Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Finding and Choosing Fonts

First off you need to identify what you require from your font. Some questions to ask yourself are:

1. What characters will be used?

Almost all fonts contain all alphabetical characters but not all contain numbers or special characters such as * or -. The last thing you want is to incorporate a font into a graphic only to find you can't use a character you need.

2. What special effects does the font contain?

Depending on your use of the font you may need to make it italic, bold or underlined. If so make sure the font has these features.

3. Serif or Sans Serif?

Sans means "without" in French. So Sans Serif fonts obviously don't have serifs and Serif fonts do. A serif is a small cross stroke at the end of the main stroke of the letter.

4. Font category?

What sort of theme/category are you loohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifking for. Maybe your making a website for a punk band and you want a grunge font or maybe you want comic book fonts for an illustration. Fonts are almost always grouped into categories for viewing so it's important to know which category to view.

Once you've decided on the criteria for your font it's time to go searching. There are two main ways to do this. The first way is to go to a free ware font website. There are many websites that showcase large collections of fonts for free in many different categories. A personal favorite of mine is Cool Fonts.

The second way to find fonts is to use a search engine. You can either search for a specific fonts, font websites or font categories.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has given you some useful insight.

By: Nat Petrie Dodd

Monday, March 24, 2008

How To Design Unique Logo

There are 7 types of logo:

1. Typographic Logo which consist of word only e.g.: Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba

2. Geometric Typography Logo which consist of word (brand) and combined with geometrical shape such as square, circle, elipse. e.g.: Dupont

3. Initial Letter Logo which consist of one or more letters as an initial. e.g.: Hewlett-Packard

4. Pictorial Just like typographic logo (see no.1), but pictorial logo has stronger character since the typography was designed specially to create or design logo. e.g.: Hard Rock Café, Coca Cola

5. Associative Logo or symbol which has a direct associate with the product or main business core. e.g.: Shell, 20th Century Fox

6. Allusive Logo Logo that has indirect associate with the product or main business core. e.g.: Mercedes Benz, Alitalia

7. Abstract Logo that has an abstract symbol. This kind of logo is usually hard to understand, because the design comes from a very long process. In fact, it’s losing the basic form. Since the logo becomes an allusive/abstract symbol, everybody would have different perceptions about this kind of logo.

Personally, I love an allusive and abstract logo, because logo must be unique, simple and have a strong character. The basic idea could be anything as long as related to the company. It could be the product, main business core, the philosophy, the background, geographic, vision or mission, etc.

If you’re designing logo for fitness and spa center, leave the muscle and fitness equipment kind of image away. Start to think deeper about the purpose of being healthy and fit instead. What people get when they do exercise and spa (regularly)? The answer is “Their bodies will be healthy and so do their souls”. That’s the main purpose of doing fitness and spa, get healthy body and soul equally. It means that you can illustrate this with something equal or balance. The most common symbol to illustrate the balance is a “Ying-Yang” symbol. But you can not use this symbol as it is (that wouldn’t be unique, would it?!). Try to modify and make it related to the fitness/spa field. That would be another challenge for you as a designer…

I’m sure that the exploration of each business area to be exposed on logo is unlimited.

Anton Ardjanggi :: Jakarta-Indonesia based freelance graphic designer, http://anardlogo.blogspot.com/

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Rich Fonts In Your Web Sites

Font selection is perhaps on of the biggest deciding factors in the success of any given design. Using CSS we have the ability to modify existing fonts significantly. Unfortunately, we're still limited to a small number of browser safe fonts.

The sIFR typography module uses flash actionscripts and javascript to replace existing fonts with rich typography. It's an incredibly powerful tool. The module is free and available under a general public liscense.

How does it work?

sIFR downloads flash .swf files containing a custom font that is then held in the browser cache. This means you can effectively patch your user's browser with a new font that doesn't exist in their computer's font library. Crucially sIFR can handle dynamic content since the .swf is a font library, rather than a simple static flash movie.

Degradation/Compatibility

sIFR degrades gracefully into default CSS fonts for those users who have their Javascript of flash disabled. It's also fully accessible to screenreaders and other assistive technologies. Matt May from the W3C has fully endorsed it as an accessible method to create rich typography on the web.

