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I was surfing the web a few weeks ago, and came across a blog entry promoting automatic logo makers. As a graphic designer, this was upsetting to see, and to top it all off, the entry was posted on a graphic design blog I read often.

I read over the entry and although I see their points about convenience and cost effectiveness, I’m going to tell you why an automatic logo maker is NOT the way to go.

First off, when a graphic designer is hired, they are personally connecting with each client. Time is taken to collect background information about the client and their business, and a fair amount of research is done to ensure the client is getting the best possible branding for their business. A logo database, is not a human being, it’s a database, and will give you something generic as opposed to a custom design that represents you and your business.

Next, a logo database houses hundreds of logos. What you are purchasing is not limited to only you. Any number of companies can use the exact same graphic to represent themselves. This may make your company seem unoriginal and diffuses the concept of brand recognition completely.

When you hire a graphic designer, you get custom, quality, design solutions for your business. By using a professional design process, you allow the designer to be the foundation of your brand, and your company will end up with stronger and more effective branding.

Helpful Tip: If you have a tight budget, and money is your main concern, think about hiring a student or young designer who just finished school. Many students have excellent technical skills and will most likely be willing to work with you on the cost!

Have you wanted to learn about the new Adobe CS5 Creative Suite that recently launched? Here is your chance! The AIGA Detroit Chapter is offering the opportunity to gain important knowledge about all the updates in the new Creative Suite. See below for more details!

When: October 9, 2010

Where: LTU College of Architecture and Design

AIGA Detroit is teaming up with Adobe to bring you a three-hour workshop that goes over the new features in CS5. In addition to learning all the tips and tricks from Adobe’s Terry White, one lucky attendee will receive the Adobe Creative Suite 5: Design Premium!!

AIGA Members:$25.00
Non-Members:$50.00

At this three-hour seminar you will:
Discover how you can finish routine tasks, from masking images to adjusting layouts to finessing strokes, more quickly and efficiently with new features in Photoshop CS5 Extended, Illustrator CS5, and InDesign CS5.

Learn how to turn Photoshop and Illustrator artwork into high-quality interactive content without writing code with new Adobe Flash Catalyst CS5.

Find out how you can add attention-grabbing interactivity, animation, video, and sound to your digital documents and presentationsall in InDesign CS5 without learning new software.

Find out how you can maximize design time by streamlining critical processes like client reviews with CS Review and previewing web pages on leading browsers and operating systems with BrowserLab. CS Review and BrowserLab are part of Adobe CS Live online services, which work with Design Premium and are complimentary for a limited time.

Visit detroit.aiga.org for more information and updates

Ever wondered what the difference between digital and offset printing is? Perhaps you’ve wanted to get something like a business card printed, but are unsure of which to go with. Below is some valuable information to help you make the most informed decision.

Digital Printing Press:

Digital printing is often used in a professional print shop environment, and simply means that the method used to print the product comes from a digital based image instead of a more traditional method such as printing plates. Digital printing usually can handle a variety of paper types including photo paper, cardstock, and canvas. Although it can vary, digital printing allows for less quantities to be ordered at one time, there for making the cost to purchase items less as well.

However, do to the fact that digital printing does not use printing plates, there is no guarantee of color matching. You also will tend to notice a lack of quality to some degree when a product is digitally printed and you may notice very faint pixilation on your printed product as well.

However, if you are looking to order low quantities of a product, need a fast turn around time, and have a low budget, the digital printing press may work for you!

Offset Printing Press:

Offset printing is only used in a professional print shop environment, and uses printing plates to transfer images to the printing surface. Offset printing provides crisp high quality images and guarantees almost perfect color matching. Offset presses can also handle extremely large quantities of printing and are the best option for a professional quality look.

However, do to the time and cost associated with maintaining an offset press, it is unlikely to be able to order small quantities of prints and in many cases the offset press has a minimum quantity that you are required to order. In turn, along with the higher quality you will receive, this makes the cost that you the customer will pay significantly higher than what you may pay for a digital press. You will, however receive a much more professional and high quality printing job if you choose to go this route.

A company’s brand is the essence that identifies their products, services, or business. It offers the chance to create brand recognition and to market to potential customers.

Logos are a common element of a company’s branding package. Logos allow potential customers to identify and recognize businesses using a symbol or icon.

Often a company’s logo is the first item a client may see, and will offer the customer a first impression to the company’s professionalism, goals, message, and mission.

Using a pre-made logo will not only limit your customization possibilities, but it will make you blend in as a business. Branding is all about providing your company with a voice and image that stands out in a crowd.

A company’s brand should be simple, memorable, timeless, versatile, and appropriate. Is it truly possible to obtain all of these key factors through a pre-made design? Most likely, it is not. Pre-made designs are often generic and do not convey a company’s message clearly.

Custom graphic design work will give your company the professional image it needs to succeed and allow your branding to identify your specific company and what it has to offer. By using a professional design process, you allow the designer to be the foundation of your brand, and your company will end up with stronger and more effective branding.

I am currently reading a wonderful book called “Logo Design Love” by David Airey that my husband recently got me for my birthday. It is truly an amazing book and I feel that every Graphic Designer should own it.

It starts from the beginning and explains the core steps of design, and gives away tips and tricks every freelancer should know!

It has some pointers specifically for logo design and is easy to follow and read as well. I highly recommend this book to any designer, freelance or not!

As a Graphic Designer, employers expect more in a resume than just the ordinary. In fact, a designer’s resume is not only a chance to provide potential employers with what you can offer them, but also to show them a sample of your work at the same time. Going above and beyond and including things such as a business card, and even a letterhead can show the employer your personal design style while informing them of your capabilities.

Paying careful attention to paper choice, layout, and even typography can make all the difference.

Be sure to include items like a personal statement, experience, software skills, education, and so on.

To figure out how to make a creative eye catching resume, check out this article 30 Artistic & Creative Resumes for some designer examples!

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