Top 10 Print Design Tips

Jul 30, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

Top 10 Print Design Tips; Each of which will turn you into a Top-Notch Graphic Designer

There are countless print designers and art directors working in every part of the United States. They’re all professionals, skilled in their craft, but they don’t necessarily exhibit the same talent or skill level to be a top-notch graphic designer.

If you’re a print design professional, there are things you can do – on every assignment – to separate yourself from the pack … to become an exceptional art director, someone who commands respect and is highly sought after by potential clients.

The “path to greatness” is covered in the following  top 10 print design tips. Here is what you need to do …

• Print Design Tip #1 … Always remember to “bleed” the page you’re working on (that means leave room around the edges of the page to allow for changes, if necessary, by the printer.
• Print Design Tip #2 … Use “overprint” techniques to “create additional colors when budget constraints make it impossible to actually use three, four or more colors. “Overprinting” creates the appearance of additional colors.
• Print Design Tip #3 … Think “outside the paper.” That means that you need to be creative. Example: use oversize type in a headline so that it “runs off the page” and creates visual interest and draws attention to your advertising.
• Print Design Tip #4 … Use “unusual” paper sizes. It’s easy to work with standard paper sizes, but it’s much more creative to create designs with rarely-used paper sizes. Plus, when you do that, you make your work stand out and get noticed.
• Print Design Tip #5 … use interesting type-faces … because the text that appears in your work is every bit as important as the illustrations you use … or the photography. If your work has a specific theme, there will be text that matches that theme graphically.
• Print Design Tip #6 … When it comes to content, the amount of type you use – keep this thought in mind: “less is more.” Effective print graphics utilize lots of white space because it’s visually appealing … makes the text look as if it will be easier to read … and it always draws reader interest.
• Print Design Tip #7 … use grids when developing your page layouts. The grids will help you produce a layout that is effective … easy to look at … and attractive.
• Print Design Tip #8 … the typography you select matters … a lot. Typefaces are part of your print design. So … choose wisely.
• Print Design Tip #9 … Create real impact by “inverting.” That means turn your headlines “inside out” – use reverse type to create a dynamic and compelling look to your print design.
• Print Design Tip #10 … Choose photography carefully. Photos add tremendous impact to print designs. So, here’s sound advice: whether you employ the use of original photography or stock photos, make sure your selections are first-rate, the best you can find. They will dramatically improve your print design.

Follow these simple top 10 print design tips and you will be well on your way to becoming a well-known and always-working print designer … a top-notch professional graphic designer that people want to hire.

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