LogoLab

In the lab you'll find an assortment of exclusive logo designs to meet any corporate requirement. I have access to over 5000 logo designs, which are all fully customisable.

So why is it imperative to have a successful logo?
Your logo encompasses the message, service, product and image of your business, all in one. Companies are known to pay thousands of rands for a good brand name and logo. In order for people to remember a business, creating a successful logo is of great importance, and is worth the money spent. A logo is the image that says something about its owners. Companies are wise in carefully selecting a logo that will give the right impression. Quality, high standards, and integrity are important to most businesses, and the last thing you want or need, is a logo that compromises your image.

Contact the Head Lab Designer for more information or visit the website:

Melissa Schafers
+27 72 435 7189
designguru@neomail.co.za
www.logolab.biz

Randburg
Gauteng
South Africa

Graphic Design Templates for Photos

I thought you guys might like this ...

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Graphic Design Templates for Photos
You spend so much time making your images perfect that there's often little time to also come up with graphic designs that will really make your work stand out! Thank goodness there are graphic designers out there who understand photography and are offering templates and designs so that you can just plug your images into something that's already simply fabulous!! Whether it's a holiday card, baby announcement, save-the-date, wall collage, graphic mat or border, marketing brochure, or even album templates, the following links are full of great ready-to-go design templates! I'm sure there are MANY more options out there, so please feel free to share great resources you know of in the comments!
Design Aglow - cards, marketing, collages, mats, albums
Midnight Hour Design - cards, mats, albums, collages
Itty Bitty - cards, collages, marketing
Designs by Taz - cards, albums, marketing
Swiss Miss - cards
Pink Ink Studios - cards, mats, collages, marketing
My Lil Creaations - cards, mats, calendars
Diana Hall Templates - cards, albums
Savvy Designs - cards, albums, marketing
Picture Play Designs - collages
Sassy Sadie - cards, albums
Jamie Schultz Designs - cards, albums
Studio Styles - cards, collages
Jenna's Templates - cards, collages
Doin Design - cards, albums
Eva Talley Creative - cards, marketing
Templates by Tobi - cards
Buttons and Bows - marketing, cards
JV Borders 'n' More - albums, cards, marketing
Uniquely You Designs - albums, cards, marketing
Beyond Red & Green - cards, marketing
Unique Boutique - marketing
Announcing Baby - cards
Once Remembered - collages
Chocolate Cactus - marketing, cards
Heidi Kruger Creations - cards, collages
For the Love of Creating - marketing, albums, cardsThanks to Jennifer Driscoll and ilovephotography.com for help with acquiring these resources!

Posted by Anne at 9:42 PM
Labels: products

Design Inspiration

Are you looking for a little inspiration for your next design project? This is a great site to visit to get you through that inspiration jam or creative block as I call it!

FaveUp - Design inspiration gallery.

Tips to Design Your Own Tattoo

By Brian James Tan

Once you have made the ultimate decision to ink, it is time you seriously think about what tattoo you are going to get, or possibly design your own tattoo. While some people are happy with off the shelf tattoo design, that might not be right for you. When you want something unique or a reflection of who you are, it is about time to consider design your own tattoo.

Tips #1: Where To Start To Design Your Own Tattoo?

Well, You have to ask yourself what you really want of your tattoo. Are you looking for a tattoo to commemorate some occassion or someone close to you like the birth of your child? Are you designing a tattoo that reflects your personality and you can easily relate to other people such as your goals and ambitions you are pursuing in life? You ought to design a tattoo you can connect with.

So, what images come to your mind? Would a japanese kanji character of freedom with your initial be the perfect description of you yearning for time and money freedom in life? You don't have to be an artist to design your own tattoo. All you need is an idea and willingness to work with your tattoo artist.

Tips #2: Find A Design For Your Tattoos

Even an artist needs inspiration to draw a good piece of art, much less a novice like us. We need to research through other tattoo designs to help our mind jump start. You can find many free tattoo designs online but there is always a better option of designing your dream tattoo from huge database of unique tattoo designs.

