Graphic Fetish

10 Design Inspirations for Creating Posters

Kristina — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:27:15 +0000

Poster design is one of the most exciting things to create for a professional designer, although it is also one of the trickiest. Aside from making the poster print look attractive and compelling, you have to be sure that the final design is able to convey the message that the clients want to share with the audience. In a nutshell, you must always remember that the images and typography must complement each other and correspond to a particular theme in order to effectively drive home the point. To give you a better idea, here are ten poster design inspirations that follow such principle:

http://www.ectomachine.com/blog/25-amazing-inspirational-poster-designs/

http://dzineblog.com/2011/01/39-fresh-poster-designs-for-your-inspiration.html

http://www.designsmag.com/2011/10/75-amazing-posters-designs/

http://www.atulperx.com/inspiration/poster-design-inspiration-15-creative-club-poster-design-ideas/

http://slodive.com/inspiration/showcase/aesthetic-poster-designs/

http://www.designrshub.com/2011/09/20-eye-catching-advertising-posters-for.html

How To Optimize Your Print-Based Portfolio

Kristina — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:51:20 +0000

Print portfolios are not dead. While an online portfolio certainly is extremely important in today’s digital age, a print portfolio is still equally important for showing that you know how to design for a project that will be sent to an online printing company. Many clients know that there is a difference between a web designer and a print designer, so you will often need to prove your knowledge of what a print design needs to look great on paper.

One of the best articles on the web on this subject of print portfolios you can find on http://nubbytwiglet.com/. In this article, the author gives 7 tips on how to make a print-based design portfolio. You should definitely drop by the site and give the article a read, as it goes into great depth about what exactly you need to make your printed portfolio look amazing. Or you can just read this infographic that PrintPlace.com created based on the Nubbytwiglet article. It incorporates all 7 tips and a summary of each into a single, fantastically-designed document that you can easily skim in just a couple minutes. Give it a look and then feel free to embed the infographic onto your own site for your readers to enjoy!

Copy the code inside the box to embed the infographic onto your site:

Image from Printplace.com

20 Lovey Dovey Vectors for Valentines

Kristina — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:55:53 +0000

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is highly probable that lovebirds everywhere are already planning something special for V-day. And on the not-so-sappy side, it is also possible that designers everywhere are now gearing up to work on V-day projects for their clients’ valentines marketing campaign with posters, postcards and flyers. In keeping with that, here are 20 creative Valentines-themed vectors that are worth checking out:

Dinner for Two http://vector4free.com/vectors/id/197

Rose Heart-Shaped http://www.hdvector.com/Holidays/Rose-Heart-shaped-vector.html

Couple Necklace http://www.hdvector.com/Holidays/Couple-necklace-vector.html

Happy Valentine’s Day http://dryicons.com/free-graphics/preview/happy-valentines-day/

Abstract Valentine’s Day http://www.thevectorart.com/abstract-valentines-day-vector-art-807.html

Heart Valentine’s Day http://www.freevectorsdaily.com/heart-valentines-day-vector/

20 Heart/Valentine Brushes http://www.brushking.eu/474/20-heart-valentine-brushes.html

Couples Love http://filevector.com/couples-love-valentine-vector.html

Winged Heart http://www.freevector.com/winged-heart-vector/

Valentine’s Vector Heart http://www.vectorpile.com/vector/free-valentines-vector-heart/

Valentine’s Day Couple http://www.vectoropenstock.com/3000-Valentines-Day-Couple-vector

Abstract Red Tulips http://www.flowervector.com/abstract-red-tulips-vector-illustration-639.html

Free Vector Flowers http://www.nerdtreasure.com/vector-flower-free-vector-flowers-for-valentine-designs/

Happy Valentine’s Day Greeting Card Vector http://www.webdesignhot.com/free-vector-graphics/happy-valentines-day-greeting-card-vector/

Valentine’s Day Floral on Red Background http://www.webdesignhot.com/free-vector-graphics/valentines-day-floral-on-red-background/

Valentine’s Day Vector Collage http://www.vector-eps.com/index.php/2012/01/valentines-day-vector-collage/

Love Heart http://dryicons.com/free-graphics/preview/love-heart/

Breaking Heart with the Dart http://vector4free.com/vectors/id/563

Valentine http://vector4free.com/vectors/id/194

Valentine Hearts http://vector4free.com/vectors/id/473

Love Hearts Vector http://vectorgraphicsblog.com/free-vector-graphics/love-hearts-vector/

20 Thematic Chinese New Year Posters

Kristina — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:14 +0000

According to the Chinese zodiac, the year 2012 is the year of the dragon. The New Year celebration will extend from January 23^rd to February 7^th. Of course in 2013 it will start on February 10^th since the Chinese calendar system is based on the lunar cycle. Whenever the celebration starts, it lasts for 15 days and it’s one of the most important holidays in the Chinese year.

