Find inspiration, how-tos, instructions, tips, and thoughts about graphic design and design programs, especially Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Premiere.
Today I was asking, "Where do my photos get saved when I download them from the Messenger app on my Mac?" If you're asking this question or even just, "How do I download an image from Messenger to my Mac?" then this is the post for you.
While cleaning up my Mac's desktop, I recently noticed a file name and extension that I didn't recognize. The thumbnail didn't register on my Apple Mac, and the name and the extension .AVIF weren't jogging my memory. Are you in this situation too? Then read on to learn how to quickly view this file type and convert it to your preferred image file type.
As a designer working in print publications, getting your quote marks correct is imperative for good typography. As a rule of thumb, in your print graphic designs, you always want to use the typographer’s quote, or the curly quote. Here's how to ensure you’re using the right quote marks in Adobe InDesign.
As a designer, I'm asked more than I'd like to admit if I can please send the PDF and the Word document for review. In this scenario, my designs typically come from Illustrator, InDesign, and sometimes are coded websites. But...did you know I always quickly (and easily) give my clients exactly what they asked for -- a PDF and a Word document. Here's how.
I've been using Photoshop for almost 25 years, so changes sometimes throw me for a loop. Recently, in my version 23.3.1 release, new documents stopped automatically sizing to what I had in my clipboard. Ugh. I find this a frustrating change! Fortunately, there's a way to get back the old functionality!
As a graphic designer, I love type! Here's a round-up of the best typographic games. They're a pleasant way to spend time. You'll find yourself exploring kerning, font-shaping, font pairing, testing your identification skills, and even exploring the history of famous fonts. Enjoy!
Brand's logotypes used to be known for their unique flourishes; these unexpected touches added distinction to a brand's wordmark. Now, brands are moving towards minimalism, simplification, and optimization in digital contexts. Here's a collection of big brands using extremely generic typefaces as their current wordmarks.
This post includes How-To videos that I use when I'm teaching beginner undergraduate Graphic Design students about Color. The Illustrator Color Wheel uses the HSB color mode and Live Paint Bucket tool. The Photoshop Color Wheel uses an RGB additive technique the brush tool. Enjoy! Happy Designing!
Ever had a PhotoShop file with many, many layers and wished there was an easy way to find the named layer you're looking for? Well, there is! Adobe Photoshop allows you to search for layers by name, search for layers by kind, search for layers by effect, search for layers by mode, search for layers by attribute, search for layers by color, search for layers by smart object, search for layers by...
Learning the nuances of the Illustrator pen tool takes time and practice. Many years ago, I found an exercise created by Belgian-based web/graphic designer, Veerle. I've often used her exercise as an in-class project for my beginner design students. This post shares tips and provides videos of completing this beginner pen tool exercise.