Tips #3: Find An Artist

Once you've found the basis to design your own tattoo, you need to find an artist. Many tattoo parlours are willing to use artwork you've brought from other source. You should always work with your tattoo artist who are extremely talented and may be able to freehand your ideal tattoo! Finding an artist may be tough but you have a great tool at your disposal - Tattoo Galleries. Some Tattoo Galleries offer a holistic service by providing an up to date tattoo directory which you can easily search for your nearest tattoo parlour.

Tips #4: Testing Your Tattoos

Before you commit to the tattoo you have designed, you may want to try it out on your body opting for a temporary tattoo. There are some sites on the internet let you upload your design and they send you the temporary tattoo that you can practise placing on your body.

Tips #5: The Final Step

You've spent all the time and effort you could spend on trying to design your own tattoo. Now's the time to get it done - find a local parlour and get inked! While it may seem like a lengthy and possibly expensive process, remember that unless you want to go through tattoo removal, this is something that will be with you for the rest of your life. Spending an extra week will only make your tattoo more meaningful.

Design Your Own Tattoo - Your Tattoo Journey Starts From http://www.cooltattoodesign.comClaim Your Free Copy of Tattoo Bible - Tattoo Insider Secrets From http://www.cooltattoodesign.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_James_Tan

Graphic Design Jobs

By Marcus Peterson

Graphic designers must deliver creativity on demand. They have constant deadlines. They must satisfy demanding clients. The jobs are very challenging. The opportunity depends on their educational level, creative talent and the expertise in new technology. A good portfolio created during the educational process turns out to be very useful for the first job.

Employers are looking for people who are multi-talented. Today’s graphic designers must know how to use computers to put together images and text to create a design. They must know the equation of space, money and time. The graphic designer must be a team member, as throughout the process, he has to work with copywriters, photographers, illustrators and printers.

The graphic design field also is an integral part of many sectors. Graphic designers work primarily for various media like newspapers, magazines, book, and websites, as well as in the advertising, films and animation industries. Their roles and responsibilities are mainly to develop the layout and design for various media and reports, to produce promotional and marketing communication for products and services, to create logos, signs, symbols and taglines for products, services and businesses, to develop material for educational and multimedia projects, to create effects or title screens for TV or motion pictures, and to develop animation films.
Depending on the type of work and educational background, new graphic designers with bachelor's degrees can make $18,000 to $22,000 a year. Web design proficiency and skills like animation can attract an extra $5,000 to $10,000. Over time one can develop a lucrative career.

Graphic Design provides detailed information on Graphic Design, Graphic Design Schools, Graphic Design Jobs, Graphic Design Companies and more. Graphic Design is affiliated with Graphic Artist Salaries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

Crazy about Packaging

Advertising Articles September 29, 2005
Packaging makes a world of difference. It could be the same product, but with a different packaging and consumers go wild! Freelance Graphic Designer and Writer who normally strategizes such branding and packaging designs finds herself a victim of her own trade.

“It’s the same old tissue, honey, it doesn’t make a difference, ok? It’s still going to work the same way”, my exasperated husband hissed into my ear as I grabbed cartons after cartons of some ‘designer’ tissue.

DESIGNER TISSUE!
Hah, can you even hear me say that? I can’t believe I actually wrote ‘designer tissue’. So, yes, for a graphic designer and writer who knows all about the kind of effort one puts into packaging and branding products, I sure fell for it. All the hoopla. The shenanigans. The ‘suck ‘em in with good copy and fab color combo’. Hey, I am still a consumer, remember that. I am entitled to fall for nice packaging, I have a prevailing right to be human.

But they are so pretty…the packaging. I swear!

They have the ‘nature lover’ packaging, the ‘fruity’ packaging, the ‘woman on the go’ packaging, and then they have the ‘kids’ packaging. I grabbed 4 of each design packages and made a run for the counter with them with my screaming kids and exasperated husband running after me in slow motion. It was definitely a ‘die-hard’ moment. You know, when the hero is running away from a bunch of wild bad men with machine guns, and they’re shooting at your feet or something…and there’s an explosion behind you…and everything happens in ssslllloooowwwww mmmmooooottttttiiiioooonnnnn.

