Commercial printing is a highly specialized industry whose primary purpose is helping people and organizations get their messages across to others. From business cards to glossy brochures, printing is a vital part of visual communication. There are many behind-the-scenes processes that go into printing that not many people know about and one of these is the concept known as a bleed area.

As a general rule, a bleed area should be 0.125” (1/8 of an inch) all around the artwork for the document being printed. This applies to a wide range of printing projects, but it should be noted that depending on the final size of the print job, the bleed area may need to be enlarged or reduced.

Establishing a properly sized bleed area will ensure that all of the visual elements in a printed document turn out the way they are supposed to, including the artwork extending to the very edges of the final product with nothing cut off and without any undesirable white edges. It may sound complicated, but a bleed area is a fundamental part of printing and everything you need to know is below so keep reading.

How Big Should a Bleed Area Be for Printing?

Printing is all about communicating information and a big part of getting the message across effectively is making sure that all of the intended visual elements hit their respective marks. In the case of printed materials featuring artwork, this means that images are crisp, clean, and correctly colored. Another important aspect of printing is having the proper amount of bleed.

Generally speaking, the bleed area for most documents will be 0.125” (1/8 of an inch) all around the perimeter of the artwork. In the case of projects that are larger than 18 inches by 24 inches, then the recommended bleed area is 0.5” (1/2 of an inch) all around the document.

Regardless of its size, the buffer zone created by a bleed area will ensure that the entirety of the document’s content will be printed and that the artwork will extend right up to the very edge of the printed material’s trim line (which is the effective edge of the finished product).

Why Should the Bleed Area Be 1/8 of an Inch for Printing?

Having an appropriately sized bleed area is critical for any print job to come out the way it was intended by the document’s creator. While 0.125” may not seem like very much (it is, after all, a mere eighth of an inch) this seemingly small margin of error can make all the difference between producing a flawless print job and one that looks amateurish.

Commercial printing presses are complex machines, but they are mechanical in nature, meaning that they must physically grab the printing medium (e.g., some type of paper in most cases) and feed it through the printer. For this simple reason, printers cannot print all the way to the edges. Thus, while printing is an extremely reliable processing method, it is not an absolutely perfect one.

To accommodate the bleed area added onto the artwork’s edges, printing companies typically utilize paper or stock that is larger than the original document’s dimensions and trim off any excess material to bring the print job down to its final size. This is typically done as one of the final stages as a printing project nears its completion. Therefore, when properly allocated, the bleed area will:

1. Eliminate any unwanted white borders, especially after the print job is trimmed down to its final size
2. Prevent words or images from running over the edges of the document and getting cut off
3. In the case of colored backgrounds or floods, ensure that colors appear to run right up to the absolute edges of the final product without falling short or running over

In a way, a bleed area serves as an invaluable insurance policy against slight variations that can result from slight misfeeds or imperfections in the printing process.

Setting an Appropriately Sized Bleed Area in a Document

Generally speaking, commercial printing companies receive press-ready documents, meaning that they are ready to print without further revisions or digital manipulation. While many printers have in-house designers who can make minor changes as needed, such work will only create delays in the completion of a project and potentially add to its costs as well.

Thus, setting a correctly sized bleed area in a document is an important aspect of its original design and creation. Most of the computer programs that are commonly used today to create printable files feature built-in tools for automatically incorporating a bleed area into a document’s settings.

Adobe® InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft® Publisher allow for setting up a bleed area as part of the process of saving a document into PDF format (which is the preferred platform for most printers). But not every program has built-in bleed formatting, with Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word being the prime examples. In such cases, document sizes and margins will need to be manually manipulated.

Here are a few examples of how adding a bleed area (in this case, the standard 0.125”) on each edge increases the overall dimensions of a document:

• A standard letter size document will increase in size from 8.5” x 11.0” to 8.75” x 11.25”
• A standard postcard size document will go from 5” x 7” to 5.25” x 7.25”
• A standard business card size document measuring 3.5” x 2” will become 3.75” x 2.25”

It bears repeating that setting a bleed area protects visual elements like color and artwork from being improperly displayed and is not required in every instance. Certain print jobs, such as those designed to have a white background or containing elements that are a comfortable distance away from the edges of the final document, do not need a bleed area when they are printed.

Final Thoughts

Commercial printing plays a vital role in visual communication even as personal devices like smartphones, tablets, and even watches, have become popular ways for people to view and consume content. Even in the midst of the so-called digital age, printed materials are not going anywhere anytime soon.

The next time you receive someone’s business card or thumb through a brochure with splashy graphics, you may have a greater appreciation for all the behind-the-scenes processes that were required to produce those materials, including the setting of a properly sized bleed area.

