows Vista), but I can't figure out how they were made. How are aero, glassy images made?

2. I am really interested in getting into graphics design, but I don't know where to start. What is the best way for one to begin (i.e. what programs, computer hardware, etc.)?

Thanks for considering my questions, and for helping me out!

[djr33]

To answer part 2:

You don't need any special hardware, though you will need a reasonably fast computer. If you are using large images and want to use a few at a time, you may want to have at least 2GB, maybe 4GB of RAM. Large images can also take up space quickly so you may want to get some extra storage space-- you'll have enough time to figure this out though. Finally, if you want to take this very seriously, you may want to purchase a high end monitor. LCD monitors tend to distort things a bit, so a nice CRT (not flatscreen) might be a good idea. Generally speaking, though, none of this is necessary especially when you're just starting. Your graphics card is probably good enough as-is.

If you start doing any 3D or video work, not just image editing, then more might be required.

As for software, there are a lot of options, but the standard is Photoshop. It's expensive, but good. You don't need it to start, but if you end up making a career of this, you'll definitely want to at least know how to use it, if not use it as your primary program. You can get a 30 day trial (last time I checked) from adobe.com. For something cheaper (and maybe not as good), there are lots of other options. I used Paint Shop Pro for a while and thought it was good, almost as good as Photoshop. That was many versions ago, so I'm not sure what the program is like now. In fact, if you are just starting, then maybe you can buy an old version of one of these programs for a very low price.
If you want to look into vector graphics (logo design, cartoons, sketches, but not photo realistic or photo editing), then programs like Adobe Illustrator are worth considering. Illustrator is popular but there may be other programs that are just as good-- it's not as clearly a standard as Photoshop.

If you want to use free programs only, then the GIMP has almost all of the features of Photoshop and some people really like it. (I don't, personally, but that's mostly because it's never run smoothly on my computers-- it's always improving so give it a try.) And Inkscape is the same for vector graphics.



As for question 1, please post some examples of exactly what you mean. I don't use vista, so I'm not sure what you're referring to. It's probably a complex set of operations to give it the final look, though, or it might be something that can be accomplished with a filter (which usually does a set of complex operations for you).

[websterthehamster]

The Back button in Mozilla Firefox is an example of an aero image. It looks kind of glassy, with a light shining through it.

[djr33]

I'm on a Mac and the back button is just gray and black. A quick google search didn't show any examples based on "aero". Please post a link to something so we can check it out.

[websterthehamster]

Here is an example. It's the Play button in Microsoft Windows Media Player.:o It's attached.

[djr33]

There are many ways you could approach that. Generally, though, it looks like a white triangle with rounded corners on a blue background. But then the entire shape was embossed (causing the shiny edges-- that's probably part of the programs options) and then it was rounded. There's a filter in Photoshop called "spherize" that would help. The light effects that look like reflections could be generated in a number of ways. In fact, it could be a basic 3D model, but you could fake it in 2D as well. The question is whether you want to design these by hand or have it automated. Microsoft probably automated it, but you could replicate it by hand without too much trouble, at least for a few images.

For something complex like that, it's the kind of thing you will be able to do with experience. There's definitely an art to graphic design and it gets easier as you become more familiar with various techniques.

If you want to look for some tutorials you can search for "glow", "emboss" and "light" effects on google. You'll probably find some ideas that are relevant.

[azoomer]

"glossy buttons" is also a good search term for this look

[websterthehamster]

OK, Thanks you guys! I will get to work and start practicing with this stuff. I have GIMP, and yes, it is hard to figure out and a little buggy, but it works, so that's where I'll start.

[Buch]

When you have found the program you will use, I would suggest you to find some tutorials on YouTube.

