Guidance For Creating Graphics

JoeMilford Level 1

August 27, 2017, 5:47 pm

26

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Guidance For Creating Graphics

Can anyone make some suggestions about good eBooks, good websites, or good locations to learn about graphic design and basic editing for graphics for my blogs?

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Painterly

Painterly

I have found this post to be an invaluable crash course on graphic design as it relates to blogging. It focuses on technical aspects of design such as color and shape choices, overall page layout, and some typography information. What's nice is that the information is formatted in images, demonstrating the value of the advice given. It's written in a way that is at once accessible to the layman, but also full of useful information, sans fluff. I hope it will be of some use to you!

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Painterly,
This is a cool link, and it definitely seems to be, at a quick glance, very user-friendly for the layman. I will need to delve into this further--trying to find time to do so--but I thank you for pointing this out for me. I don't have to anything too complicated, but I would like to have much more control over the design and how to streamline the appearance of what I am doing.

7 years ago

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Painterly

Painterly

Control is always key! Good design is often the product of a lot of complex decision making with the intent of making the image look simple to the end-user. It should feel effortless for them to digest, even after you labored over typography, color choices, and calls to action. Having a good over view, such as what is presented in this post, gives you the roadmap you need to delve into the specifics as you find you need to. The good news is that advertising design, which all blog design is inherent, is somewhat a case of diminishing returns. The really complex stuff can make a difference, but it's the fundamentals that offer the greatest rewards.

7 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

@joeMilford I think Photoshop is the best program for graphic designing. You can use photoshop to do simple photo editings like correcting light and color, as well as motion graphics and heavy manipulation. One of the great programs to learn photoshop is Lynda. You can get tutorial DVDs as well as subscribe to its youtube channel. You can also enroll on udemy photoshop course.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

vinaya,
This is great information and thank you so much. I know I am a bit late in the game when it comes to Photoshop, and I have not yet experimented with it. I figured that there might be some tutorials out there, but I had not looked yet, so you are giving me a headstart and a shortcut. I would like to graduate up to animation and heavy manipulation of graphics eventually because I want as much control over the appearance of my sites as I can possibly have.

7 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I never took interest in graphic designing until I began writing and publishing online. I was using my own photos with my online contents and my instructor suggested me that if I used photo editing programs I could have better photographs and infographics on my contents. That's how I began doing graphics for my own contents. I have done graphics occasionally for the clients, however, the graphics that appear on my blogs and websites are my own. This saves a lot of money.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Same here--I always appreciated good design, in online formats or otherwise, but I never thought about having to learn to do it myself until it became kind of a necessity because I needed to work on my own blogs and pages with no budget at all. That being said, the cheapest way for me to go would be to teach myself some graphic design techniques through tutorials or textbooks, but I have not yet really had the time or the inclination to really devote myself to this pursuit on any kind of serious and dedicated level.

7 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

That's an incredibly informative link, and it's told through the ever popular infographic format as well which I think is really cool!

The post really enforces a minimalistic approach to graphic design which I think is very modern and appealing, especially to today's younger crowd. I've read that millenials are drawn to a more minimalistic style design-wise. Perhaps this is why I like that style so much! (Even though I'm not a millenial, apparently. I had this debate with some coworkers last week, and evidently I missed being born a millenial by one year!)

Anyway, thanks for sharing this post. I've enrolled in a graphic design course to get a feel for Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, so these concepts may play a crucial role in how I develop my graphic design skills.

7 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I am still not a good designer, however I do my own graphic designs, from photo editing to designing logo, banner, and creating graphics. I started by watching Youtube Videos. Videos on youtube might confuse you because there are good videos as well as bad videos. Then I bought tutorial DVDs. I could watch these DVDs offline and work on my own pace.
I will have to check the link shared above. The title: non designers blog graphics gudei sounds very interesting.

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

This is very helpful for those looking to start in this field. As it says, it's a "nondesigner's guide" and it covers the basics. You really have to start with the the layout and how to choose your shape, color, and font style for each design you are doing.

7 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

Wow I was looking for thing kind of website and saw your comment. Thank you that js really cool.