Wacom tablets are some of the best out there for anyone who wants to create brilliant handmade drawings in a digital space. Still, when a lot of artists draw on paper with a pencil they become used to using various degrees of pressure to make their lines exactly as they want. This leaves many to wonder how hard they can press on their Wacom Tablet as well. 

Generally, you can press your pen against your Wacom tablet about as hard as the average person would press a pencil to paper. At the same time, you don’t want to put your full force into it or you could create scuffs and scratches, or even damage the surface of the tablet. 

If you’re new to using a Wacom tablet and you want to make sure you don’t actually damage it by pressing too hard and accidentally scratching the screen, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below we will break down all the basics of Wacom Tablet pressure sensitivity. You’ll know exactly how hard to press and how to avoid pesky accidental damage.

Are Wacom Tablets Pressure Sensitive?

So the first thing we really need to establish before we get into how hard you can press on a Wacom tablet, is whether or not Wacom tablets are pressure sensitive? So are they? 

Wacom tablets are pressure sensitive but that level of pressure sensitivity is set within the pen itself or the software you’re using. Depending on the model pen you’re using, you will get a different number of pressure sensitivity settings. The Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus Stylus, for example, has 4,096 different pressure settings. Talk about options. 

How Hard Should You Press When Drawing on a Wacom Tablet?

If you scour the internet to find out how hard you should press on your Wacom tablet, you will likely be met with many vague, ambiguous answers. So, how hard should you be pressing, and is there any exact amount of pressure that’s okay? 

When you’re drawing on a Wacom tablet you should press down hard enough to have control over the pen, but not so hard that you’re digging into or scratching the surface of the pad. While Wacom doesn’t provide an exact amount of pressure that is safe, if you’re reasonable about how much you’re using you’re probably fine. 

Do Wacom Tablets Scratch Easily?

Even if you can press harder on the surface of a Wacom tablet than you would a touch screen, it still doesn’t answer whether or not they will develop scuffs and scratches. 

Wacom tablets are built to take more pressure than alternative surfaces like touch screens because having control over the pen sometimes requires adding a little extra pressure. That said it is normal for them to develop small scuffs and scratches over time if they are used frequently.

Most minor scuffs and scratches will just be cosmetic and shouldn’t affect how well the tablet works. Wacom tablets are known for having a long lifespan that can go on for well over a decade. 

How to Prevent Scuffs and Scratches on a Wacom Tablet

While most of the minor scuffs and scratches you get on your Wacom tablet shouldn’t affect its function, it’s still nice to have one that looks brand new. So, how can you prevent scuffs and scratches from popping up on the surface in the first place?

The following tips should help you to avoid most unnecessary scuffs and scratches on your Wacom tablet: 

1. Properly set your pressure sensitivity: You can adjust how pressure-sensitive your tablet will be with your pen and within the software you’re using. If you find that you’re having to press really hard just to make basic lines, you should adjust your pressure sensitivity accordingly. 
2. Avoid wearing jewelry on the hand you’re drawing with: Sometimes, it isn’t even the pen nib that’s causing the scuffs but rather your jewelry scraping against the tablet surface from your wrists. Taking off that new bracelet you just got might be a good idea while you’re designing. 
3. Clean both your pen nib and Wacom surface regularly: Tiny bits of dust can build up on the surface of the tablet or even on the pen nib and scrape across the surface of the tablet causing scuffs over time. Simply incorporating a regular cleaning schedule can avoid this entirely. 
4. Avoid using worn pen nibs: Over time your pen’s nib will wear down. While the tablet is designed to handle the nib in its usual state, a worn one is one of the biggest contributors to scratches. Regularly checking your nibs can help you avoid this entirely. 

With a little attention and care, most scratches and scuffs never have to happen. Just make sure the tablet and pen stay clean and you avoid pressing anything against the surface–whether that’s a worn nib or jewelry–that could potentially scratch it. 

So Really, How Hard Can You Press on Your Wacom Tablet?

While there isn’t a specific guideline set out by Wacom, you should be able to press on the tablet about as hard as you would press against a normal piece of paper. 

If you do start noticing scratches on the surface or your tablet or you find you have to press really hard to get your lines, adjust the pressure sensitivity within the pen and/or the design software you are using. Best of luck!

A business card is a great way for you to give potential customers your contact information. However, you may want to be selective about what information you share. 

You do not need to put your address on a business card. There are arguments for and against it, but the determining factor should be which choice makes you the most comfortable, and makes the most sense for your business. If you work from home, putting your address on your business card may not be a wise idea.

However, some people think that if your address is not on the card, it looks incomplete and unprofessional. If you want to know if you have to put your address on a business card, check out this article.

