Affinity Photo is among the best software available for general photo editing. Still, when it comes to specific functions like Affinity’s RAW converter, it’s understandable if you’re skeptical of how good it could actually be. So, how good is Affinity Photo’s RAW converter and does it work like the one in PhotoShop? 

Affinity Photo has an excellent RAW converter, however, it works a little bit differently than that of Photoshop. In Affinity Photo the RAW editing capabilities come from using its Develop Persona. Within Develop Persona, you will find all the RAW editing tools you need. 

If you’re trying to edit RAW photos in Affinity Photo but you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below, we start by establishing whether Affinity Photo has a competent RAW editing system before explaining its basics. We will even provide you with step-by-step instructions to get started. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

Can Affinity Photo Handle RAW Files? 

Before we get into how you can use the RAW editing tools in Affinity Photo, we should first address how well Affinity can handle those files in the first place. So, can Affinity Photo actually handle RAW Files?

Affinity Photo can definitely handle RAW photos. To edit them in their RAW form and then convert them you must use Develop Persona and make sure to undo any of the changes Affinity automatically makes like applying a tone curve.

We will get into this in more detail in the following section on how you actually go about editing the photos. 

How to Edit RAW Photos in Affinity Photo 

Now that we have a grasp on what Affinity Photo can do with RAW photos, let’s shift our attention to how it is actually done. For the most part, all you’ve really got to do is open the RAW photo in Affinity and start using the editing tools from Develop Persona. Still, if you really want to edit the image without any changes to it you will have to adjust some settings. 

Below, we’ve outlined the steps involved in importing and editing RAW files with Affinity Photo’s Develop Persona: 

1. Open the RAW Photo in Affinity: Unlike PhotoShop, where you have to use a special camera editor for RAW photos, Affinity can edit them in the same windows you edit everything else in. Develop Persona should automatically open with all the RAW editing tools you need. 
2. Change the settings on Tone Curve in the Assistant menu: Now you want to make sure the images have no changes automatically made to them. You can do this by clicking the “Develop Assistant” icon near the top of the screen. Then you’ll want to set the Tone Curve to “take no action.” 
3. Edit your RAW photo however you like: Finally, you can begin the editing process on your RAW photo. If you’re not sure how to do that there are plenty of great tutorials online. Suffice to say, you should have all the options you want for really getting in there and getting a RAW photo edited exactly how you want it. 

And with that, you now know how to pull up RAW photos in Affinity and edit them. When you go to export them you will simply do it the same way you would with any other image. 

What RAW Photos are Compatible With Affinity

The RAW from one camera to the next can vary. Therefore it’s not unreasonable to ask if which ones are compatible with Affinity?

Affinity is compatible with nearly all the major RAW formats.

Whichever camera you have, you simply need to move the photos you want to your computer then open them in Affinity and follow the steps we outlined in the previous section. 

So Really, How Good is Affinity Photo’s Raw Converter?

The bottom line is, Affinity has an excellent RAW converter, you just have to know how to use it. The RAW editing tools you will need can be found within the program’s Develop Persona. Fortunately, these automatically open up when you load the file. From there, you can adjust the settings so nothing has been altered on the RAW photo and begin editing. 

When it comes to actually editing the RAW photos, you will have that same degree of extra control you would get from using PhotoShops Raw Photo editor. So the only question left is what project are you going to complete with this information? 

Back in the day, a person would look at a resume and determine who fit the bill for an interview. Nowadays, there is an additional step before the interview process. The average sheet will go through the ATS, or applicant tracking system, before moving to further consideration. You might wonder – are Canva templates ATS friendly? Will they work?

Unfortunately, most Canva templates are not ATS friendly. They will fail to match the system and may cost you a potential job. Canva is a graphic design program that produces professional looking layouts, but it’s not intended for the applicant tracking system.

If you’re interested in the Canva template resumes, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the good and bad with Canva resumes, as well as the thoughts of recruiters. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to apply for your next job. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

What Are Some Other Canva Resume Downsides?

The lack of passibility in the applicant tracking system is not the only poor item that comes with using a Canva resume template for your job application process. There are several downsides to using this service that provide further reason to stay away at all costs, at least for a resume.

Here are a few other downsides to Canva for resumes:

• Lack of detail: Canva tends to leave out some critical items with past information about your work history.
• Avoidance of details: Canva resumes tend to lead with the weaker items, versus the stronger ones for a better impression.
• Odd creative structure: The creative look of Canva resumes are pretty, but they aren’t ideal when pushing through an ATS.

There are many items to consider with Canva for resume purposes.

It’s critical to remember that Canva is still an incredible service. The resumes they produce are polished to perfection – they are just not the best option for resumes that go through the applicant tracking system.

Are There Any Good Traits of Canva Resumes?

Although a Canva resume doesn’t work well in an ATS, there are still some benefits to selecting Canva as your first choice for a quality resume. Consider these if you think you can avoid the ATS for your job interview.