In terms of compatibility, sIFR works on Firfox, IE5+, Opera 7+, Safari and many other browsers. 90% of machines are said to be compatible. On non-compatible machines the module simply does not take effect.

Limitations

I've found there to be some minor speed issues. It's generally advisable only to use the module on small headlines etc rather than whole paragraphs. Loading speeds are excellent though if used properly, and are invisible to the user.

Overall impression

I love this module. I'll be using it in many of my future websites. This tool can make your websites stand out from the crowd by displaying fresh looking typography. It's important though to remember that small proportion of people who can't run the module, and make sure that the default CSS styles are also up to today's high standards.

I think that sIFR is an excellent stop-gap measure. It's badly needed as designer’s grapple with current font limitations. In the long-term however, browsers will have to find a way to support rich typography ranges.

Article source: http://www.grumpycoder.co.uk

Original article: http://www.grumpycoder.co.uk/replace-browser-safe-fonts/

Friday, March 21, 2008

The Role of Typography

Graphic Design is a very challenging creative and artistic job. Graphic designer has to be able to solve the task given and comes up with the idea of visual communication which not only attractive but yet persuading the viewers/readers to grab the message behind it and arouse the emotion, logic and certain needs. Generally, graphic designer use a lot of pictures, symbols, letters and any other graphic elements.

Sometimes, Graphic Designer is assigned to do the lay out or composition of many words or long sentences on many pages. In this case, letters or typography is no longer as an additional element but they are the main element of the graphic communication known as books, brochures or catalogue.

Either as an additional or main element, typography has a very important role to determine the result of visual communication. Many designers think that the most important in design is the thought or the idea and how it would be executed. They consider typography as an additional element.

The truth is that typography could be the main idea of the graphic communication and could be the only effective visual communication. In some cases, we found that the mistakes of the typography usage could ruins the whole design no matter how good the design is. The result is that the viewers/readers couldn’t get the message that we try to deliver. Some designers, especially the beginners don’t have the sense of harmony (yet) which is one of the graphic design principles. They were inclined to use fonts based on what they like, even more, they use them almost in same size, without considering the harmony, balance and yet headlines, sub headlines and content.

Choosing the type of fonts has some consideration, which are:

- the style of design (classic, modern or futuristic style)
- what design is about (the product)
- the size of the media
- how much information to put on

Try not to use too much kind of font on 1 page, 2 different types of fonts is the best. You can play around by make it bold, italic, use different size or different colors to make them looks vary.

Anton Ardjanggi :: Jakarta-Indonesia based freelance graphic designer, graphic design articles directory

Thursday, March 20, 2008

3D Computer Graphics

Graphics:

Giving life to any kind of presentation is just simply known as Graphics. Graphics is an image appearance such as wall, stone, screen, paper are used to visualize for entertainment purpose. For example photographs, graphs, diagrams, typography, numbers, symbols, geometric designs, images, drawings, line art, typography and engineering drawings and other images. Graphics design is use on purpose of selection, creation, arrangements of typography.

3D Computer Graphics:

3D computer graphics are basically created with the support of graphic art, digital computers and 3D software. 3D Computer graphics is nothing but to submit the good graphics or the computer graphic techniques which is related to new technology. 3D computer graphic is vaguely differing from 2D computer graphics. 3D is another way to say as a three dimensional. Three dimensional represents a geometric data which is previously accumulated in the personal computer. Three dimensional execute calculations and description 2D images. 2D images are display on real time screening.

3D modeling is one of the computer graphics. 3D computer graphics algorithm is frequently based on the 2D computer graphics. A 3D technique is frequently achieving the effects of lighting and striking. 3D computer graphics is commonly based on 3D computer graphics software which is way to create 3D computer generated imagery.

Application programming interface (API’s) in 3D computer graphics:

3D computer graphics are most fashionable in computer games. 3D computer graphics are very special in (API’s) Application programming interface concept it’s very simple to do the 3D computer graphics. Striking computer games are source of 3D computer graphics. Computer games are very admirable and eye-catching mainly in 3D computer graphics. 3D becomes very fashionable in computer games with realistic work. API’s has improved their status in computer games and crucial in graphics hardware. API’s has present a program to approach the graphics hardware in a fantasy way.