Well, in this case, I was running for checkout with boxes of tissue paper with fancy packaging designs on them. If I didn’t like the packaging designs so much, I would find it comical enough. But I am dead serious. In fact, I loved the packaging designs so much, after using up all the tissues in the boxes, I would cut out the designs and place it into my ‘must keep for reference’ clear folder. I don’t keep a lot of stuff in there because I am pretty selective about the designs that I like, but these packaging designs made the cut. They definitely did.

You see, this is the kind of thing that happens when you put some effort into making your packaging design. Yeah, we all have this in the back of our heads…. “Hey, it’s PACKAGING! It’s what’s INSIDE that count. They’re going to THROW the PACKAGING away. So, why spend so much money on the packaging?” Maybe you’re also thinking that the money should go towards developing better quality products…for faster shipment options…or maybe the money should go towards spending potential clients to expensive dinners in Italian restaurants. It’s your call, really.

But this is what I have to tell you, as a graphic designer and consumer. The more effort you put into designing your packaging, more customers will stop and take a look at your packaging or what’s inside the packaging. Now, does it make sense for me to say now that when they stop and take notice of your packaging, your chance of getting them to buy your product increases?

Exactly.

You see, the role of packaging is to grab the consumer’s attention. And without an electrifying packaging, consumers are going to walk past the heaps and heaps of other competitor products…and yours…without even knowing you’re there! Your product is sitting there on a shelf, for goodness sake, and the only weapon you have is to have a nice packaging. Once they stop and take a look, you’ve won the first round.

Think about it!

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marsha Maung is a freelance work at home graphic designer and copy writer. She focused on below-the-line advertising and marketing. More information can be found at http://www.marshamaung.com and http://www.creativejooz.com

Preparing Your Document for Print

August 13th, 2008 by kayemarks

Before sending your postcard, flyer, or brochure to print, make sure to prepare the format correctly. Otherwise, your product may come back looking very different from what you sent, and at no fault of the commercial printing company. Below are some printing tips to help you fully prepare your print advertising job before placing an order.

1. The fonts that your design program offers may differ slightly from the fonts of the printing company. Often, printers will choose a font that is close to the design you chose but this can sometimes result in subtle differences that change the style of your design. The best way to avoid this is to find out what font program your printing company uses and also send the font names and program files, if possible.

2. Even more important than font styles are the graphics in your design. First of all, convert RGB colors to CMYK, which is the color format all commercial printers use. Your design program should have the option to choose from a list of CMYK colors. Next, make sure to link rather than embed the images to your layout. Then send copies of your graphics. Usually printing companies require .tif files but check with yours for confirmation.

3. Finally, knowing the format required by the printing company will insure a quick turnaround. Many printers cannot complete your order from the publishing file in which you created your design. Most require Adobe format or other professional programs such as Corel and QuarkXPress. Also be sure that you send your project in the same version. If you have a more updated version than the printer, you may need to convert to an earlier version.
4. Send the files through the medium required by your printer. You may need to send them in a .zip file through email. Some online printing businesses will require you to upload the files directly to their website.

Following the printing tips above can provide you with a speedier process by avoiding last minute setbacks in your order or incorrect layout. The most important tip to remember, though, is to communicate clearly with your printing company. Not only will your printer appreciate your thoroughness but also you will receive the order you desire without frustrating delays.

Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of the printing company developments in print advertising and how these improvements can benefit small to medium-scale businesses.

Becoming a Graphic Designer

by: Viojieley Gurrobat

You were doing your grocery one day in one of the largest shopping mall in town. You noticed that when buying soaps, toothpaste and canned goods among others, you were picking up those products that has packaging and logo design that appeals to your eye. And the lady next to you was doing the same. Then you wondered what made these products appealing and saleable to consumers. And your thoughts wondered onto who were responsible for doing these attention-grabbing and money-making packaging designs.