A few excellent traits of Canva resumes include:

• Creativity: The creative levels of Canva resumes are unmatched, filled with special designs and colors.
• Uniqueness: If you use a resume from Canva, you can be sure that very few people will have similar designs. There are thousands to choose from on their site, especially with a paid plan.
• Design: The design and structure of a Canva resume help it stand out from the rest of the competition. Structure makes it easy for an interviewer to comprehend in an instant.

They are some of the best resumes to look at in real life.

If you are not subjected to the ATS, feel free to take advantage of the Canva resume. You will find a gorgeous design that will appeal to most interviewers in the best way. Canva is the best at creating designs that stand out from the competition.

What Do Recruiters Think of Canva?

If a recruiter, as in a person alone, examines your resume, they will love the appearance. To the average person, a Canva resume stands out as a creative option, especially when compared to the other black and white resumes that most interviewees typically turn in.

If the recruiter is a machine, they will not be as fond of a Canva template. The machine will skim through the resume and fail to pick up the information you want it to.

Those applying to business and more serious positions should also be wary of the Canva resume. A law firm may not be as fond of bright pinks as an advertising agency would be.

When Can You Use a Canva Resume?

The best time to use a Canva resume is when you know the software will not be used to scan the paper for specific items. Are you interviewing someone you know? Is it a small group? You might be okay taking advantage of a Canva resume template.

If you are interviewing for a creative position, it might be a good idea to take inspiration from a Canva template. The more unique your resume looks for a creative position, the better your chances will be for the position. Use your best knowledge to determine if a Canva resume is the ideal choice.

How Do I Make An ATS Resume?

Now that we’ve discussed the ways a Canva resume fails the test, you might wonder how to make an ATS resume. There are many ways to accomplish this task before your interview.

Here’s how to make an ATS resume:

• Use a screen-friendly and traditional font
• Avoid bars and columns
• Save as a doc or a pdf
• Avoid headers and footers
• Try a hybrid resume format

You should have success at this point.

It might seem like a pain to consider all these elements, but it’s worth it. Rushing through your resume might cause you to fail before the first interview can happen.

Conclusion

If you are headed to a job interview and know your resume will go through the applicant tracking system, it’s best to avoid Canva resume templates at all costs. Although they are beautiful, Canva resumes tend to avoid detail and fail to look well when they scan into the system.

We hope this information was helpful! As you head into an interview, it’s best to have the ideal resume. Whether you use Canva or another service to help your work history stand out, it’s critical to ensure it’s at the top of its game before submitting. The more ready you are, the more likely you are to get the job. You can do this without a problem!

The Wacom Intuos S is one of the most popular tablets for people who are just learning how to draw with a tablet. However, it’s also one of the smallest tablets on the market. With such a small working area, many people wonder: is the Wacom Intuos S too small?

For most people, the Wacom Intuos S will not be too small to consider it functional. It has an overall screen size of 7.9” by 6.3” and a working area of 6” by 3.7”. This is typically big enough for people just starting out with drawing or painting on a tablet.

Below, we’ll discuss more information on the size of the Wacom Intuos S and its best uses. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

How Big is the Wacom Intuos S?

The Wacom Intuos S is one of the smaller tablets you can purchase. While some people find its size advantageous, others find the small working area to be prohibitive.

This tablet was designed to be incredibly slim and compact. It’s just 8mm thick, and the overall screen size measures just 7.9” by 6.3”. The working area is a mere 6” by 3.7”. While it’s definitely small, Wacom did not compromise in terms of durability. It features a sleek, minimalistic design with rubber feet on the back of the screen, ensuring the tablet won’t slide around as you work.

Generally, the Wacom Intuos S is geared more towards beginners and anyone who wants a small, portable tablet they can take anywhere. It won’t take up too much space on your desk and is great for people looking to learn the basics of drawing or editing with a tablet. However, if you draw professionally, you may want something that offers a bigger work area.

Best Uses for the Wacom Intuos S

If you’re considering purchasing the Wacom Intuos S, you may be wondering about some of its best uses. This tablet may be small, but it could be the perfect choice for you.

The Wacom Intuos S is specifically designed for people looking to start drawing, painting, or editing with a tablet. It’s compatible with a wide range of computers and tablet brands, including:

• Mac
• Windows
• Chromebook
• Select Android devices

One of the benefits of this tablet is that it’s still compatible with older Windows and Mac devices. It’s even compatible with devices running Windows 7 and macOS 10.11 operating systems. Plus, it’s certified as Works With Chromebook, meaning it meets all of Google’s high standards of compatibility.

The Wacom Intuos S includes the Wacom Pen 4K, which features over 4,000 pressure sensitivity levels and a battery-free design. You can connect the device to your computer with the included micro USB cord.

The Wacom Intuos S is a great small tablet for anyone just starting out with tablet drawing, painting, or photo editing. It even includes several programs to help you create the best images possible!

What Programs Does the Wacom Intuos S Include?