Computer Games:

A Computer game is supposed to come under the control of 3D computer graphics. Computer game can also call as video game. A video game is an effective entertainment to child and each every person who are interested in computer games. 3D graphics brings each person to beneath the control of computer games. 3D is a great interactive entertainment with computer and video games. Computer game is usually placed in a personal computer.

Animation:

Computer animation is one of the subfield of computer graphics. Computer graphics is supposed to animate the standard image. Animation is used to increase their status in 3D computer graphics and 2D computer graphics. 2D computer graphics is single bandwidth and also quite fast. To increase the speed of animation they introduce the 3D computer graphics. 3D computer graphics is not only in computer target itself and also mainly used in film and other 3D animation. 3D animation film is very popular in their people. Animation also has computer generated imagery (CGI) and that is mainly used for animation films.

Animation also views on the screen of computer and televisions; an image is swapping by a previous image to new image its measured action. 3D animation objects are creating in the computer monitor. 2D animation objects are used create skeleton and not the other part of the skeleton virtual. 3D animation is use to create a head, eyes, mouth and clothes etc. 3D animation are used to made the action what they created. With the help of key frames they utilize the computer process. In 3D animation all frames and modeling are utilize to complete the animation. You can place an animation under the bandwidth conditions.

Rose Wiliams - http://www.kreativpixel.com/services/3d-animations.html

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

All You Need to Know About Typography

just want to define a simple classification of letter/font type. To me its important to recognize what kind of letters we need to use in graphic design. That's why typography appeared as a discipline. There are 5 kinds of letter/font according to their shape/ form.

1. Serif

Its a kind of letter with extended part in their foot-side. this part is called serif.
Example: Times New Roman, Garamond

2. Sans Serif

Sans means "no". Sans serif is a kind of letter without serif
Example: Helvetica, Arial

3. Script

Its a kind of letter similar to hand writing
Example: Lucida Handwriting, and another fonts with "script" word added behind their original name.

4. Decorative

Its a group of clip art defined as font. Quite help when we need instan art work on our design.
Example: Wingding, Webding

5. Monospace

Letters that have same width & space on each characters
Example: Monospace

I just want to define a simple classification of letter/font type. To me its important to recognize what kind of letters we need to use in graphic design. That's why typography appeared as a discipline. There are 5 kinds of letter/font according to their shape/ form.

1. Serif

Its a kind of letter with extended part in their foot-side. this part is called serif.
Example: Times New Roman, Garamond

2. Sans Serif

Sans means "no". Sans serif is a kind of letter without serif
Example: Helvetica, Arial

3. Script

Its a kind of letter similar to hand writing
Example: Lucida Handwriting, and another fonts with "script" word added behind their original name.

4. Decorative

Its a group of clip art defined as font. Quite help when we need instan art work on our design.
Example: Wingding, Webding

5. Monospace

Letters that have same width & space on each characters
Example: Monospace


By: Nanik Nasifah

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Designs & Typography

When typography is used creatively, it can accurately express and illustrate emotion and create a mood. Letterforms can be elegant and even visually exciting when used correctly. In the way letters are shaped for headlines and logos, they can reach out and get a reaction out of someone. When typography is used as an art form, it does not necessarily have to be read; in fact, it can stimulate the eye and carry a message without ever needing to actually read it.

When letter shapes are emphasized and become part of the overall design, graphic designers don’t have to rely so heavily on actual pictorial illustrations. In fact, some artists use typography as texture in the background of their layouts, or they use typography to create forms in the foreground. When color is added to typography or different weights or movements are given to it, all font families take on their own unique style. As found in many advertisements and logos, standard fonts can look extremely artistic. Most importantly, when typography matches the mood of the layout and appeals to the audience it was made for—mission is accomplished! The style of typography should support the visual communication and help illustrate the meaning behind the text. In other words, headings should mimic and complement the mood and setting of a layout.