Basically, the person responsible for making a logo or packaging design look superb and marketable is called a graphic designer. They are the ones responsible for attracting potential customers and increasing a company’s sale. In order to be a successful graphic designer, one must have excellent interpersonal skills and the knack to sell their ideas to executives.
If you wish to be a graphic designer you must be prepared to receive a college degree in advertising or fine arts focusing in graphic art and computer graphics. Although there are some who make it to the industry just by talent alone, most still need a degree or some sort of certificate to land a job as a graphic designer. Employers won’t even look at you if you lack the piece of paper that shows that you have been trained in graphic design related program. In addition, much of your competition would be graduates from college so it is better if you come prepared before plunging into the exciting world of graphic designs.

There many schools across America that offers graphic design related courses. There are courses in visual communication, graphic design, animation, advertising, and multimedia and web development among others. There are short term and long term programs offered in different schools. Short term programs are usually for one or two years while long term programs such as Bachelor of Fine Arts degree are often for three to four years. Nevertheless, both these programs offer a work placement in a business or studio during or after your studies. This can be a stepping stone for you in gaining the experience that you need to get hired.

To improve your experience in graphic designs, you can also do freelance work whenever you can. This will help you have a solid portfolio to present to your prospective employer when you get out of school and hunt for a real job. Likewise, you have to pay attention to the packaging designs and advertising trends in all forms of media to keep you updated with what is the latest in the industry.

Remember that being a graphic designer necessitates you to learn new software and be up to date on design trends constantly. There is more to being a graphic designer than sitting in front of the computer. Thus, you need to learn how to speak efficiently and learn how advertising and PR influence design decisions.

About The Author
Viojieley Gurrobat loves readings books in her spare time. She writes stories and poems about anything under the sun. For comments and suggestions kindly visit http://www.graphicdesignsunlimited.com.

How to Choose a Great Logo Design

Graphic Design Guru

Welcome to the world of the graphic design guru. Find tips, tutorials, advice and information collected by the graphic design guru. The guru provides you with a space where you can fuel your passion for graphic design. For everything related to creativity, art, computers, marketing, advertising and design, ask the graphic design guru.

Need a corporate identity?

Don’t pay astronomical design agency fees! Get professional design at a fraction of the cost!

Why is it imperative to have a successful logo?
Your logo encompasses the message, service, product and image of your business, all in one. Companies are known to pay thousands of rands for a good brand name and logo. In order for people to remember a business, creating a successful logo is of great importance, and is worth the money spent. A logo is the "image" that says something about its owners. Companies are wise in carefully selecting a logo that will give the right impression. Quality, high standards, and integrity are important to most businesses, and the last thing you want or need, is a logo that compromises your image.

Graphic Design Guru has access to an extensive range of pre-designed logos and can therefore provide you with outstanding designs at affordable prices.

Do you need a:
Logo
Letterhead
Compliment Slip
Business Card
Website?

I can give you all of this for only R7 300. That’s not a lot, if you consider that you will be buying an identity that will last you a lifetime. If you invest in a brand image that works, it can continue working for you for decades.

So give me a call on 072 435 7189 or drop me an e-mail at designguru@neomail.co.za

How to get a job as a Graphic Designer

Author: Gareth Coxon - Dot Design

Just the other day I received a question on Twitter from Adam at Design4Love:

"Hi.. how are you? Do you have any tips for me how to get into the UK design industry (Other than sending applications to agencies). Thanks!"

Which got me thinking about how difficult it was for me and some of the fellow graphic design students I studied with to get a job in the design industry back in 1999 (yes that long ago!) straight out of design college. I snapped up a job with a Central London design agency in Soho within 2 weeks of leaving college but looking back it wasn't really the right job for me then. Though just 13 months later I changed positions and worked for a great design agency based in London Bridge and learned a huge amount as well as working on lots of different types of projects as a designer.

Anyway competition was fierce then BUT the amount of graphic design and other design courses available in art colleges and universities up and down the college has grown hugely since then.