6 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

YouTube is probably your best option like everyone else. I mostly rely on YouTube specially if I want to learn something which is beyond my scope of knowledge. I'd suggest that you go there first, and try to learn as much as you can. Then apply whatever you have learned and if ever you still have questions or still need guides, you can always look it up again. I believe tutorials for graphics creation is very popular on YouTube these days.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I feel like saying "duh" to myself right now. I use Youtube tutorials for all sorts of DIY things and life hacks, and then I don't think, for a moment, to use it for this application. Thanks for the reminder of what was already right in front of my face, lol. Good advice.

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

We all have these moments, to be honest. YouTube is actually really good for tutorials so I hope you find what you are looking for. I used various tutorials to learn some techniques for Adobe After Effects and it definitely made me better with the software. I'm sure that there are several good tutorials for software like Photoshop as well.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

DarthHazard,
Unfortunately, lately, I've been having these moments way too frequently. I played around with Photoshop a bit when I was making memes and things like that in the past. As a self-admitted newbie, I must admit, I have so much to learn. I could probably do whatever I need to in Photoshop, but I want to experiment with as many options as I possibly can.

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

That doesn't sound too good. Maybe you should see someone about it or you could try those activities that are good for improving your memory? Anyway, back on topic. I like to play around with software as well because sometimes you can learn something a lot better by just trying things out. But that method is not always the best for such an advanced software like Photoshop or After Effects.

7 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

JoeMilford,

I think galegatling gave you the best option, haha! Don't feel "duh" because of that... This idea just didn't come to your mind at the time. But YouTube is really a "fountain" from which you can "drink" many important tips.

Now you "know" that... Go for it, haha.

7 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

I feel you here hahaha. I tend to check YouTube tutorials almost every day, but when in the middle of a crisis, I just forget about them. Anyway, remember those new applications like Photoshop, Canvas, can be tricky in the beginning. So, check some tutorials first, go to the app and experiment on it for a while, and then go for it. It will take more time, but the results will be better.

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

Yeah, Youtube has various tutorials and it's one of the biggest advantages of having Youtube. It's easier to follow instructions when you can follow them step by step with a video to guide you.

7 years ago

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anyone01

anyone01

I agree. Watching YouTube videos, doing tutorials, and going via online classes is similar to getting to know the principle at the back of how to edit. You're only gaining knowledge of the fundamental principles behind editing, and not necessarily a way to apply them.

6 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Well, they are many E-learning sites. Some of them are free, others require payment.
Creative Live – Creative classes, inspiration, and tips in photo and video, art and design, and more. Classes priced individually
Skillshare – “Bite-sized” classes in not only design but business, technology, photography, film, writing, crafts and more. Classes are $12 billed monthly or $8/mth billed annually.
Lynda – Courses in business, technology, and creative skills taught by experts. Free trial available. Starting at $19.99/mth
Skillcrush – Becoming a better designer means learning to communicate with your
colleagues. Hit up Skillcrush’s 10-day bootcamp and become better
friends with your developer. If you like the course, you can further
explore the world of web design throughout Skillcrush and on sites like

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

Another site that helped me was Photoshop Essentials. Since photoshop is the best program for graphic works and editing, learning about the essentials and advanced tips and tricks in using Photoshop is a great way to improve and learn to create graphic work.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I usually just search on Youtube, and I would advise most people trying to learn graphics to do the same. I find it infinitely more helpful when I can see in real time what it is I need to be doing, and also having someone talk over graphics and speaking about design principles and pointing out each element in the design is very helpful in understanding the foundations of a good design. If I were to read that same information, for example, I'd have to divide my attention between reading the text and looking at the sample picture, while trying to figure out my software, whereas if I'm just listening to someone on Youtube I can learn just by having someone speaking in the background and I can just pause it when I need to apply the teachings then continue the video when I'm done.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

I completely support the use of YouTube as a source to learn the skill on graphic design, website development and any online related issues. There are tons of video tutorials in YouTube that offers credible lessons which can help one master the job in website development and designing.

7 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

What program are you planning on using though? I can link you a bunch of tutorials about graphics designing but the majority of them are program specific such as, "how to make an attractive logo in Photoshop'' and so on. So, unless you are using that specific program it won't provide you with too much useful information.

Regardless, I suggest you look at these sites, they're really good for beginners and tutorials:
- Canvas
- 99designs
- and Youtube like some already suggested. Just type whatever you want to learn in the search bar and you should 100% be able to find the video.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Canvas is a good one, I have had several run in with it and I must confess that it's quite impressive because it offered me everything I needed when it comes to designing. I would recommend it to anyone who seeks a platform to learn about web design.

7 years ago

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