One of the greatest advantages of the Wacom Intuos S is that it includes several programs to help you draw, paint, or manipulate images. These programs include:

• Boris FX Optics
• Clip Studio Paint Pro
• Corel AfterShot Pro 3
• Corel Painter Essentials 8

Let’s discuss what you can do with each of these built-in applications.

Boris FX Optics

Boris FX Optics is a great tool for editing photos for social media or personal use. This program allows you to easily retouch photos to make you and your friends look picture-perfect. You can even add filters, masks, and special effects like lens flares.

Clip Studio Paint Pro

Clip Studio Paint Pro is perfect for anyone who likes to create comic strips or draw in manga style. Within the application, you’ll find options for quick coloring and templates for creating 3D figures, as well as natural-looking pen strokes and unlimited tones to choose from.

Corel AfterShot Pro 3

Corel AfterShot Pro 3 is a photo editing application that’s ideal for anyone looking to learn the basics of photo editing or further develop their skills. With easy processing controls and presets that help you bring out the best parts of any image, you’ll learn to enhance photos like a professional in no time.

Corel Painter Essentials 8

Corel Painter Essentials 8 is probably the application you’ll use most frequently. It’s designed for drawing and painting original images, featuring award-winning Natural-Media brushes. You can work in a variety of styles and use different effects to create the perfect hand-painted look.

Final Thoughts

While the Wacom Intuos S is a very small tablet, it’s not too small to be functional. With a working area of 6” by 3.7”, it’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for something portable that won’t take up a lot of room on their desk or table.

Video editing and graphic design are two relevant passions and potential careers that allow you to blend you to express your creativity through technology. Both involve various tasks that require a fair amount of knowledge and skills, but if you were faced with the decision to pursue one of the two, which is the easier option?

Neither video editing nor graphic design is overtly easy. Both require time, patience, and dedication to learn. How quickly someone acquires skills relevant to these fields is dependent on the individual. Objectively, graphic design tends to involve more complex software while video editing incorporates more elements (ex. sound, music, visuals).

In this article, we will compare the challenges posed by video editing and graphic design to help you conclude which might be easier for you. As you read, you’ll learn about the common skills, tasks, programs, and other factors are involved with each field that might render one “easier” than the other.

Video Editing Vs. Graphic Design: Which is Easier for You?

Determining whether video editing is easier than graphic design and vice versa is a common debate between individuals who are familiar with these fields. Although many will take a stance and firmly state that one is undoubtedly easier than the other, in the end, the answer is subjective and really depends on the individual. 

One of the quickest ways to determine which option will be easier for you is often to decide which you are more passionate about. As we stated previously, both of these fields will require ample patience and motivation to learn, and so, usually the one that comes easiest is the one that interests you most.

Now, what if you can’t decide which option interests you more. In that case, you’ll want to consider what skills you currently have and what forms of creative expression you prefer.

Video editing is the ideal choice for individuals who enjoy using their creativity to weave a story. It will also fit those who enjoy working with various elements, from sound to images to music in order to create that ideal tone and communicate your message.

Comparatively, graphic design is the ideal choice for anyone who is more artistically inclined and enjoys digitally drawing, painting, or editing images to convey a message. Incorporating a layout and text is often involved as well, especially when creating marketing tools, such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, etc.

If that doesn’t help, here is a more in-depth comparison of the two and some of the points individuals make that one is harder than the other.

Video Editing

Anyone interested in film, commercials, television shows, or even social media videos, like those found on YouTube, will find a lot of value in video editing versus graphic design.

While some argue video editing is easier because the individual is usually provided with the raw footage, versus graphic design where you often create it from scratch, the most challenging aspect of this field is that you are working with both static and moving elements.

Not only are you trying to edit the video in a way that is engaging and results in your desired outcome (ex. fear, persuasion, motivation), but you also have to utilize various forms of media to achieve this without sacrificing visual or sound quality. It isn’t a simple matter of cutting out poorly shot frames.

Most people agree that the software itself required for video editing is often easier to learn quickly than the endless array of graphic design program features. However, once you know how to use it, mastering skills such as synchronization, content organization and management, sequence identification, and more can be a grueling process.  

Graphic Design

As we alluded to previously, the software required for graphic design is often this field’s biggest challenge. Many beginners find it extremely difficult to learn the ins and outs of how all these editing and drawing features work. Layering alone takes a great deal of practice to utilize properly.

That being said, once someone gets the hang of these tools, many individuals argue that mastering graphic design becomes much easier.

There are tools out there to make graphic designer “easier”, such as Placeit.net, by offering templates for graphic design.

The other challenge here is the number of skills often involved in graphic design. Video editing might involve several types of media in one stretch of raw footage, but in the end, you are always editing video. Comparatively, there are numerous types of graphic design someone could learn, including:

• Web design
• Advertising and marketing design
• Packaging design
• Illustrations
• Publication and typographic design
• Branding

While many graphic designers tend to specialize in one aspect of graphic design, such as company branding or marketing, it is common, and oftentimes, beneficial, for them to be a “jack of all trades,” so to speak, at least to start.