Do You Have to Put Your Address on a Business Card?

You just started a business, and you want it to be successful, of course. There are many things that a successful business needs if you are to grow and flourish. One of the items that should be included when you start your business is a business card, and you can utilize placeit.net for business card design ideas.

When it comes to your business card, you want to make sure that you give all the pertinent information that it requires to contact you. However, you do not necessarily need to put your address on a business card, as it is not necessary to give your address for someone to contact you.

Business cards serve the purpose of giving the customer a reliable way to get in contact with you, so that they may utilize your business. However, putting a physical address may not be the best move. The following include the arguments for and against giving away your address on your business card.

Why Should I Put My Address On My Business Card?

When you opt for putting your address on a business card, you may benefit in some ways:

• It makes your business look more professional. When you have a home-based business, you want to make sure that any potential customer knows where it is and how to get there.
• You do not want the embarrassing situation of someone trying to locate you, but they cannot. You did not put your address on the business card, and they have to go to the trouble of looking it up. It would also not be good if they were driving around aimlessly and could not find your business.
• You want to be trustworthy. Customers generally respond well when they fee that they can trust your business. Your potential customers may think that if you do not provide a physical address, you business may disappear. When you have an address, it proves that you are a legitimate business that has the intention of sticking around.
• You want a meeting place for the customer. When you have a customer, there is always a possibility that you may need to meet with them face to face, depending on what services you offer or what products you sell. It may not look professional to meet at a coffee shop restaurant.
• Having an appropriate meeting place can boost your customer base. Having a formal place to go can lure a potential customer to your doorstep because it gives your business credibility, and people tend to remember a place that they can physically get to.

For all these reasons, it might be a good idea to include a physical address on your business card. You can draw in customers if they know where to go to get to you.

Why Should I Not Put My Address on a Business Card?

With as many reasons why putting your address on a business card is a good idea, the reasons for not putting it there may be fewer, but they are more relevant in terms of safety and practicality:

• There is not enough space on the card.  When you have a business card, you want all the necessary contact information on it that the card will allow. However, business cards are small and do not allow for much to fit in such a limited space.
• There are other, more practical ways for the customer to get in touch with you. Maybe once upon a time before the internet, putting your address on a business card was a good idea. However, if you give them an e-mail address and phone number, that should be sufficient.
• It is not safe to give away your address if you work from home. For those of you who work at home, giving away your address may be an invitation for trouble. You do not want random people just showing up to your house all the time.
• Giving away your address may not be as professional as you think. Some people would argue that they may not think it is professional for people to know you do business at home. They may picture you wasting time all day or you are sitting around in your pajamas. It depends on the image you are trying to project to the customer.

For all these reasons, you may want to think twice before you put your address on your business card. The most important reason not to is if you work from home. It is a security issue, and you do not necessarily want strangers to know where you live. You can accomplish more than you think on a business card without putting your address on it.

What Should You Put on a Business Card?

The primary purpose of a business card is to give your content information, and maybe show your creativity with a great logo design. There is some debate about what is appropriate to put on a business card, such as what is necessary and what is not. It can be a challenge to fit what you want on the card to begin with.

For a business card, you want to put your name and your role in the company. Your e-mail address should also be presented on the card, as well as a phone number to reach you. You may also want to know what is not mandatory, such as a physical address.

Your business card should be short and sweet and to the point. However, you can flex your creative muscles a little with a logo. Just make sure that the logo does not override the rest of the information. The following is a quick run down of what is necessary to put on a business card:

• Your name
• The role you hold in the company
• Your e-mail address
• Your phone number (preferably a work number)
• Your website
• Any pertinent social media information or details

The above should be enough information to fit on a small card. Make sure that the logo is unique and memorable. Jazz it up with some color, or a fancy font type. Remember to leave some white space to make it look clean.   

Conclusion

When creating the perfect business card, know that a physical address is not necessary. Some would argue that it is relevant, but there are many other more practical ways for the customer to get in touch with you.

It is up to you how to handle the details of your business card and contact information. However, be realistic and selective about what you can fit into a restricted area. 

Many people think being a graphic designer is an easy job, but this is not always the case. Graphic designers will need to be at a desk all day long in front of a computer screen. This is not a job for everyone or those that get a little stir crazy being in one spot all day. You may find yourself wondering do they need to sot all day long.

Some graphic designers do sit at their desks in front of a computer all day, however, graphic design can be done anywhere with a computer, so in most cases you can work remote.

While you will need to be glued to your computer or other devices you will not need to sit at a desk all day long. There are many options on how you can work as a graphic designer. In this article, you will find out what a graphic designer will do in a day and ways to stay comfortable while working.

What Type of Desk Set Up Should a Graphic Designer Have?