In line with this spectacular celebration that’s almost just as celebrated as our good ol’ Jan 1st, here are some 2012 Chinese New Year posters and wallpapers we’ve gathered for your viewing pleasure.

http://vivsters.deviantart.com/art/Chinese-New-Year-Poster-3-281444151

http://andrewwicklund.blogspot.com/2011/06/fyp-project-chinese-new-year.html

http://bestdesignoptions.com/?p=18298

http://stealthwd.ca/saskatoon-web-design/The%20Stealth%20Blog?&viewBlogID=183

http://icantotallymakethat.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-year-of-dragon.html

http://peterkhiew.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-chinese-new-year-remembering-our.html

http://janabouc.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/happy-lunar-new-year-at-ranch-99-market/

http://www.txasianchamber.org/events/lunar-new-year-gala/

http://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/celebrations-festivals/chinese-new-year/chinese-new-year-poster-dragon/

http://jasongray.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year-akemashite-omedetou.html

http://en.materialand-ex.com/?p_mode=item&p_phase=detail&p_item=803

http://blogs.rsc.org/cy/2012/01/23/happy-chinese-new-year/

http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/happy-chinese-new-year-lets-all-malaysian-chinese-united/

http://jaccofashion.com/

http://blog.chinavasion.com/

http://vincentloy.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/happy-chinese-new-year-its-year-of-dragon/

http://www.saynotes.com/a-collection-of-2012-chinese-new-year-dragon-year-wallpapers-part2/

http://tech18.com/186889-100-year-2012-wallpapers.html

http://prettyparrot.blogspot.com/

http://kristenstewart-subhan.blogspot.com/

Christmas Design Tool Kit for Greeting Cards

Kristina — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:41:12 +0000

There’s still time to get your Christmas greeting cards designed and printed! The key to quick, quality designs is to start with the right resources. Once you have quality stock images and fonts, you can quickly put the finishing touches on the design and send it to the presses.

Stock images are necessary for the background of the front of your greeting cards. Some people design with a solid color or a very simple gradient background, but these are not quite as engaging visually. For businesses looking to get some last minute marketing in for the holidays, simple designs probably won’t have the response rate you hope for because the greeting cards go unnoticed. So look for graphics that are exciting!

Fonts are another way to get attention, but require restraint. An exciting script font is great for the centerpiece of your design, but put any other messages in a simple font that is easy to read. Try to avoid any more than 2-3 fonts on your design as too many fonts can be confusing and distracting.

Check out these resources for stock images and fonts. Let us know how you used these resources to come up with your designs!

Stock Images

Whether you need actual photos or just an abstract background to set the tone, these collections have everything you need to get going.

35 Abstract Backgrounds (PNG, JPG)

Here’s a collection of 35 Christmas backgrounds that you can use ranging from snowflakes to snowmen to Santa.

10 Christmas Backgrounds (PNG)

This is a set of 10 designs in different colors. Combine them or use a single image as your background. The large file size makes them perfect for printing.

Retro Christmas Backgrounds (EPS – Vector)

Need some vector Christmas backgrounds? This set of 34 vectors runs the gamut of vector designs and are easy to use. Since they’re vector designs, you can make them fit any size of greeting cards you need.

Stock.xchng

With thousansd of stock photos free for use, Stock.xchng is one of the most popular stock image sites on the Internet. A quick search for “christmas” produced around 1,000 high resolution photos.

DeviantArt

If you’re looking for designs on the edgier side of things, check out Deviant Art. Over 320,000 images are available in their Christmas photography section, but you should check to be sure the artist allows for personal or professional use without permission. Not all Deviant Art designs are safe for work.

Fonts

This collection of fonts focuses on script or handwriting fonts to give your designs an exciting, seasonal flair.

Google Webfonts

Looking to match up your greeting cards with an email campaign design? Google Webfonts are the perfect choice. You can design your printed cards using these fonts and apply them using CSS to any online-based designs.

DaFont

One of the more popular websites for all things typography is DaFont and they don’t disappoint with more than 80 fonts just in their Christmas category. Don’t find what you need? Do a search for curly and handwriting fonts to find more.

1001 Fonts

1001 Fonts has a nice collection of handwritten, calligraphic, and celtic fonts that are free for personal or commercial use.

FFonts

The collection at FFonts is also a great place to start and they have a large collection of Wing Bat fonts that have Christmas shapes — great for adding holiday design elements to any design.

Font Squirrel

While not the largest collection, Font Squirrel has a number of excellent font families from which you can choose.