Final Thoughts

To reiterate, neither of these fields is “easy.” If that is what you prioritize in a hobby or career, then avoid both. If you don’t mind some hard work and have a fair amount of patience, then we recommend choosing the field that aligns most with your interests. Alternatively, you could try to learn both. Many individuals in one or both fields claim they are often interconnected and that learning both of their skills is almost always beneficial.

Determining whether it is proper tipping etiquette to tip your graphic designer can be a understandable source of stress and play a significant role in your overall budget. Oftentimes, it is customary to tip an artist for their creative work, but does graphic design fall under this category?

Generally, graphic designers do not expect gratuity, however there are some exceptions. If the graphic designer is a freelancer, and has gone above and beyond, it may be suitable to tip. However, if the graphic designer works on behalf of a company, it is not customary to tip.

In this article, we will explain in further detail why graphic design work isn’t usually listed as a service that people are socially expected to tip. We will then discuss under what circumstances it might be reasonable, or even encouraged, to tip your graphic designer.

Why Don’t You Tip Graphic Designers?

First thing’s first; we’re not definitively claiming that you should never, under any circumstances, tip a graphic designer you hire. In reality, most would appreciate a tip, especially if they are a new freelancer who is living paycheck to paycheck.

What we want to make clear is that, unlike some careers, graphic designers don’t generally expect their customers to tip.

The predominant reason why you don’t need to tip your graphic designer is because tipping is generally provided as an additional source of revenue to an individual whose wages are built around tipping and/or do not receive 100% of your patronage.

Yes, you will often read that tipping is used to demonstrate your appreciation and support of a service. It can even be used as a method for rating the quality of service, depending on how much you tip. However, if you look at a list of careers that expect tips, you’ll notice most are in food service, a craft (ex. professional painter, handyman,etc.), or a cosmetic service (ex. hairstylist, manicurist, etc.)

While it is common to tip some of these careers to show appreciate for the individual’s skill, many almost require tipping because the companies base their employee’s wages on the social expectation of tipping, and so, most are paid below minimum wage.

Graphic designers, on the other hand, are usually in charge of their own prices and, therefore, most will charge sufficiently for their services without the expectation of tipping. What you pay will also go entirely to them, in most cases, unless they work for a company, in which case they are usually paid a sufficient salary.

When You Might Want to Tip Your Graphic Designer

Generally speaking, most graphic designers you hire will not expect any sort of tip or bonus for their work. However, there are instances where, even if tipping is not outright expected, it might be more socially expected and appreciated.

Occasions where you might want to strongly consider tipping your graphic designer include:

1. When the service they are providing is very artistic in nature
2. When the individual is a freelancer in their formative years
3. When the work is above and beyond your expectations

Should you find any of these pertaining to you, it might be wise to provide a tip or bonus to the agreed upon price. This could be the standard 10-20% you’d tip other careers, or whatever bonus amount you feel comfortable with.

1. Graphic Designers as Artists

What makes this career tricky is that it is common tipping etiquette to tip artistic work, and graphic design often falls under this category because it is a blend of artistic creativity and the utilization of technology.

While we will reiterate that most graphic designers do not expect their customers to tip, it might be a good idea to do so if the specific graphic design work you are paying for is extremely artistic in nature. Some examples include:

• Graphic art and illustrations
• Marketing and advertising graphic design images and layouts
• Visual identity graphic design
• Publication graphic design

If your graphic designer is creating a highly detailed graphic illustration or a book cover for your upcoming book, it would be understandable to tip them.

2. New Freelancer

Most graphic designers who are new to freelancing will charge relatively low rates for their work because they are trying to build their portfolio as well as their skills.

If you’re looking for some budget-friendly work and don’t mind taking a risk on overall quality, then they are an exceptional option. Because these graphic designers are in the formative years of their business, a little extra appreciation will go a long way with them, especially since it is likely they are living paycheck to paycheck or even working multiple jobs while pursuing this career.

Tipping these individuals will not only help them financially, but, for many, it is also a huge boost to their confidence that will encourage them to keep grinding and building their reputation.

3. Above and Beyond Results

This is a relatively standard time when anyone tips for a service. If it is clear that your graphic designer spent exceptional time and effort on your project that probably exceeds what they would typically invest, then there’s no better way to demonstrate that you noticed their efforts than to provide a tip.  

Additionally, you can always tip when you are overjoyed with the work they have done and find that it far exceeds your expectations.

Final Thoughts

Knowing whether to tip your graphic designer can be difficult, but typically, it is not required. While there are some instances where it might be encouraged, tipping is overtly a sign or appreciation, not an obligation. Your graphic designer will be grateful if they receive one, but they should never expect or ask for it. In the end, it is up to them to ensure they charge enough for their services to ensure they don’t rely on tips.

