50 outstanding Adobe Illustrator tutorials

26.01.2010, 8:52

Creating vector graphics

Adobe’s Illustrator is probably the most used program for creating vector-based graphics. As vector graphics can be scaled arbitrarily without a loss in quality, they are the ideal basis for any print product, from business cards to posters.

We’ve got hold of  50 amazing Adobe Illustrator tutorials for you, which not only lead up to fine results, but which also contain a lot of insider knowledge for advanced users. Characters are brought to life here, info graphics are created and areas are filled with patterns and designs. Read the rest of this entry »

50 free icon sets for your projects

20.01.2010, 12:32

Useful symbols

Icons, also called pictograms are symbols which can easily convey information. In order to facilitate usabilty, they are often used on the internet and in programming. However, common symbols used in emails and social networks may also be of interest on printed products, such as business cards. Although the usual formats are .ico and .png, some icons are also offered as scalable vector graphics. Generally, these symbols are a magnificient source of inspiration. Read the rest of this entry »

The use of writing

20.01.2010, 11:54

Writing describes the overall image of graphic symbols and signs compiled in a system to convey language, design, messages and ideas to others.
It will be silently and nonverbally, consciously and especially subconsciously remembered by the reader.

Subconsciousness shapes a person and is responsible for the fact that we are sometimes immediately accosted and attracted by certain designs, meaning products as well as labels. You are able to address exactly this subconsciousness.

You need to learn what happens between the letters, the words and lines, because only with this understanding you will be able to develop an outstanding design. Read the rest of this entry »

Fonts that speak to you

13.01.2010, 15:47

We can see the most different design structures everywhere.
Brand names, slogans, perfumes, chocolate milkshakes, even bus tickets convey a very particular message to the reader with special and specifically selected fonts.

But what is it that makes the design this appealing and attractive?

Why do fonts strike a chord with us?

Typography should not be boring.

The same font should not appear repeatedly.
The essential key to excellent graphics is a simple but impressive, down-to-earth but at the same time interesting, very familiar but also newly interpreted font design.

One example: “Helvetica”.

This font was developed by Max Miedinger 50 years ago. At that time expectations of the design and the message it was supposed to convey were very different – unexpressed but still perceptible and catchy. Even today there are hardly any designers who do not honor and appreciate Helvetica. It is used without limits for any design and provides answers to any kind of product. There are many global companies who decided for “Helvetica” as their business and logo font – with a lot of success.

“Arial” by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders is another respectable and seemingly “simple” font. The typeface became famous because of Microsoft Word and it is surely among the world’s most popular fonts.

“Taller Evolution” by Studio Kmzero is an example of a likewise popular, but a little more fancy and fresh font.

And there are so many more …
Just try them out! They are italic, bold, thin, narrow, wide, elongated, straight, diagonal or feature only capital letters… Use the fonts horizontally, vertically, upside-down and sideways – but use them. Try out your own designs using different graphics and typographies. You will be surprised at how diversified your designs will appear simply by using different fonts. Flyers, posters, advertising bills, labeled pictures, graded documents – there are no limits. You make the rules. Be inspired.

Happy New Year

03.01.2010, 20:48

print24.com wishes all of you a happy New Year.

We hope you had a quiet Christmas time and some or even all of your wishes came true.

Have a happy and successful 2010. Enjoy your party with friends and family and of course the fireworks.