So here are a few tips on (like Adam asked) "how to get into the UK Design industry"

The Portfolio:
Having a great design portfolio is a must. To be honest your design portfolio is the most important thing on this list, its what you'll mainly be judged on. It must be well presented and include at least 6 or more design projects. Think about the kind of work the agency your applying to does and try to tailor your portfolio towards that. For example if they specialise in corporate identity and branding work try to include work of this kind.

Be ready to talk about your design work, what inspired you, why you approached the project in the way you did, even choice of typeface, colours, imagery etc. Show them some of your sketchs and development work, some agencies what to see your scribbles more than the finished work as it shows your design process and how you think!

Before taking your portfolio along to job interviews, make sure you show it to a people (tutors, other design students) talk them through it, get them to ask you questions about your design work and respond with suitable answers. This will get you used to talking people through your portfolio, making you a more prepared for the interview.

Work Experience:
Offer to do some work experience with a design company who's work you really admire (for free if you have to!), even if its just a week then spend that week wowing them, making the tea, producing great work, take an interest in everything relating to that design company. It is a good way to get your foot in the door but also don't be too pushy or cocky, you might think your a great designer but remember there is a big difference between design college and the real world!

If the company really like you during your work experience they might offer you a full time job!

Finding Work:
Send your portfolio as a PDF etc to as many design companies (that your interested in) as possible, then after a few days give them a quick call to check they have received it.

Another alternative and one that worked for me is to approach a design recruitment agency. I contacted Major Players (there are many others!) when looking for a new graphic design position. They interviewed me and I took them through my portfolio and skills set, based on this they then contacted me when suitable jobs became available. This worked very well as they got me a new job within 2 weeks.

Dress code:
There isn't one as such. Wear what your comfortable in but also look like you have made some sort of effort! That said I wouldn't recommend turning up in a suit! Remember what you wear can be seen as a reflection of yourself and your design style or preferences.

Behaviour:
Be yourself, be calm and open to discussing your work and the work of the design agency. Remember to ask questions about what work they produce and what your role would be. One thing I found useful was to ask if someone could take you around the studio, afterall that is where you'll be working if you get the job and you need to see what sort of environment you'll be working in. It also easier to ask questions as you move around and see how they work.

Research:
Remember to do some research on the company that is interviewing you, as they are likely to ask you what made you apply for a job with them, what sort of work do they produce, what awards have they won (if any), why do you want to work for them in particular?

Keep trying:
Above all keep trying and keep looking at ways to improve your portfolio. If you go for an interview and they don't give you a job, don't worry, your work just might not be suitable for that particular design agency.

So hope this has helped, good luck!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/graphic-design-articles/how-to-get-a-job-as-a-graphic-designer-631495.html

About the Author:

Dot Design is a small freelance graphic design agency based in Devon. Established in 2006 Dot Design provides an effective, professional (and friendly) graphic design service. By using other freelance designers when needed we cut back on the costs of a traditional design agency, meaning we are able to greatly reduce costs to our clients.

Dot Design is owned and run by Gareth Coxon who has 8 years professional design experience - 5 years working for two different design agencies in London and now 3 years working in the South West.

We work with businesses all over the UK and Internationally - from small start-ups through to medium sized and larger companies. We don’t use pretentious designer talk and we keep all aspects as simple and straight forward as possible. We will work with you and we understand that no one knows your business like you do.

Dot Design provide you with high quality, well thought through design and tackle each project with fresh enthusiasm and professionalism. We really enjoy what we do as do our clients, just see our testimonials!

We believe successful design should have a strong idea, be distinctive, memorable, simple and communicate the clients requirements. Any project large or small has the same opportunity for great design!

SA Camera

SA Camera has the lowest prices and fast delivery throughout South Africa. They also have the widest range of the best brands. Click on their ad or visit http://www.sacamera.co.za/

Lollipop Animation

Lollipop Animation deals in top quality animation cels and comic art. From Disney to Dick Dastardly, Marvel to Mighty Mouse, through our affiliation with the world's leading animation studios, Lollipop can offer you real quality art at realistic prices. Whether you're an avid collector, a newcomer or just browsing for an unusual gift idea, they're here to help. If there are any specific pieces of animation you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact them. They have a team of researchers on site, ready and waiting to hunt down the art you love. Visit http://www.lollipopanimation.com/index.php or click on their ad.