18 Best Food Print Ads for Poster Inspiration

Kristina — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:18:16 +0000

Poster printing and design for the food industry can present an interesting set of challenges. Not only do you have to connect the brand to the message, but you have to make a connection with the target audience. Whether your goal is to be funny, to make them salivate, or educate your audience, this collection has some of the best posters for any occassion.

Mucho Burrito – As Addictive as Crack…by Doug & Serge

Frigg -Milfshake by Ruth Advertising

Heinz – Seriously Good by DDB

Fortune Deli – A cafe with a twist by Origin Beanstalk

Sasko Flour – Goodness by Saatchi & Saatchi

Liza Salad Dressings – Make new friends by Talent

Legal Sea Foods – Paul Revere by DeVito/Verdi

Calorilight – Say goodbye to calories by Euro RSCG 360

Bäckerei Tröller -Really good bread by Lukas Bausch

Cracker Barrel – Vintage Cheddar Sword by BMF

Chio Natura Chips – Simply Natural by Saatchi & Saatchi

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise – No Leftovers 3 by Ogilvy

Danacol – Don’t let the fat grab you by Young and Rubicam

Tramontina – Pro made easy by DCS

Pizza & Love – Fight for the Artic by Contapunto

Danio by Danone – Kill your hunger by Young and Rubicam

Gregg’s Jelly – Eat the impossible by Draftfcb

Aussie Fruitst – Watermelon by TBWA\Vietnam

Creating Dramatic Type in Illustrator — Tools for Different Situations

Kristina — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:20:42 +0000

Many projects require you to design for mulitple types of mediums: postcards, posters, websites, billboards. You can start with a MASSIVE Photoshop file or instead use Illustrator for your designs. Since typography is central to almost any design, Illustrator is the ideal tool if you are going to be using your design in multiple sizes.

Two type tools of interest when designing in Illustrator include the Area Type Tool and Masks (clipping or opacity). This article walks you through each of the options that make conforming type to your every desire possible.

Option #1 — Area Type Tool

The Area Type Tool allows you to type within the area of a path. For example, if you have a square you can simply type within this area and manipulate the square later and the text will dynamically update. For this article, we will use a star shape to show you how to make the most use of the tool’s features.

In Illustrator, open a new document and draw a shape of your choosing or use an existing project of your own.

Now, within the Type Toolbar, you can select the Area Type Tool. To enable the tool to work, you must select the area you want the text to adhere to by clicking along a path.

Now you can type within the area of your shape and the text will conform to it. But this probably isn’t enough. You may need to be able to manipulate how the type moves within the shape. Using Times New Roman and default settings, our star pattern looks like this:

To get the type to adjust more appropriately, open the Paragraph window (Windows -> Type -> Paragraph):

You can use various options like hyphenate and justify to get the text to fit the shape better.

For more detail work, double-click the Area Text Tool in the toolbar where you can tweak how closely the text adheres to the area paths. Make sure to check the Preview box so you can see your changes in real-time. Notice the red plus sign in the images above? This means that some of your text cannot fit inside of the area (the star in this example). Click on the plus sign to create a new container or enlarge your area (star).

Option 2 — Clipping Masks

Clipping masks are either on or off, meaning that you can either see what is being “masked” or you can’t. This is different than Opacity Masks (discussed later) which allow you to see what is being masked based upon how much opacity is applied.

We will start off with a block of dummy text for demonstration purposes.

Going back to the star shape, place a star in the middle of the text as shown:

Before applying the Clipping Mask, open your Layers window (Windows -> Layers) and make sure the two shapes on your Artboard are arranged so that your new star is immediately above the text block and in its own layer, like this:

With the entire layer selected (not just one of the shapes), at the bottom of the Layers window is the “Make/Release Clipping Mask” button. Press this to apply the clipping effect.

Your final result should look like this:

You can move the mask around by selecting the star shape layer (highlighted in the above example) and the text area is still fully editable allowing you to change the font, colors, etc.

Option 3 — Opacity Masks

If you want even more control of masks, reach for the Opacity Masks option in Illustrator. This gives you a great deal more ability to manipulate the effect, but it’s a bit tricky. There are other ways of doing this, but this process means you won’t miss anything important.

First, start with a block of dummy text.

In the Layers menu, select the layer. Now open the Transparency tool (Windows -> Transparency).

In the Transparency tool, click the fly-out menu and select Make Opacity Mask.

Now, in the Transparency tool, unlock the opacity mask by clicking the chain symbol.

Now, still in the Transparency tool, select the mask (the black shape next to the text layer) by clicking on it.

Using any tool you want, create a shape. We’ll stick with our favorite — the star, of course!