Brochures can be a great way to get information out about your business or organization. It is an easy to hold pamphlet that allows you to break down important information into digestible tidbits

Placing page numbers on brochures can be helpful for a few different reasons including guiding the reader on where to look next. Whether you use page numbers or not depends on the size of your brochure, the type of brochure, and the amount of information included.

To learn more about page numbers and to see if they are needed in your brochure design continue reading below.  

Why Number a Brochure? 

Adding page numbers to a brochure helps the reader know which order to read the panels. Your design of your pages and the grouping of your information can lead the reader through as well, but page numbers can help if there is a lot of information being included in your brochure.

For example: if you have a tri-fold brochure it may help to have page numbers to let your reader know which fold to read through first and which to read next. You can see an example of a tri-fold brochure and how the page numbers correspond here. 

How Do You Count Pages on a Brochure? 

For a brochure, a page is considered any printed side, including the front cover. Brochure pages are almost always in multiples of four with just a few exceptions. 

One exception to this would be if your brochure has a  throw out. These are pages that unfold out of the brochure itself. They are usually an elaboration of one of the points in the brochure or may contain something like a coupon good toward what the brochure is teaching about. 

Another exception would be if it is a “perfect bound” brochure, meaning that the brochure is put together much like a book with a spine that is either glued or stapled. 

How Should Pages Be Numbered?

There are generally 3 places a brochure can have a page number. 

• In the lower right corner
• In the upper right corner
• In the center on the bottom of each page

In general, the most popular area for page numbers to be placed would be the lower right corner. This is a very general area for them to be placed, and not recommended for all brochure types.

With both trifold and accordion brochures, it’s recommended to place the page number in the center of the bottom. This helps differentiate the separate folds. 

The bottom center is also good for the perfect bound brochures as it ensures your page number won’t end up lost in the binding.

Multi-page brochures, or booklets, would definitely need page numbers. Since they so closely resemble a book you would most likely use the bottom right corner for page numbers but you don’t have to, as the center bottom is perfectly acceptable here as well. 

Can a Brochure Be Just One Page? 

A brochure can be just one page although this is normally considered a flier. A flier gives you all the information at a quick glance. A brochure goes a bit more in depth and gives you information in snippets or pages about different aspects of what the brochure is teaching about. Usually, a brochure contains more information than a flyer. 

However, if you are creating a brochure for online publication then it would need to be just one page. 

To see what kind of options are out there for brochures, including fonts and sizes you can use several different design tools online.

Conclusion

The usual reading order for Americans is from left to right so that is the natural flow that a person will read your brochure. However, if you are wanting to help guide them and eliminate confusion you may want to add page numbers to your brochure, especially if it is longer than four printed pages. This can help ensure the information you are sharing is being taken in by the reader in the correct order. 

For many businesses and organizations, printed materials are the primary means of communicating with customers and the public at large. Things like brochures, posters, and even leaflets all play a vital role in getting a message across. The quality of print jobs, therefore, is crucial to achieving the desired results and a big part of this is the resolution. This raises the question, is 200 DPI good enough for printing?

Generally speaking, 200 DPI is adequate for many types of print jobs. For instance, if the material does not involve intricate graphics, then 200 DPI is probably good enough. If, however, the project involves artwork like photographs, and the artwork is going to be printed in large format, then 300 DPI may be needed.

When it comes to technology, there seems to be a constant pushing of the envelope. Computers are getting faster and more powerful, TVs are achieving higher resolutions, and smartphones are getting smarter. But when it comes to printing, more is not necessarily better. 200 DPI is plenty good enough for many print jobs, but as with many things, there is more than meets the eye. Here’s what this means.

Is 200 DPI Good Enough for Printing?

DPI, or dots per inch, is the standard measure for printing resolution. It is a way to quantify how clean, crisp, and detailed a print job appears. When something is printed these days, the visual content you are seeing is composed of tiny dots laid down on the print medium (usually some type of paper). As the name suggests, DPI refers to the number of these dots that can be lined up side-by-side in one inch.

Thus, if something is printed out at 200 DPI, each inch of the printed material will contain 200 dots, at 300 DPI, each inch will contain 300 dots, and so on. The higher the DPI, the more dots there are per inch, and presumably, the finer the detail and the better the resolution.

But how much DPI is good enough and for what? While certain types of images, such as photographs and intricate graphics, are best printed at 300 DPI or higher, there are many other types of documents that are perfectly viewable at 200 DPI.

For instance:

• 200 DPI is fine for letters, correspondence, and white papers
• Business documents containing simple graphics (like charts or infographics) should come out fine printed at 200 DPI
• Even images and art files can look good at 200 DPI without noticeable blurring or pixelation (they just will not be as crisp and detailed as when printed at higher DPIs)

For obvious reasons, artwork-centric materials should be printed at 300 DPI or higher, but this leaves plenty of document types that can be produced at 200 DPI with perfectly acceptable results.