Graphic designers can use any type of desk they feel comfortable working at, but many prefer a stand-up desk. Choosing a desk is all about your preferences. Some people are not able to stand for long periods, so a multifunctional desk is ideal. There are many creative options to use as a desk. Some ideas for desk setup are:

• Stand up desk
• Traditional desk
• A desk that mounts your monitors allowing them to move closer to you
• Ergonomic desk
• Desk with plenty of shelving for storage
• Wide desk for holding multiple monitors

Some graphic designers will only be able to use what their office supplies but for those that work at home the options are endless when it comes to your desk. Many graphic designers even choose to work out of the home and office. A coffee shop and park can change up your environment helping you to become more productive. Keep in mind that you can do most of your graphic design projects anywhere you can bring your computer.

How Many Hours a Day Do Graphic Designers Work

Graphic designers’ hours will vary depending on where you work. Larger companies may have graphic designers work well over forty hours for them while freelance graphic designers can choose their hours. Hours can vary from a few a day to ten hours days the larger the company the more clients it may have.

Another thing to take into account is your company’s turnaround time may need to be faster to keep up with clients. If this is the case then you may need to work longer hours to keep up with the company’s needs.

If you work as a freelance graphic designer, you will be able to pick and choose what client you would like to work with. It may be more difficult to get a list of clients in the beginning but after a while, you will have your pick of clients. You can take on jobs to work around your life, not the other way around.

How to Stay Active as a Graphic Designer

If you are worried about sitting all day there are options to stay active while working. You can choose a stand-up desk to go back and forth between sitting and standing. If you would rather work a little harder some days you can:

• Bounce/sit on a workout ball to ease your lower back muscles and strengthen your core
• Take a break and take a quick walk
• Take time each day to focus on your mental health, it is often too easy to get so caught up in work that you forget to eat and drink.
• Use a portable treadmill to walk while working

A simple ten-minute workout can do wonders for your body when you have a job that requires you to sit for extended periods.

How Much Does a Graphic Designer Make?

Graphic designers can make anywhere from $25,000 up to $70,000. It is important to know that every job is not created equally some may pay much lower for simple work while elaborate work will have higher pay. Depending on the company you work for you may get paid by the hour or by the intensity of the job.

As a freelancer, you will be able to set your rates however this doesn’t mean that people will be willing to pay those rates. You may want to do a few free or reduced designs to build up your portfolio to eventually get higher-paying jobs.

Graphic Designers Stand at Desk While Working

While you may need to stare at a screen to do your job you will not need to sit at a desk all day as a graphic designer. You can use a standing desk, walk on a portable treadmill, or take your computer on the go. The best thing about being a graphic designer is anywhere you can take your device you can work.

Incorporating stock images into your graphic design project can be tempting because there are so many of them readily available. Plus, the process of transforming them into something of your own can be really satisfying. Still, you may be wondering if it’s cheating. Do actually professional graphic designers use stock images in their projects? 

Graphic designers use stock images all the time. The key to doing so professionally is that they use the image as an element of their own design. They essentially transform it into something more than it was before. Still, they have to be mindful of licensing agreements when they do so. 

If you’re curious about how graphic designers choose stock images and then incorporate them into their designs, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below we will talk about whether graphic designers can use stock vectors and images as well as why they would want to do so in the first place. On a practical level, we’ll discuss how and where you can get and use them.  

Do Graphic Designers Use Stock Vectors? 

So can professional or semi-professional graphic designers actually use full-fledged stock vector images in their designs or is that considered some kind of cheating? 

Graphic designers not only can use stock vectors, but they do it all the time. Of course, in doing so they have to pay attention to their licensing agreement as it may put limitations on how a particular image can be used. 

An important thing professional graphic designers will do with their stock images is trying their best to transform them so they don’t look like stock images at all. 

Why Do Designers Use Stock Images? 

So if they don’t want the images to look like stock images–even though they are–why do graphic designers use them in the first place? 

While there are many more reasons why graphic designers use stock images than the ones listed here, these are three of the main reasons: 

• They are convenient: Stock images are readily available in both paid and free forms. They are quite convenient for incorporating something new into a design. 
• They come with many options: There are endless options when it comes to stock images. This can be attractive for a graphic designer looking for some new inspiration.
• They are great for multiple purposes: Stock images can be used successfully for anything from online projects like blogs and websites to marketing and advertising campaigns. They can be transformed for creative projects or just used for personal reasons. The possibilities are endless. 

From their convenience to the fact that they go well in almost any graphic design project, stock images are a favorite for a reason. 

