How to Choose a Graphics (PART TWO)

What is good Design?

A good design will follow the basic rules of Design but also have a spark of creativity. There are a lot of well trained designers out there who have no creativity, but they know the programs, and the rules of design. I like to call these trained monkeys. Without creativity you get what is commonly called “corporate design” which is ok but very plain.

Stock Photo Choices.

A lot of what makes a good design is the choosing of the right stock photo’s. And no a photo of your favorite pet does not count as a stock photo. A stock photo is a photograph of a subject taken for the specific purpose of resale for the use of designing. You want to choose a photo that is relevant to the topic or subject of what your designing. For Instance a book cover I did for a Dr. George Crabb was on Anger. I used a photo of a lady shouting with a cell phone and a finger pointing. Very dynamic and eye-catching. A good place to get relevant and dynamic stock photos is www.istockphoto.com.

See my article on How to Choose a Stock Photo
Font Choices. There are two types of fonts. Serif and San Serif fonts. Serif fonts have little ends such as Times New Roman. San Serif fonts have solid ends like Ariel. San Serif fonts are useful for titles and main points. Rarely would you ever use a San Serif font for body text. A Serif font is used for body text because the ends are designed to help the eyes flow. Sometimes you might use a Serif font in a title.

Does the Design convey the message? Can the perspective designer convey your message? Is it Clean and Crisp? These questions can be answered by the designers portfolio. All  designers will have a portfolio of work they have done in the past or if they are new work they have comped up. Things to look for in a designers portfolio are designs that immediatly tell you what the message is. Also look for examples of many different kinds of work. Some designers spend their entire careers on one type or style of design. You want a designer that is willing to branch out.

To Choose a Freelance Graphics Designer? Pros? Cons? A freelance designer is usually available and willing to work on whatever schedule you need. The other advantage is they are usually willing to work with you on cost. One con is that they may lack in professionalism.

Graphics Design Studio? Pros? Cons? The advantages of a Design firm is that you have a professional staff willing and able to provide you with customer service and support. They may still work with you on price but not on hours.

How to Choose A designer? Your needs? Your Budget? Does the Designer have the ability to take your idea or product from start to finish? What kind of Experience does he or she have? All these are great questions you need to ask when choosing a Graphics designer. One final thing is a good designer can take your product from the design phase all the way to the Market phase.

At IFB Design we will work with you on cost. We are used to working with low budget design projects and as a result we are one of the most inexpensive design companies available. Because the message matters our designers are willing to work all hours of the night to get your project done. We have a professional staff willing and able to provide you with customer service and support. And we have an advanced portfolio of previous work. Choosing a Graphics designer will make or break your product or cause. Choose well!

Benjamin Smith has been a graphics designer with IFB Design for four years and has worked with many other organizations. Ben is a graphic designer who loves a challenge. He is a highly creative and multi-talented Graphic Designer with extensive experience in multimedia, marketing and print design. accustomed to performing in deadline-driven environments with an emphasis on working within budget requirements. Creative experience in the following: Brochures & Newsletters, Logos & Business Cards, Posters & Post Cards, Stationery, Banners, Book Cover Design and Layout, Magazine Design and Layout, Catalog Design and Layout. In addition Ben is an talented web designer, videographer, and editor, DVD Authoring, CD/DVD Wrap and Label Design