Is 200 DPI OK for Printing

As a level of printing resolution, 200 DPI falls within the decent-to-good range by just about anybody’s standards. This applies to a broad range of document types, from simple business letters to materials containing graphics.

But at the end of the day, the only standard that truly matters is how a print job looks to the intended viewer under the circumstances that it is intended to be seen.

Viewing Distance Matters

The general rule of thumb when it comes to determining whether 200 DPI (or any DPI value for that matter) is okay for printing is that if the document or graphic content does not appear to be pixelated or choppy, then its DPI is suitable for the print job in question.

In this regard, a project’s DPI is not the sole factor that should be considered when trying to figure out its print quality. The whole point of printing something is for it to be seen and for the message it is trying to convey to be perceived with the impact that it was intended to deliver. To this end, the viewing distance for the printed material matters greatly.

For instance, the required DPI for a brochure with vibrant graphics that will be read at arm’s length will be quite different from a large billboard that will be seen from a great distance away. Whereas the former will likely require a good number of dots per inch to produce the rich detail that is needed, the latter can rely on much larger dots while still having the desired visual effect.

Here are some examples to illustrate this point further:

• At a viewing distance of 2 to 3.3 feet (roughly arm’s length), 200 to 300 DPI will be needed to produce a good printing resolution
• If the viewing distance increases to 5 to 6.5 feet, then the minimum DPI decreases to a range of 90 to 120
• From 50 feet away, 12 DPI is sufficient to produce a clear image
• From a 200-foot distance, a resolution of 3 DPI is enough for an image to be seen clearly
• At a distance of 650 feet, 1 DPI will produce a perfectly viewable image

What these figures demonstrate is that when it comes to print quality, DPI only tells part of the story. A major part of the equation is viewing distance, and only when this is properly factored in can a meaningful evaluation of printing resolution be made.

Image Size Is Important Too

As far as graphics and artwork are concerned, image size is another important consideration that directly affects the print quality of a document. Where resolution in printing is expressed in DPI, resolution on a computer screen is typically indicated by the term PPI, which stands for pixels per inch.

When documents are created on a computer before printing, graphics, and artwork can be edited and manipulated in any number of ways. For the best results, it is important to keep the native formatting of an image and avoid enlarging it beyond its original resolution because doing so may result in pixelation which will be visible in the final printed results.

Determining an image’s size when printed at a certain DPI (in this case, 200 DPI) is a fairly straightforward process:

• Go to the image’s properties to view its dimensions in PPI
• For each value (height x width), divide the number by 200
• For example, if the image height is 1000 pixels, divide this number by 200 to get 5
• If the image width is 1400 pixels, divide this number by 200 to get 7
• Thus, when printed at 200 DPI, this image’s size will be 5 inches by 7 inches

This analysis is important because this image’s print quality at 200 DPI will be optimized at these dimensions.

Final Thoughts

Modern printing equipment is capable of producing incredibly high-resolution documents with intricate details and vibrant colors. But such high-quality printing, typically involving 300 DPI or higher, is not necessary for all printing tasks. For certain projects, 200 DPI is more than just okay, it is the perfect level of quality that gets the job done the right way.

Graphic designers all over the world look around themselves for inspiration. The inspiration that will help them create a unique design for their clients. It is hard because so many ideas have been completed, and all different types of designs have come and gone. It is easy to make a design that resembles another person’s work. But is it Okay to copy graphic design work?

According to the laws in every state in the nation, it is not okay to copy another graphic designer’s work. These types of designs fall under the laws of intellectual property, which means it is not only unethical to copy designs, but it is illegal by law.

It is a common practice to use other people’s work for inspiration, but that is as far as it should go. Using another design to create your own, even if it is similar, is legal in the eyes of the law. So why is it such a big issue then, and why is nothing being done about it?

Why Is Copying a Graphic Design So Easy

You would be upset if you said your design appears on another website or advertisement. You would be extremely upset if the design was put on the market without any acknowledgment or discussion. Unfortunately, it happens every day throughout the world. It is simply too easy for others to copy your design because it is posted online, directly in front of everybody to see and use. Why is it so simple, though?

• Visible To All – The world is in a technological era. Everything gets online eventually, and if you are designing a project for a client, it will be visible to all with internet access. Not much you can do about that unless you want to turn down 99% of the graphic design jobs available.
• Legal Issues – A graphic design falls under the intellectual property laws that state an idea that is put into a design is the sole right of the person that puts their thoughts into a graphic design unless the rights are purchased by a third party. One small change to the design and it is no longer an exact copy, so the law will not pursue it.
• Online Platforms – You can do a quick search online and find multiple websites that offer free and paid graphic designs that are designed using premade graphics and fonts. Using a design that someone else has used is easy, and you may not even realize it until someone accuses you of theft.

A graphic design is not easy to spot if it is an exact copy. The problem that professional graphic designers are running into is the slight changes being made. As a designer, you can easily recognize your work. Still, according to the laws, if a tiny change is made, the design is no longer considered as being copied. This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen design to be pursued and charged with a crime because it is not a crime, according to the courts.