Can I Use a Stock Photo As My Logo 

With excellent new logo design software like Placeit popping up more and more burgeoning graphic designers are trying to figure out what is acceptable to use for making a great logo. In the case of stock photos, is it okay to use them as a logo, or does it not transform them enough? 

You can, in fact, use a stock image as your logo. Still, it may not be the best idea because you cannot have a stock image trademarked or copyrighted. This means that at any time someone else could start using it as their own as well. 

Where Do Graphic Designers Get Their Images?

Now that we’ve seen stock images can not only be used but are encouraged as well, let’s discuss a little bit about how to get them in the first place. So really, where are some places where an up-and-coming graphic designer can get some high-quality stock images for their next big project? 

The list below contains some great starting points if you’re looking for a place to snag some stock images for your next graphic design project: 

• Envato Elements
• Deposit Photos
• Stock Photo Secrets 
• Stock Unlimited
• Unsplash 
• Pixabay 
• Pexels  

It’s important to note that the first three sites on the list are paid, while the last three are free. We recommend that you play around with the free sites first to get an idea of what incorporating these images is like then set your attention to the paid ones. Still, you can really jump in wherever you like if you already have a vision.  

So Really, Do Graphic Designers Use Stock Images?

It’s true, even professional graphic designers put stock images to use all the time because they are convenient, full of options, and useful for many different purposes. Of course, a good graphic designer will find a way to transform them a little bit as a component of a larger project so that it becomes their own. 

You too can use stock images if you would like. There are plenty of websites ranging from free to paid for you to check out. Which one will you be visiting? 

Applying for jobs is difficult. One of the most tedious aspects of this process is submitting your resume. There’s a solution out there – the resume template. However, many people discourage the use of these papers. Do resume templates matter, or should you avoid them at all costs?

Here are a few things to consider with resume templates. They can:

1. Keep things neat
2. Save time
3. Ensure sections aren’t left out
4. Limit uniqueness
5. Assume one job

Consider these before taking advantage of a resume template.

If you’re interested in learning more about resume templates, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about these five items to consider before using this tool. To get a job, you need the best resume – and a resume template may or may not be the answer. Let’s get started.

1. A Template Keeps Things Neat

With a resume template, you don’t have to worry about items that line up perfectly. It provides a place to input your text in a linear fashion designed by an engineer.

A resume template will:

• Ensure items are lined up
• Organize them in an appealing fashion
• Pick fonts that work in different areas

The result is a resume that has everything in the right place.

It’s easy to let things get out of control when designing a resume yourself. The solution? A resume template. 

2. A Template Can Save Time

One of the best aspects of a resume template is that it can save time. You want to apply to as many jobs as possible. A resume template saves the hassle of spending time on a document warping and perfecting the resume before each application submission.

It only takes a few steps to use a resume template:

• Make an account
• Pick the template
• Fill in the information
• Access and download the resume

After these steps, you can apply.

These steps are appealing to anyone. What’s better than getting through the worst part of the job hunt in less than an hour?

3. A Template Ensures Sections Aren’t Left Out

It’s easy to forget a section or two in the haste of creating a resume. A template ensures you don’t leave out any critical information, providing everything an interviewer could need to determine if you are the ideal person for the job.

Still, ensure you double-check the resume before you submit it. Some templates are better than others, and you might use one that leaves out critical information the interviewer needs.

4. A Template Can Limit Uniqueness

There are many people in the world and many who need jobs. Most of them utilize resume templates for their applications. If you’re not careful, a bland template can blend in with other applicants. You should use the template as a jumping-off point to add items that help you stand out.

Here are a few of the best additions you can make to a resume made through a template:

• Add tiny borders
• Mess with fonts
• Put a picture if it makes sense

These will make your resume feel hand-made.

Of course, some templates can’t be messed with once completed. Keep this factor in mind if you want to try a resume template.

5. A Template Assumes One Job

Resumes are not a one-size-fits-all scenario. You might have one resume that works well for one job and another that works better elsewhere. Resume templates are excellent, but creating a single resume with this tool will not fit every job description. Think before you submit.

A resume template tends to make us a little lazy. You can still use this tool for resumes, but ensure you switch it up based on the job. A resume for a professional engineer will not look the same as an application to become a creative assistant. Consider the requirements and job description before creation.

Conclusion

Resume templates can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. With sites like placeit.net, you can take a resume made with a template and create items to customize it to fit your personality. Resume templates can save time and keep things neat, but it’s critical to expand on the template to stand out amongst other applicants.

We hope this information was helpful! In the competitive job market, submit information about yourself that stands out. A resume template can serve as an excellent jumping-off point to customize and create a resume that shows who you are. You can land your next job with ease.