TheFreeSite.com

TheFreeSite.com brings you fresh listings and reviews of all the best freebies that are available on the Net. Visit http://www.thefreesite.com/

Planet SARK

You are truly invited to be delighted on Planet SARK. Explore the juicy colours, frolic in the marvelous message boards, and discover this creative community. This planet supports your creative dreams! Visit http://www.planetsark.com/

Brands of the World

Brandsoftheworld.com is the most comprehensive resource and one of the most visited web sites where you can browse and access copies of the world's famous brands and logos. Through their site, you will be able to access and obtain Vector format versions of thousands of brands and logos for use in the mock-ups and presentations pending the permission of the copyright owner(s). Best Brands of the World is also a great resource center for designers to upload their own logo design works and professional details to showcase their work and latest design styles. Visit http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/

Biz-community

Biz-community is an advertising and marketing resource with industry news, press releases and a business directory. It's Africa's leading daily advertising, marketing and media news resource for the industry!

Visit http://www.biz-community.com/

Von Roxy Designer Wear

It is designer wear for the Graphic Design community. VonRoxy is committed to providing high quality clothing specifically made for people in and around the graphic design world. They've taken great care to create the highest quality product. They only print on American Apparel shirts (made in the USA and sweatshop free). They have been as picky with the printing quality as they are with our designs. You won't be disappointed. Visit http://www.vonroxy.com/

eTshirts

Visit the online shop eTshirts for funky clothing with cool designs. Prizes to be won on sales. Scroll down and click on their ad at the bottom of this page.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is the largest subscription-based stock photo agency in the world. Every day they add thousands of photographs, illustrations, and vectors to their outstanding collection of premium, royalty-free images. You can choose a 25-A-Day Subscription for the greatest savings (get 25 downloads every day — that's 750 each month) or select an On Demand Subscription for the greatest flexibility (use downloads whenever you need them for up to a year). Click on their ad to view their website.

FreeWebsiteTemplates

FreeWebsiteTemplates has the best free website templates on the internet and you don’t need to link back. They add new free website templates frequently. Visit http://www.freewebsitetemplates.com/

TemplatesWise.com

Looking for free PowerPoint templates? TemplatesWise have a great collection of backgrounds, templates and more inspirational free stuff to build stunning presentations. All templates are free to download and includes 2 or more slides ready-to-use. Download, unzip and take full control over your PowerPoint presentations. Visit http://www.templateswise.com/

LogoMaid

Click on their ad and find an assortment of exclusive and non-exclusive logo designs to meet any corporate identity requirement. LogoMaid's fully customisable pre-made logos can be implemented with minimum fuss. Here are a few highlights:
There are over 5200 exclusive and non-exclusive logo designs
All logo designs are fully customisable
Get any logo design for as low as $19
Products delivered in the file format you need

Kalahari

Click on the link and visit South Africa's leading online store, Kalahari, with a huge range of graphic design books. I believe every great designer should have his own library of good design books not just for new and fresh ideas, but also for inspiration. There is no better way to get rid of that creative block, than paging through picture rich pages.

Vectors & Photoshop Brushes

Vecteezy is an index of Free Vector Graphics available for download.

Visit http://www.vecteezy.com/

Brusheezy is a place for artists to download the best custom Photoshop Brushes and photoshop patterns on the internet!

Visit http://www.brusheezy.com/

Fonts

DaFont is an archive of freely downloadable fonts. Browse by alphabetical listing, by style, by author or by popularity.

The fonts presented on this website are their authors' property, and are either freeware, shareware, demo versions or public domain.

Categories include Fancy, Foreign Look, Techno, Bitmap, Gothic, Basic, Script, Dingbats and Holiday.

Download fonts for PC or Mac OS X.

Visit http://www.dafont.com/