Using a Copy Of A Design Is An Ethics Issue

If you know what ethics means, you will know right off the bat that using a copy of someone else’s design is unethical. But the line is not clear in the eyes of the public because every designer uses another person’s work to inspire them to make their own designs. It is a line that is unclear, and until it is addressed, this unethical practice will continue. But why are people not realizing that it is unethical?

• Attitude – People who use copies of other people’s work do not feel they have done anything wrong because it was only used as inspiration, even if it wasn’t.
• Self-Manipulation – The human mind is funny and cannot be completely understood. Once you have a design in hand that you made, you will convince yourself that it is yours, even if you copied it 100% from someone else.
• Self-Worth – Anything aspect of ethics is how people see themselves. Self-worth is something that many people lack, which makes it easy for them to borrow an idea from someone else and not ever think twice about it.

The ethics of people is not always going to match yours. Who is to say that they are wrong and you are right because they think the same thing. It is a fine line that is skipped over by many people. The ethics of stealing an idea is not even up for discussion. Still, if you made some changes to the design and called it your own, the only person that says it was copied would be you.

This will not ever happen because people convince themselves that the design is an original that came from their minds. Still, they did use your design as an inspiration. But then the big question is brought up: “Who doesn’t use a little inspiration for their own graphic designs?”

Final Thoughts

To be clear, using templates from websites like Placeit.net, especially if you customize the template, is 100% okay, even for commercial use. This is because your subscription to the website comes with full usage rights, essentially a license, to use their templates. However, if you are simply looking up images on Google and copying them exactly, you are infringing their copyright illegally.

Most people will say that copying a graphic design that someone else put time and money into developing is never okay. But then again, who is to say that their design was not copied from someone else. The copied design may have been passed around for years through one platform that allows you to use their designs for free or for a small price. Or they may have made a slight change to it in an attempt to make it look different.

The ethical implications of this topic can be debated until the end of time because not everyone has the same idea of what is ethical and what is not. It is clear that until the legal system figures out a way to punish those who copy ideas, this practice of adding a little twist to make it different will continue to happen. In the eyes of the graphic designer that created the piece, a slight change still does not make it theirs, but there is nothing to stop people from doing this unethical and illegal practice. Not yet, anyway.

When it comes to graphic design, the layout is one of the fundamental principles that need to be considered for a successful design. But what if you trying to create a design without any graphics at all? Does a layout need graphics to be good, or is text enough in some cases? 

As a general rule, graphics create balance and proximity within a layout. A good layout should include an organized combination of elements that help grab attention and easily conveys a message. However, graphics are not always required, so context and user experience need to be taken into consideration. 

Whether you are designing a website, brochure, or book cover, the layout of your design can have a huge impact on how successful it is. Below, you will learn if you can make a good layout without graphics, and just how impactful graphics can be on a design.  

Can You Have a Good Layout Without Graphics? 

In graphic design, layout refers to the way in which elements are arranged on a page. These elements make up the content of a design and work to both convey a message and present information in a logical and aesthetic way. 

Whether or not your layout requires graphics and going to depend on what is it that you are creating. Graphic design serves different purposes, however, for the most part, it is a visual communication that is trying to deliver clear and accessible information.  

Graphics are often a combination of text, images, and color. And, oftentimes, using graphics is the best way to convey a message in a way that people will understand. But it’s not the only way. 

For example, books, newspapers, and magazines are full of pages that only contain text. These pages are still going to require a layout for the text so that it is present in a way that is appealing and easy to understand for consumers—and publishers put a lot of thought into how that layout should look. Even some successful flyers, brochures, and banners have been created using layouts without the use of images and illustrations.  

However, in most cases, using graphics in a layout is the best choice. This is because graphics often act as the building blocks that create the basics of a good design.  

What Makes a Good Page Layout? 

The layout of a design is there to help the information you are trying to share be easier to consume. It should not only be attractive in looks but should clearly and concisely display the message you are trying to convey.  

To do this, there are several elements that come into play. A layout should easily be interwoven with the other fundamental principles of design to create visual points of interest that guide the consumer through the content. Some of the principles include: 

• Typography 
• Texture 
• Color 
• Contrast 
• Repetition 
• White space 
• Image 

While many designers will include all these principles, some of the elements aren’t necessarily seen in every design.  

Going back to the example of a book page, you’ll notice that most of them don’t have images. However, the layout of a novel is very different than that of a dictionary or thesaurus. This is because elements such as typography, contrast, repetition, and white space are all strategically used to help the reader consume the information. 

What Is the Importance of Using Graphics in a Layout? 

Graphics help to visually communicate your design concept. They act as an invaluable aid to your audience by allowing information to be displayed in various ways.  

For example, if you own a cake decorating business, you could just create a full text brochure or flyer describing the cakes that you make. But that’s not likely to capture the attention of customers. 

However, if you add photographs of your best designs, customers would be able to see your skills, and your message would come across much smoother. 

