Great Graphic Design Tips with Pro Outcomes!

As a graphic designer, you want to make sure that your visual communications are to the tee. Whether you are a freelancer, working for a design company or still on your way to complete your courses for Graphic design in Singapore the following tips will help you hone your skills and bring out some highly professional looking outcomes –

·         Pair the Contrasting Fonts

Pairing the right fonts together is one of the most common challenges that graphic designers tend to face. The ideal approach is to simply choose fonts that have high contrast. This helps you in balancing each one of the fonts with the others while also creating an appealing feature in your overall design. You can increase the contrast between two fonts by working in size and color.

·         Matching Colors within the Designs you Create

If you want to make your design stand out, the easiest way to do so is by creating harmony between the colors you use. Match the colors you use for the graphic elements such as your text holders and fonts with the image that you are using in your background. The color picker tool is an excellent function to rely on when finding the right color. This tool will give you a hex code through which you can easily identify the right hues on the color wheel.

·        Using Grids

Unique tools allow designers to easily layout and edit the images for professional outcomes. You can place multiple images of similar themes within a grid to create an appealing look. The right placement of images topped with unique filters across all images can help you acquire great consistency.

·         Adding Transparent Icons

Creating appealing backgrounds for any graphic design project demands significant creativity. Whether you intend to use an image as a background or a range of colored shapes – the options are endless. You can also apply slight transparency on your icons and darken your background to make the text easy to read.

Finally, another great way to give your project a professional look is by using shapes and icons to illustrate your information. This is an effective tool when creating info-graphics, where you are expected to think outside the box and create designs that are original looking. For instance, you can use three square or circle icons to identify different percentages when illustrating survey results. Shapes can prove to be an extremely critical tool when creating social media posts that are intended to be informative.

Summary

This article discusses that various design approaches to consider creating professional looking outcomes.

Areas where you Should Consider Using Motion Graphics in your Visual Content

Motion graphics is increasingly becoming a common feature in the world of visual designing. Opting to include such graphics into any video allows designers to create similar experiences that viewers would get if they were watching similar videos shot using real cameras in real settings. Commonly used in animation movies and videos, this approach is most popular when trying to communicate with the younger audience.

If you are still not convinced about how your motion graphics design course can come handy to you in your profession, here are a few areas that you must consider–

·         While motion graphics is most often used in children’s feature films, it also finds its use in other sectors. Even if you wish to communicate something serious in a lighter format, the right graphics can be easily employed in social awareness programs, educational material, training, etc.

·         The advertising industry is also leveraging animation and motion graphics in branding products. It is also an effective tool while re branding a product or service that needs to reinvent itself a midst stiff competition. Using your learning’s from your motion graphics design course in the right way can help you effectively demonstrate a new offering or brand to its prospective audience.

·         It has been found that motion graphics is often a lot more effective in attracting attention of an audience than simply still images. A classic example is the fact that children tend to be more appealed by cartoon channels than graphic novels or comic books. Motion graphics is an effective tool to consider when dealing with a group that is known to have a short attention span.

Why Motion Graphics Stumps other Video Creation Options

The cost of production of animation videos when compared to the expense of shooting real videos is rather low. In motion graphic videos, one can make use of animated characters and re purpose backgrounds and other elements with the help of the right software. Shooting real videos include significant overheads in the form of actors, support cast and crew, investment in hiring equipment as well as technicians to manage them.

Furthermore, using motion graphics in animation helps simplify the content, breaking the data up into multiple parts; allowing one to present the information in easily digestible segments. By leveraging the latest technology, businesses, game developers, movie production houses and other organizations and showcase their offering in a much more appealing manner.

Summary

This article discusses the various applications of motion graphics across industries and their prevailing benefits.

Tips on Designing your First Mobile Game

With smart phones becoming a common feature in the list of gadgets we all own, the gaming industry especially is finding ways to leverage this revolution by creating enticing mobile game. Now that you have finished your 3D game development course creating your first mobile game can be a daunting yet fulfilling exercise worth venturing into.

Here is an essential guide on designing a great first mobile game –

·         Knowing your Game

When designing your first mobile game, choose an art style that you know you can work with well. The idea is to create something that is easily recognizable and memorable. Some of the most popular games today are those which can be easily recognized by people around you while you are playing it. Creating a memorable game requires you to account for everything from the art design to the sound effects that people will recognize. Since this is your first time, it is best to design something you are familiar with yourself.

·         Choosing the Software

Before you start developing the game, you want to be sure about the software on which you will build it. Some of the most powerful game engines such as Unity are able to help pursue both 2D as well as 3D game development. Mobile developers love to use such game engines because of their superior graphic capabilities. Furthermore, these applications are free to use up until the point you put the game up in the market.