Just a few examples for Photoshop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o31WJTQjiQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7vyRg20xKY&feature=related

Regards

Buch

[manxman]

To answer part 2:

I used Paint Shop Pro for a while and thought it was good, almost as good as Photoshop. That was many versions ago

I have not made the move to PhotoShop yet, and am on the newest version of Corel's Paint Shop Pro. It can be had for under $100 and if you are on Corel's mailing list you get specials regularly. I think PSP is awesome for the price. Most newcomer's only complaint is that there is a lot less training available than for PhotoShop (online or traditional books) but there are some cool sites if you look around.

Richard

[EvaBrown89]

I use Adobe PhotoShop software. It is really good and popular in the whole world. I always suggest it if you want to create professsional design. Even if you want to create something(logo, icon, banner) and don't know how to do it, you can find a lot of tutorials in Google search and make.

[techno_race]

Photoshop is great, but it's obviously quite expensive at $700 or $1000 for the Extended version, and Photoshop Elements is underpowered and oversimplified. There are a few ways that you can (legally) obtain it for less:

A. See if you can get involved in a non-profit organization that uses Photoshop; many of these can obtain copies for as little as $90, and often buy extras, as they can only get one order of these every year. Ask if you can get a copy from them.

B. If you're a high school or college student, you can get a special version with a little badge at startup that says that it's the student edition; the "Photoshop CS5 Extended Student and Teacher Edition" at $190 gives you an 81% discount over the standard version.

C. Buy an older version. If you don't need the new features, you can find CS4 for $650 (7% less than CS5) or $670 (33% less) for the Extended version, CS3 for $600 (14% less), CS2 for $320 (54% less), or CS for $200 (71% less).

[djr33]

Note: method (A) described above is actually a violation of the TOS (and illegal). The license applies for USE in a nonprofit. You can use it at the nonprofit organization (maybe even for personal projects, "training"?) but not take the copy and "own" it.

The other methods are good though.

[deathbycheese]

These are all great suggestions for hardware and software, but there is a lot more to graphic design than this.

I suggest that, once you've decided upon a software like Photoshop and have taken enough tutorials to move around in the program(s), then do the following:

1. collect examples of the kind of artwork you like and want to achieve.
2. practice creating replicas of these examples until you achieve the desired look.
3. develop your own style through modification and exploration.

It will not be a short process, but well worth the effort in the end.

NOTE: no matter what program you decide upon, LEARN TO USE THE PEN TOOL. It truly is the icing on the cake.

dbc

[midhul]

Use GIMP!

For glossy effects like the ones you want:

1. http://docs.gimp.org/en/script-fu-glossy-logo-alpha.html

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50pKNqjzO-0

And of course, there lots more: http://www.google.co.in/search?q=glossy+buttons+in+gimp

[auntnini]

"Graphic Design" or "Computer Graphics" or "Digital Art"?

For instance, the School of Art and Design within SUNY/FIT in NYC has a whole Graphics Design department and a whole Computer Graphics department. I just finished an Illustration department class on "Digital Painting" using Photoshop CS5 and Corel Painter 11. (See NEW STUFF http://www.auntnini.com/new/index.htm )

[auntnini]

Not to be picky, but please don't use the term “Graphic Designer” too lightly. Beyond layering together composite vector and/or bitmap images for “cutesy” GUI digital buttons -- it is expected that a true “Graphic Designer” possess an intuitive artistic sense with traditional as well as digital rendering capabilities built on a solid background and training in typography, layout principles, color harmony, good design fundamentals, production specifications, typesetting program skills, etc.

Included below are some source quotes to make my point.

But mostly, I want to encourage anyone who has an inclination toward the “creative process” to pursue your dreams as best you can. “Production” in itself can be a rewarding job skill. Sketching, painting and life drawing can bring immense satisfaction. You can be self-taught and do a lot on your own, but there's no substitute for the shared experience of classmates lead by a good instructor.

NYC is blessed with numerous notable art schools (Parsons, Pratt, Cooper Union, School of Visual Arts, Art Students League, FIT, etc.). Check around in your community to see if you can find an affordable school where you can earn a degree so can harness your talents towards a satisfying career (or even just a hobby).