Have you ever really thought about what’s involved in making clothes? There’s the fabric, buttons, and zippers, of course. Before you get to the actual sewing part, though, a lot of work goes into designing the piece. Fashion designers come to mind first, but have you ever wondered if graphic designers make clothes too?

Graphic designers make clothes in the sense that they work closely with fashion designers to create designs, patterns, textures, and color combinations for fabrics. They also design the custom graphics and logos that are popular on T-shirts and other clothing.

If you’re interested in blending a love of fashion with your skills in graphic design, read on to find out if graphic designers have a place in the fashion industry.

The Place of Graphic Design in Fashion

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about fashion and clothes-making are the designers who conceptualize a new piece of clothing and bring it to life on paper patterns. Then you might admire those who can take that pattern and cut and sew fabric to create a final piece. Fashion designers and seamstresses, sure. But where do graphic designers fit into this process?

The Interaction Design Foundation defines graphic design as “creating visual content to communicate messages.” In the traditional sense, this means using color, images, and typography in print media to draw in and inform the user. More recently, graphic design uses these same tools in electronic form such as websites and mobile apps.

Much of fashion and clothing is art. It just happens to be worn on the body. In the fashion world, graphic designers may not actually be hands-on when it comes to making and sewing clothing, but they use their knowledge of color, typography, and layout to design fabrics and customized art and logos that become wearable art.

A Reader’s Digest article suggests that the fashion industry depends a lot on the creativity and skill of graphic designers. Let’s see how.

Designing Patterns and Color Combinations in Fabrics

A fashion designer is the one who has the original inspiration for a particular piece of clothing, whether it is a shirt, a dress, a hat or shoes. A graphic designer, however, plays a key role in taking the idea and making it a reality.

The creativity of graphic designers speaks to our need to stand out and look different from everyone else. We want our clothing to be unique, reflecting our personalities, and graphic designers help make clothing that succeeds in doing so.

Working with the fashion expert, a graphic designer will provide input into what colors work well together and provide expertise on getting just the right color saturation or tone to achieve the desired effect.

Graphic designers can also create patterns – florals, geometrics, polka dots, and such – that are then transferred onto the fabric used to make the clothing. Fabric textures are also influenced by the elements of graphic design.

Designing Customized Art and Logos

Creating customized art and logos has always been a staple in the wheelhouse of a graphic designer. This art is usually found in print and web publications, but has found its way into the fashion industry as well.

Ever been to a T-shirt shop in any major city or at the beach? The racks are bursting with shirts, hats, bags, jackets, and other clothing items adorned with art. Yep, all done by a graphic designer. From designing T-shirts to iconic brand identities (think Nike’s swoosh or Under Armour’s double U logo), graphic designers make clothing that is wearable art with marketing power.

In working with fashion designers on regular clothing and with corporations with recognizable brands, graphic designers use their skills and knowledge of layout, colors, and fonts to:

• Design original works of art that can be used on any type of clothing
• Place logos and art on articles of clothing to maximize marketing effectiveness and aesthetic appearance
• Creating and tweaking brand logos as needed by a company’s clothing line

Designing Fashion Shows

There’s a lot that goes into a fashion show before the models ever step on the runway. The clothes, of course, have to be designed and made, often with the help of a graphic designer. But the big assist that graphic designers provide at shows is designing the stage backdrop, props, and multimedia effects.

Final Thoughts

Graphic designers may not be in the workroom bent over a sewing machine actually stitching a garment together, but that doesn’t mean they have no place in the fashion industry. The talent for combining colors and patterns that are pleasing to the eye make them an essential part of making clothes of any kind.

Graphic design is a career that is tied to the visual. As a graphic designer, you are responsible for creating images that convey a message to an audience. If you are interested in pursuing graphic design, you might wonder – do graphic designers need to be good at writing?

Although it’s not the forefront of the career, graphic designers need to be decent at writing. It can help you connect and communicate to the client and audience in ways that images can’t quite convey. You must be multifaceted as a graphic designer.

If you’re interested in learning more about writing as a graphic designer, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn more about words and their relation to this career. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

Why Do Graphic Designers Need to Be Good at Writing?

It might seem like a paradox for graphic designers to be good at writing. You are a designer of visuals – it’s your job to create the things that customers and clients see. Why should you make writing part of your job if that’s not what you were hired to complete?

Here are a few reasons why graphic designers need to be good at writing:

• Communication: Writing skills make it easier to better communicate with your coworkers and clients. 
• Content-First Design: Many graphic designs use words for their design. You may need to know how to write for a particular client and their word-based designs. 
• Knowledge of the client: If you know how to write, you can better understand the client and the audience you are creating for your job. 
• Stronger work: A knowledge of writing can help you create more powerful work.
• Collaboration: Many graphic designers work with clients. Knowledge of writing will help you better communicate with the person you are working with on a design.