Wait! Nothing happened! No fear. With your shape you just drew selected, change the foreground color to a shade of gray.

Now that you understand the tool a bit better, click the Gradient Tool and apply the following using the Windows -> Gradient toolbar:

To move the entire set of layers around, simply click the layer in the Transparency window. To only move the mask, click the mask in the Transparency window. The only downside to this approach is that to edit the underlying text layer, you must first release the opacity mask, so you may want to make sure you have your text perfect before playing around with an opacity mask.

Illustrator has some very awesome text features, of which masks and area type are only a few. However, with these two tools under your belt, you have lots of cool text effects at your fingertips and now have a good basis for moving on to more difficult tools. What kind of effects have you been able to come up with these three tools for creating dramatic type in Illustrator?

15 Free Retro Patterns for Eye-Catching Designs

Kristina — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:24:42 +0000

Need to add a retro or psychedelic look to your brochures, postcards, posters, and more? Use one of the amazingly free patterns below as a background in your design, or even to add an interesting touch to a single object in an illustration. Just be sure to check out the designer’s terms of use before using any of the patterns in a commercial design.

Retro Fabric Pattern by Dork Matter

Mega Star Patterns by Mel’s Brushes

Grandma’s Flowers by Mel’s Brushes

70s retro inspired floral by Seabreeze Studio

Orange retro polka dots by Powerpoint Backgrounds

Flower Power by Coco and Oli

Rage Flower Pattern 1 by Heruka

Floral pattern by alinney

Random retro rings pattern by vibepilot

Pattern Play 2 by AbsurdWordPreferred

Multidot Pattern by Deiby

Flower Pattern by MsJinx

Woven SimonEyvette

Pattern 1 -traceurTHIAGO

Grungy Vintage Patterns Part4 by ~WebTreatsETC (PSD)

24 Great Graphics for Labor Day Ads

Kristina — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:25:17 +0000

Whether your marketing efforts for Labor Day sales include postcards, sales letters, emails, or even a simple icon on your website, you are sure to find something from the following graphics. The list below includes icons, backgrounds, photos, and more that are perfect for giving your Labor Day marketing pieces the holiday feel they need for getting customers excited about your Labor Day sales. Keep in mind that some of the following need to be purchased for royalty-free rights.

http://www.bilerico.com/2007/09/labor_day_keeping_the_holiday_in_focus.php

http://thepresidiomotel.com/blog/?m=200808

http://www.fg-a.com/labordayclipart.shtml

http://kelpschd.deviantart.com/art/labor-day-at-it-s-best-96754363?q=boost%3Apopular%20labor%20day&qo=45

http://whitewinterzroze.deviantart.com/art/Labor-Day-97025208?q=boost%3Apopular%20labor%20day&qo=27

http://depositphotos.com/5437086/stock-photo-Businessman-Labor-Day-Sale.html

http://www.askabouthugo.com/all-about-design/free-happy-labor-day-design/

http://www.photopox.com/labor_day.php

http://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/labor-day-vector-222251

http://www.dreamstime.com/labor-day-clip-art-illustrations-image14997368

http://www.illustrationsof.com/223782-royalty-free-labor-day-clipart-illustration

http://www.illustrationsof.com/223469-royalty-free-labor-day-clipart-illustration

http://www.clipartof.com/portfolio/pushkin/illustration/labor-workers-hand-holding-up-a-wrench-over-a-grungy-american-background-223466.html

http://www.freevectordownload.com/Free_Downloads.asp?id=48

http://free-download-vector.com/2010/04/illustration/firework-celebration-vector

http://mocii.com/free-vector-graphics/usa-flag-backgrounds-vector/

http://www.aivault.com/2009/07/02/exclusive-freebie4th-of-july-us-flag-background/

http://logos.co/design/royalty-free-vector-logo-of-an-american-flag-by-patrimonio-598

http://www.clipartof.com/portfolio/patrimonio/illustration/baseball-player-batting-over-an-american-flag-circle-1052655.html

http://depositphotos.com/5056572/stock-photo-People-with-box-with-the-inscription-labor-day..html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_7701834_america-labor-day-sale.html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_9945949_labor-day-sale-vector-flyer.html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_10214667_design-for-labor-day-with-worker–s-hand-holding-a-hammer.html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_7572938_labor-day-barbeque-background-with-place-for-your-text.html

Roundup of Superhero Movie Grunge Posters

Kristina — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:43:14 +0000

Superheros inspire us in more ways than one. Sure, we all wish we had super-powers and could rule the world, but there is something deeper that superheros can inspire in us – that we have something amazing we’re capable of accomplishing. Let these super posters inspire you to discover your own superpower.