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_designerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_designer


Graphic designer from Wikipedia
A graphic designer is a professional within the graphic design and graphic arts industry who assembles together images, typography or motion graphics to create a piece of design. A graphic designer creates the graphics primarily for published, printed or electronic media, such as brochures and advertising. They are also sometimes responsible for typesetting, illustration, user interfaces, and web design, or take a teaching position, although these specialties may be assigned to specialists in various graphic design occupations. A core responsibility of the designer's job is to present information in a way that is both accessible and memorable.

See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_design


Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form (i.e., printers, programmers, signmakers, etc.) – undertaken in order to convey a specific message (or messages) to a targeted audience. The term "graphic design" can also refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines that focus on visual communication and presentation. The field as a whole is also often referred to as Visual Communication or Communication Design. Various methods are used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may use typography, visual arts and page layout techniques to produce the final result. Graphic design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.

Common uses of graphic design include identity (logos and branding), web sites, publications (magazines, newspapers, and books), advertisements and product packaging. For example, a product package might include a logo or other artwork, organized text and pure design elements such as shapes and color which unify the piece. Composition is one of the most important features of graphic design, especially when using pre-existing materials or diverse elements.


From http://www.carnrightdesign.com/graphic_designer_job_description.htm


Graphic Designer Job Description:
A graphic designer produces visual solutions to the communication needs of clients, using a mix of creative skills and commercial awareness. Designers need imaginative flair, awareness of current fashions in the visual arts, working knowledge of the latest computer packages and an understanding of material costs and time limits, all of which can impact on the design.

Appropriate medium and styles are selected in conjunction with the client's requirements. By providing quality visuals it is hoped the profit margins of the client will increase as potential customers become more informed or persuaded by the graphics.

The main activities of the graphic designer are:
meeting clients to discuss their needs; interpreting the client's business needs; developing design briefs by gathering information and data to clarify design issues; thinking creatively to produce new ideas; using innovation to redefine a design brief and meet the constraints of cost, time and client; multi-tasking: graphic designers often work on more than one design brief at a time; using a wide range of media, including photography and computer aided design; producing accurate and high quality work; contributing ideas and design artwork to the overall brief; keeping abreast of developments in IT, particularly design programs; working well in a team, with printers, copywriters, photographers, other designers, account executives, website designers and marketing specialists; working to tight deadlines.

Designers often have to be proactive in presenting their ideas and designs to prospective customers. This is true whether you are self-employed, working freelance or employed within a business.


From: http://www.allartschools.com/art-careers/graphic-design/graphic-design-job


Skills Needed in a Graphic Design Job
Artistic Sensibility – In the last few decades, computer software and technology have drastically changed the graphic design industry. Even so, there is no substitute for artistic sensibility. Knowledge about design elements, such as color and composition, is vital for graphic designers. Artistic ability and creativity are essential.

Technical Skill – A graphic design job requires the technical skills to use design software programs such as Photoshop or QuarkXpress {and InDesign}]. You may learn other specific software in graphic design school; however, a general interest in computers and an aptitude for learning new technology will be beneficial. As technology continues to develop, graphic designers hoping for longevity in the field need to be able to adapt.

Communication Ability – Sometimes known as visual communication, graphic design requires the ability to effectively present ideas—both verbally and visually. You'll need to be able to sell your ideas to clients and work with them to achieve the end product they want.

Organization – Graphic designers need to be organized in order to meet deadlines and stay within a budget. General business skills will come in handy, since many graphic designers work on a freelance or contract basis.

Problem Solving Ability – Graphic design is a brainteaser. Choosing just the right fonts, colors and lines to create a balanced composition, while simultaneously conveying meaning, is complicated. In order to succeed in a graphic design job, you'll need to have strong problem solving skills and love a good challenge.

See also Bureau o Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm#training