Another factor to consider when designing a layout is to address the target audience you are looking for. For instance, if your audience is for young children, the typography should consist of playful shapes and colors. Since young ones prefer primary colors, try to keep the color palette simple or randomly place shapes and colors throughout the layout.

In conclusion, it’s plain to see that stylized letter shapes are an important part of designing and is a fundamental part of visual communication. Readability is a key factor in most cases; that is, if it is not being used as a background texture. Each letter in the alphabet is beautiful and it’s fun to showcase them and enjoy the meaning behind them. (revised 2/13/2006)

Debbie Jensen http://www.debjensendesigns.com

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Typography and the Use of Stylized Fonts

"[Typography is] the art of printing from moveable type, including the skilled planning of typeface and size, composition, and layout, to make a balanced and attractive whole" (Google Online Dictionary).

Movable type had to be set by hand for over 400 years prior to typewriters and computers. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s when automated type-setting became available. It is clear that Gutenberg’s movable typeset had a huge impact on communication throughout the world.

Typography
has advanced to the point that an artist can choose from a wide variety of fonts for written communication or design elements. Typography is everywhere; it is seen on artistic layouts used for publications and found on functional computer-based products such as telephones, remote controls, and microwaves.

Since today’s software can turn typography into “outlines” as in Illustrator; or in Flash, the fonts can “break apart”--this too, was advancement for typography, because the Internet recognizes *digitally converted fonts* as artwork and not as typography. Digitally converting typography to artwork is important to today's technology, because artistic or unknown fonts (not digitally transformed to artwork) do not have to be converted to default fonts by end users’ computers.

Since decorative typography creates shapes in layouts, it can be arranged to be a focal point or used to create texture. When decorative typography becomes the focal point, it goes way beyond what graphics can do in visual communication. In most circumstances, graphic designs play second best to decorative typography especially in layouts, because decorative typography becomes part of the written communication. Generally speaking, the written word is easier to comprehend when comparing to graphic elements and editorial illustrations; and most often, graphics are usually not as precise as we want them to be. Even though a picture is worth a thousand words, misinterpretations of graphics are probably more apt to occur when compared to straight-forward written communication.

When stylized fonts harmonize with the intended meaning behind them, they can give a stronger punch to what is being communicated. Stylized fonts can clarify or confuse the meaning of the written word, so be careful with your choice of fonts in your layouts. No doubt about it, the art of typography is an art unto itself! (revised 2/13/2006)

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Photographer http://www.debjensendesigns.com

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Caring for Your Original Art

The following are some general guidelines for caring for original artwork and hand painted crafts that will keep your work beautiful for a lifetime and more.

Direct sunlight can fade and/or darken colors. Place your hand painted collectible or hang your painting so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Do not mount display lights directly over your hand painted item or original art. Spotlights should ideally be located several feet from the surface of a painting or a special collection display.

The best environment for artwork is moderate, including average temperatures of 70-75F and a humidity of 50%. Since we do not all live in ideal conditions, try to avoid exposing your hand painted items and original art to extremes of either heat or humidity.

Avoid fireplace smoke and cigarette smoke. For other types of dirt and dust, paintings may be dusted with a soft, clean brush to very gently remove accumulated dirt and dust. Decorative crafts can be wiped gently with a damp cloth. Do not use any detergents or chemicals. In-depth cleaning for fine art should be done by a professional art restorer and is usually only required after many decades or even centuries!

If your artwork or fine art crafts need to be placed in temporary storage, store paintings and handcrafted items at the same temperature and humidity levels as indicated above. Do not seal in plastic or glass as moisture build-up may cause damage. Sheets or other low lint cloths may be used to lightly cover your paintings or handicrafts.

If your artwork has been seriously damaged (tears, punctures or other significant damage), the repairs should be handled by a professional art restorer. Common tapes and glues may contain chemicals that will damage the art.

Follow these guidelines and your original art and fine art crafts will add beauty and joy to your life for many, many years to come.

Kathleen Karlsen is a professional artist, writer and design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism style and her colorful forest, landscape and flower paintings. Kathleen's original art and fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com For an extensive article about flower symbolism see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm To see a selection of Kathleen's flower paintings, please visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalfloralart.htm

By: Kathleen Karlsen