Depending on whether you choose to pursue a 2D or 3D game design, you will be expected to use different applications to create the assets. Photoshop is great for 2D while 3D developers often rely on 3Ds Max or Maya.

·         Learning a Programming Language

It is a given that as a mobile game developer you already know the right programming languages. As the development process gets more and more complex, you will realize the importance of knowing a language. C# is a great starting point since it is an object oriented programming language widely used by developers on Unity

Finally, 2D or not 2D? If you have the knowledge base to work on 2D or 3D games, you also want to account for what will work best for the game in question. Ask yourself if you really need a complex 3D environment for your game play or whether it really adds value to your game on the whole. With these considerations, you will be on your way to create an appealing first mobile game.

Summary

Planning on creating your first mobile game? This article takes you through various important considerations to get you started. 

Essential Guide to Creating a Logo that Works

Professors at graphic design colleges in Singapore work hard to make sure that the future designers are able to not only master their artistic skills but also add another dimension to their work by using their marketing or business acumen to differentiate a good logo from a bad one. If you have worked on various logo design projects or have simply observed the current marketplace, you will notice that the effective logos are the ones that are simple, distinctive, practical appropriate and able to convey an intended message for a brand.

Here are a few things you want to keep in mind when designing a logo for a client –

·         Focus on Simplicity

An effective logo is one that is easy to recognize, versatile and memorable. A simple logo can provide something unexpected and one of a kind without having to be overdrawn.

·         Making it Memorable

Close to simplicity, an effective logo is one that the audience can easily remember. Effective logos can enhance brand recall value by being simple and appropriate.

·         Creating an Enduring Logo

The logo you design should also be able to endure through generations that the brand hopes to cater to over the coming years. By choosing to create a design that is future proof, you will be able to appeal to audiences even may be 20 or 50 years down the line.

·         Incorporating Versatility

The brand’s logo will be used on websites, television advertisements, print advertisements corporate stationary and a host of other places. Make it a point to create a logo design that works well o all platforms and applications.

Establishing an Effective Design Process

Design colleges in Singapore cannot overstate how important it is for designers taking on any form of project to establish a design process that works for them as well as their clients. When taking up a logo design here is an approach worth considering –

·         Get a Design Brief

Start by interviewing your client to get a comprehensive brief on the project and what is the end result that they expect.

·         Research

The next step to consider is research. Spend time going through industry trends, standards and assess the logo’s the competition is using. Look at the successful ones as well as the ones that didn’t work to have a holistic idea on what your approach should be.

·         Creating the Concept

Sketch out a few logo concepts based on your research and brief and run it pat the client. To be able to prevent a burn out and to maximize results it is recommended that you take breaks throughout the design process. This way you ideas will mature and refine itself.

Finally, choose to present only a few logos that you feel are closest to the needs of the client. Do not deter from receiving consistent feedback. By working hand in hand with the client, you will be able to maximize your design skills and create an end result that is closest to or even surpasses the client’s expectations. Logo designing as a project demands not only impeccable design skills but also a slight inclination towards branding as a subject.

Summary

This article discusses the approaches to consider when creating the next most memorable logo design for a business.

Sử Dụng Bộ Công Cụ Thiết Kế Game Phù Hợp

Trên thị trường hiện nay là một loạt các bộ công cụ miễn phí đi kèm với các tính năng tuyệt vời để phục vụ cho quá trình thiết kế game 3D. Vậy nên, để tìm được sự lựa chọn thích hợp là một việc khó khăn. Sau nhiều năm xem xét và đánh giá, các nhà thiết kế ở khắp nơi trên thế giới đã chọn ra 4 bộ công cụ xuất sắc và hiệu quả nhất: Source 2, Unity, CryENGINE và Unreal Engine. 4 bộ công cụ này được lựa chọn dựa trên các tiêu chí như sau:

·         Đây có phải là game bắn súng nhập vai hay không?

·         Bạn có muốn tạo ra một sản phẩm game chạy được trên điện thoại di động hay không?

·         Game ở dạng 2D hay 3D?

Dưới đây là phần giới thiệu sơ qua về các công cụ này để bạn có được một quyết định đúng đắn:

·         Source 2

Là phiên bản đã được qua nâng cấp của Source, bộ công cụ này được sử dụng để tạo ra một số game được ưa chuộng hiện nay như là Half-Life 2 và Counter-Strike: Source. Một thông tin được công bố gần đây cho biết các nhà thiết kế game sẽ được sử dụng bộ công cụ này hoàn toàn miễn phí. Thêm vào đó, Source 2 cũng sẽ tập trung vào việc hỗ trợ các nhà thiết kế để tạo ra sản phẩm mang tính chất sáng tạo. Không những thế, bộ công cụ này còn cho phép người chơi góp phần vào việc thiết kế game mà mình yêu thích. Nếu như thiết kế game 3D còn quá mới đối với bạn, đây sẽ là sự lựa chọn phù hợp để bạn bắt đầu làm quen với lĩnh vực này.