These will help you succeed in your career. 

If you know how to write, you will have a skill that helps push you steps ahead of your fellow graphic designers. You will be more effective at what you do.

Do Expert Graphic Designers Write?

Most of the time, the more you progress in your career, the fewer jobs you will do. In professional environments, a graphic designer designs graphics, and some writers have a task to write. There is little overlap in these job descriptions. 

Even then, it’s still critical to know how to write because writing will:

• Help you better understand your coworkers
• Make collaboration easier
• Simplify the communication process

Writing makes everything easier.

Expert graphic designers might not be required to write, but they should still consider learning it and practicing on the side for the sake of the future of their career. Words are the foundation for everything we thrive on today. The better you can morph and play with them successfully, the better.

How to Start Writing as a Graphic Designer

Some people are naturally good at writing, but it’s still a learned skill. If you put in enough work, you can write. There are many ways to start writing, no matter how far you are into your career.

Here are the best ways to start writing as a graphic designer:

• Practice writing every day, in any format
• Ask advice from writers on their process in your job
• Invest in books and read blogs from those with knowledge in your career

These are excellent ways to start writing as a graphic designer.

The best way to get better at writing is to practice every day. You might write something related to your job or note thoughts on a blog. Whatever you do, you need to ensure you get at least a few words down daily. The more you can write, the better for your career.

Conclusion

If you are interested in becoming a graphic designer or are in the process of pursuing that position, you should learn to write. It might not be necessary where you work, but it will help you succeed in ways difficult for those who design to understand. Writing will help you communicate and create in new methods.

We hope this information was helpful! Writing might be the natural enemy of a graphic designer, but you should try to learn it anyway. It will be helpful for you to succeed in any environment you find within the graphic design universe.

The graphic design industry requires necessary skills to complete projects effectively and efficiently. Graphic designers must be equipped with knowledge concerning different aspects of designs, layouts, and processes. Whether graphic designers need to know how to write code is a widely debated topic. Do graphic designers need to write code?

The ever-changing responsibilities of graphic designers may call for a bit of coding nowadays. It is a good idea to prepare yourself with the basics of coding, just to have in your skillset in case you need it one day. While it will not be a large part of your job, writing basic code is useful to know.

Read on to learn more about whether graphic designers need to write code. Coding is not necessary for many graphic design projects, but it is certainly a skill that can help you in future endeavors. Having both designer and developer knowledge is an asset but may not always make a difference.

Do Graphic Designers Need to Write Code?

There are two main opinions on whether graphic designers need to write code. Some people say that graphic designers should stick to their expertise. Switching one’s focus from strictly graphic design to coding could make them lose some of the valuable skills they have honed along their professional journey. Some say that coding should be left to respective developers, as it is their expertise.

On the other hand, coding is increasingly growing as one of the most useful tools in the professional industry. With the technology of the world today, knowing how to develop software is a skill that not many people possess. The other side of the argument is that knowing the basics of coding can push you further in your professional endeavors.

At the very least, knowing how to write code can give you experience with the other side of technological design, allowing you the potential to collaborate more smoothly with software developers. Even just familiarity with HTML and CSS can open you up to more job opportunities.

Different people in the graphic design industry have their opinions, but it would not hurt to learn to code. It may not be necessary for your current projects, but it can help you as you continue working in the graphic design field.

How Coding Can Help With Graphic Design

There are several ways coding can help with graphic design. Three main factors include:

• Collaboration with other professionals
• Job opportunities
• Perfecting designs

If you know more about different aspects of the technological industry, you will be better able to communicate with your colleagues. Even if you are not doing the same work as them, understanding what they are talking about can help you articulate and implement different ideas into your projects.

Having an additional skillset boosts your professional profile – especially if it is coding. Countless companies are searching for developers, and if they see that you are a graphic designer that also possesses coding talent, they may be more inclined to give you a chance to show your work.

Similar to being able to understand the goals of other people on your team, learning code can help you to formulate your own ideas more efficiently. Understanding the limits and rules surrounding software that you use will allow you to know exactly how you will need to prepare and execute your graphic design plans.

How Much Coding Should Graphic Designers Learn?

As mentioned, graphic designers do not have to learn everything there is to know about coding. In most cases, your coding knowledge will be useful in team settings rather than a large part of your job as an individual. If coding becomes progressively more important in your position, you can always learn more along the way.

The basics of coding include:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript

HTML and CSS are the building blocks on which coding functions. A healthy understanding of what these are and the roles they play can make you a better graphic designer. Other features such as JavaScript can also be beneficial.

How Often Will Graphic Designers Use Coding Skills?

