I got a graphic design job...

Re: I got a graphic design job...

Those are pretty lame catchphrases. Perhaps think of a more clever and elaborate one? The only reason I say that is because it seems like you're excited to tackle this project to your full potential, and I'd hate to see it overshadowed by the obscurity of a poorly-executed phrase.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

^^^
I agree, not to put down your dad's work, or anything, but those are pretty lame.. :\

Re: I got a graphic design job...

For layouts specifically, you shouldn't use Photoshop. Use InDesign as it's a program made for creating layouts like this poster you're going to do.

Since this is going for printing, work in CMYK colour mode (this should already be obvious) and save your file as a PDF (Print). PDF (Interactive) is for web/computer display, etc.

For layouts such as this, you'll have to start learning how to use grids, to create hierarchy in the information you're trying to convey as well as create a visually appealing structure to the layout itself. Just simply slapping all your information wherever you feel like doesn't work for advertising and in the professional world in general. I'll throw these out here as an example of what I mean by grids (project from my Graphic Design program, lol):

Layout
Layout viewed with grid overlay

Although the example was used specifically as a magazine page layout, poster layouts still follow the exact same structure. The only catch is you have to be more creative as to what catches people's eye, so you really have to use the canvas/page wisely.

I've got 2 different takes on a movie poster I could show that also use the grid well if you're interested. They would be closer to what you're aiming for.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

keep it simple, don't clutter it

also, photoshop probably isn't the best program to make a big ass poster in, use InDesign

also, if you're going to use like graphic graphics (i.e. graphics like your avatar)...don't, those never print well

and everything Gundam said too

Re: I got a graphic design job...

You guys are so helpful :3

Re: I got a graphic design job...

Emphasize important words, pictures, phrases ect.

Something thats good for that, is a drop shadow. It gives images/text a sense of depth.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

Make sure to work in CMYK mode. I would probably do the whole thing in photoshop, but I don't know how good your computer is, if it can't handle those dimensions then yeah use something else.

Many times a client will give you a small slogan or something like that to work with, and then you have to design around it, and most of the time the client doesn't want to change their slogan, HOWEVER if the client is pretty lenient (dad) then you could also make suggestions. I try and adhere to one of the quotes in my sig.

"Listen to your client, take into consideration all of their input, weigh the options, study the details, know the target audience, and then, if necessary, ignore all of it and design what you think will work best."

If there's something about his idea that you think won't convey very well, then suggest something better. Though, this one doesn't seem too difficult to work with.

Seems like a small business, the slogans in the ad obviously indicate that he's trying to sell himself so I would include a good sized photo of your dad there, or if that's not cool with him, or it's geared more towards the company itself, then you should use a good image of a nice building (whatever type of building the company deals with: house, apt, commercial, etc). The website itself is light and hard-edged, so keep the design similar. Don't be afraid of whitespace, you don't need to fill in every last bit of it. Just make the most important things the biggest.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

Thanks for the advise.

I don't have InDesign, and I don't want to deal with being a complete "noob" at a program for an actual job.

My computer is amazing, so we don't have to worry about that, it has like 9 different studio equipment devises plugged into it and can run anything very smoothly.

What is CMYK mode? Usually I choose RGB

Re: I got a graphic design job...

CMYK- cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

It's used for printing, and since you will be printing your poster, use this as opposed to RGB.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

Be aware that the image may change drastically if you make it in RBG and convert it to CYMK, so make it in a document with CYMK colours if you're going that route.

Work with those inches dimensions in 300dpi if doing it in photoshop. You amazing computer shouldn't slow down too much.

As for the design itself, make sure you establish a hierarchy of what you want to be seen first, second, 3rd, etc.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

As for CMYK mode, what Quigly said. It only gives you the color palette that a standard 4 color printer is able to produce, so you won't be able to use any neon colors like you can get in RGB.

Also, for maximum quality, save the whole PSD and take it down to kinkos, not a jpeg or tiff. They have photoshop on their computers so printing directly from a psd isn't a problem.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

i'd like to see what you come up with, whenever you get around to it!

Re: I got a graphic design job...

Derpity derp derp.



FOR THE RECORD: I don't really like it (refer to the derps), but he does so whatever.

There will be some tweaks done tomorrow, and i'll post the final final project.

Re: I got a graphic design job...

siteline at the top is barely legible. also reading down to up is counter intuitive as **** man.