Can You Add Graphics to a Layout without Design Skills? 

If you’re intimidated by design because you lack the graphic design skills, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should shy away from adding graphics in your layout.  

Websites like Placeit and Canva are great tools to help small businesses create beautiful and success designs. They even have layout templates for various types of media, so all you need to do is drag and drop until you create something that appeals to you.  

Final Thoughts 

You should now be able to design your layout confidently with or without graphics. The layout of your design can have a huge impact on how well it is received. While it doesn’t always need graphics, this is really going to boil down to what you are trying to say and who you are saying it to.

There are many tools today that can help you create the perfect design. But if you are still feeling iffy about it, hiring a graphic designer to create a layout for you is always an option. 

If you are in the middle of trying to decide if it is worth going to classes to become a graphic designer, you will need to keep a few things in mind. One of the most significant decisions you can make is what field of study you want to spend the rest of your life doing. Graphic designing is one of those careers that can bring you the satisfaction you can see daily. But is it genuinely worth being a Graphic Designer?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics statistics, the need for Graphic designers will increase by 3% before 2030. This means it is well worth being a graphic designer because up to 23,900 new jobs will be posted within the decade.

The main driving force behind career decisions is money and the future of the industry you are looking into. Graphic designing is a solid choice when looking into both of the main reasons. However, even if they are not your main decision factors, the career path is still worth getting into if you have the chance. Keep reading to find out why.

Being a Graphic Designer Is Worth It for Many Reasons

Technology is the future, and anyone who wants a successful career from this day forward needs to get a job that follows along those lines. Becoming a graphic designer is an excellent choice because the future of advertising and marketing is online, leaning more towards mobile applications but still online. Let’s go over why being a graphic designer is worth the effort.

• Industries – As a graphic designer, the sky is the limit, and you will never be tied down to one specific industry. Every industry requires a good designer. Some are more than others, but the jobs are available if you search long enough.
• Environments – You will have the choice of any type of environment that you prefer. You can work in a large office full of people or stay home and send your designs through online platforms.
• Self-Employed – You can choose to work as your own boss, which is the dream many of you have. Honestly, there is nothing like being your own boss. Choosing your own jobs and turning down the ones you would rather not touch. You can even use tools like Placeit.net for professional templates.
• Specialties – You can choose to specialize in one aspect of graphic design. The design is up to you, but you need to remember that you will make more money and have more job opportunities if you are more versatile and open to various jobs.
• Exciting – The job is never dull or boring. You will always have exciting and new work to keep you interested. This is one of those jobs that allows you to express your artistic creation while mixing it into the design requirements of your clients.
• Self Requirements – If you, your family, or friends ever need something designed, nothing stops you from doing it yourself. It will save them time and money and allow you to create something for your portfolio of work that you can show off to prospective clients.
• Proof Of Abilities – Unlike many other career paths, everything you do will be proof of your specific talents. Your work may be used for another person’s pain, but it is directly in front of anyone who wants to see it.
• Communication – Even if you choose to work from home or an office for one, you will never have the time to be alone. You will need to have an open communication platform with all of your clients.
• Salary – People’s most important part of the decision is the salary. You need to be able to make enough money to make it worth the time. The average salary for a baseline graphic designer currently sits at $55,000 to $83,250.

Is The Outlook for The Future Good For Graphic Designers?

You are probably wondering what the actual outlook for graphic design looks like. There is no point in getting into a career that has no future. It is a fun and exciting career that has the potential to bring in some serious cash, but does it have a future?

Graphic design will be changing soon, but it will never completely go away. The world is shifting away from everything completed on paper by hand. Instead, online platforms are the future, making it even easier to become a professional at the industry’s top.

If you have been following any of the current trends, you will know that most companies are shifting to selling, advertising, and operating online. This makes it easier for people like you to break into the industry because many programs are available that will help you create excellent work in half the time it would have taken you to do it by hand. You will need to keep an eye on a few things if you want a successful career in the field.

• Competition – The competition for jobs will become more fierce as time passes. It is easy for people to work online from various work platforms. They can do the work for a low cost, which can hamper true professionals.
• Bad Reputations – Because of websites like Fiverr.com, cheap work can be hired worldwide. Unfortunately, many of the people who work from these platforms are not high quality, and many steal ideas from others. This gives all graphic designers a bad reputation, so you will have to overcome this problem.

You will need to work hard to get your name to prospective clients, and a reputation must be built on quality, honesty, and ethics. It may take a little work to get there, but since the future is wide open for great graphic designers, it is well worth the effort.

Final Thoughts

Graphic designing is a career path that will never be lost in history as long as you are willing to adapt to the consumers. New technology will continue to come out onto the market, which will guide the direction that all companies follow. Keeping up with the trends is simple if you are consistently involved in jobs.

Times will continue to change, and graphic designers will be pushed to their limits to create new, original work. Those who can stay ahead of the rest of the pack will excel to new heights.