Graphic designers will not necessarily use coding skills for developing software. Instead, its value will come from both showing one’s capability of at least the basics of coding while also providing insight into a related field. In this way, a graphic designer is better suited to complete projects according to their own vision as well as cooperate with the demands of colleagues in other fields.

Placeit for Graphic Designers

Whether you learn to code or not as a graphic designer, all of your creative endeavors can be made easier with Placeit. Placeit contains templates, mockups, designs, logos, and more to help boost your graphic design productivity, without needing coding.

Takeaway

Graphic designers are not required to learn code, but familiarizing yourself with the basics of software development can certainly boost your performance in graphic design. Learning a bit about code makes you more available to understand what your peers are looking for while perfecting your craft.

Graphic designers all over the globe are very possessive of their work, and it is to be expected. They put a ton of work into the project, a unique design they put their heart and soul into (if they are an excellent graphic designer, anyway.) One of the most common issues between the designer and the client is who owns the design. Do graphic designers get royalties for their designs?

For the most part, graphic designers do get royalty payments for their designs. The average rate for the royalties ranges from 2% to 10% of the net profits due to their design. The percentage will be decided upon in a contract before the design is started.

It seems like a straightforward answer, but it is not that easy. The graphic designers rightfully feel that their designs are theirs and that they should get royalties as long as the client uses them. On the other hand, clients would prefer to buy the design outright and keep any profits they generate from it. But who is right? Read on to find out.

Understanding How a Royalty Works

You may think that getting paid by royalties only would be like playing Russian Roulette for the designer and the client, and in a way, it is. The graphic designer will not get a decent paycheck if the design does not promote new sales or customers. And the opposite applies to the client. If there is a landslide of profits from the design, they will pay a substantial amount of money to the designer.

Royalties can work in many different ways, depending upon the contract stipulations. A royalty allows graphic designers to retain ownership over their designs. They get random payments for as long as the client uses their design. Let’s dig into this a little deeper.

• Income Earned – The graphic designer gets the agreed-upon percentage every time the design generates a positive gain.
• Set Payments – The graphic designer will get a payment on a selected day. This amount will be a combination of all the income generated from the design.
• Partial Income – The graphic designer gets a percentage of the income earned until a set date. The design is purchased by the client for a set amount.

These are the three main ways that a royalty payment can work. Graphic designers push clients to pay them through royalties for as long as they can. This is beneficial for the client and the graphic designer, but for very different reasons.

How a Royalty Works for the Graphic Designer

Royalties for graphic designers can bring in a good income or make them go broke. Many variables can affect the amount of money that can be made. Some are within the control of the designer, while others are not.

• Quality – The quality of the design will have a significant impact on how well it performs. This will drive you to make a fantastic design that is unique and fills the need that the client wants. If not, then money will not be made.
• Speed – Another aspect of the project the designer needs to account for is the speed at which the design is completed. Time is money, and the longer it takes for them to get it done, the more money they lose in labor (they do not get paid by time worked but by performance.)
• Client – The graphic designer has no control over what the client does with their design. If the client does not market and advertises correctly, no money will be made, which means that the royalties will be next to nothing.

You can see how the graphic designer could make some good cash from a design that they have made. You can also see how they could lose some time and money, even if it is not their fault. This is a true partnership that relies on both parties to be successful.

How a Royalty Works for a Client

A Royalty for the client works differently, but they are still tied to the graphic designer and what they produce for them. The client wants to make as much money as possible with the design, but they have to keep in mind that the more they make, the more they will have to pay the designer. Let’s see how it looks from the other side of the partnership.

• Quality – Until the design is finished, you have no idea how good it will look and how well it will fit into the scheme of the project. When it is completed, if it is not of good quality, the profits will be low, so it is at a point where you may have to refuse the design and work out something else.
• Speed – Unless the project that the design is being used in has a strict timetable attached to it, the speed of the design is irrelevant. You do not have to pay the graphic designer for their time since they are on a royalty contract.
• Graphic Designer – This type of relationship is based on trust. Trust that they will produce a fantastic design that will bring in handfuls of money for both parties.

Both parties in the contract rely on each other to make money. The client needs the design to perform exceptionally well to beat the competition. If the graphic designer does not deliver, the project will fail, and neither party will make any decent money from the partnership.

Final Thoughts

Working for royalties can be a great way to make some decent money. Money will be residual until the design is retired from service. That means if the design is good and the client markets correctly, the designer will receive regular paychecks for years. Not bad for one design.

It has become a point of argument between clients and designers, both wanting ownership rights, and some court cases have even been filed to settle the dispute. All this can be avoided if a detailed contract is written up before any agreements are made. A simple step to prevent ill will and lawsuits.