·         Unity

Với một loạt các tính năng và giao diệndễ sử dụng, không có gì đáng ngạc nhiên khi Unity là một trong những công cụ được ưa chuộng và phổ biến nhất hiện nay. Ưu điểm lớn nhất của bộ công cụ này là nó cho phép việc sử dụng và chuyển đổi game giữa điện thoại di động với Windows 8, Blackberry, Android và cả trên phần mềm iOS.

Unity cũng hỗ trợ các tiện ích từ nhiều ứng dụng 3D phổ biến như Maya, 3Ds Max và Blender. Tuy nhiên, bộ công cụ này không chuyên về chỉnh sửa và nó không có một mô hình thực tế hay tính năng chuyên về xây dựng định dạng sản phẩm nào ngoài một số tính năng cơ bản. Nhưng bù lại, nó đi kèm với một thư viện tiện ích tuyệt vời mà bạn có thể tải về để sử dụng.

·         Unreal Engine 4

Unreal Engine 4 là bộ công cụ mới được công ty Epic Games giới thiệu ra thị trường và nó đi kèm với hàng loạt các tính năng đồ họa vượt bậc như tạo ánh sáng động tiên tiến và hệ thống hạt mới với chức năng quản lý đến một triệu hạt trong cùng một cảnh và tại một thời điểm. Là sự lựa chọn lý tưởng cho thiết kế game 3D, bộ công cụ này có nhiều thay đổi đáng kể so với các phiên bản trước như là việc đi kèm với ngôn ngữ lập trình. Nếu như bạn đã có kinh nghiệm sử dụng UDK, bạn sẽ dễ dàng làm quen với những tính năng mới của Unreal Engine 4.

·         CryENGINE

Được thiết kế để sử dụng cho game trên máy tính, tính năng đồ họa của CryENGINE được xem là vượt bậc hơn cả UDK hay Unity và không thua kém gì Unreal Engine 4. Bộ công cụ này đi kèm với tính năng tạo ánh sáng ảo chất lượng cao, hình ảnh thực tế rõ nét cùng với hệ thống hoạt hình tiên tiến. Lợi ích lớn nhất của CryENGINE chính là khả năng thiết kế thông minh của bộ công cụ.

Tùy thuộc vào nhu cầu và mục đích, bạn sẽ lựa chọn được một công cụ phù hợp để giúp bạn đạt được mục tiêu thiết kế game một cách tốt nhất.

Tóm tắt nội dung:

Với một loạt các công cụ thiết kế game có sẵn trên thị trường hiện nay, việc lựa chọn được một công cụ phù hợp là nhân tố quan trọng ảnh hưởng rất lớn đến chất lượng sản phẩm game mà bạn thiết kế. Bài viết này giới thiệu sơ lược về các công cụ chính mà bạn nên xem xét trước khi bắt đầu dự án của bạn.

After Effects Plug-ins that Every Motion Graphics Designer Must Have

Using plug-ins is an excellent way to add extra functionality to your motion graphics project on After Effects. Regardless of whether you are new at the Motion Graphics game in Singapore or you are a seasoned veteran, here is a list of plug-ins you want to make sure you use to take your skills up a notch –

·         Trap code Particular

This particle system plug-ins enables users to create customized particles such as rain, dust, smoke and clouds on After Effects. This particular plug-in is believed to have better functionality than the in-built feature on After Effects since it makes use of extremely realistic physics. This plug-in helps you create particle based lines, patterns and shapes in a 3D space with great ease.

·         Element 3D V.2

This popular plug-in enable user to upload and make use of 3D models on Adobe after Effects. If you aren't familiar with using modeling software such as Cinema 4D or Maya, this tool helps you easily import and edit 3D models in a quick and efficient manner. This tool works extremely fast and its latest version introduces new features such as lighting presets and ambient occlusion to your imported 3D models.

·         Plexus 2

This tool takes layers and helps break them up into objects that are smaller. With the .obj support this tool allows experts in Motion Graphics from Singapore to import models from most other 3D graphic programs and have them broken up in the 3D Space. These objects can act as forms or containers that can be used by Plexus. This tool allows you to create 3D connect dots design and bezier splines where you can adjust the lines in 3D space.

·         Optical Flare

Lens flares are an excellent route through which you can create visual interest in your scene. While there are a variety of lens flare generators to choose from, most designers swear by this one. This plug-in allows you to create custom flares which work on 3D spaces. These flares are designed to look very realistic and make use of a variety of effects that add to the realism. This tool also comes with a preset library.

In addition to this, plug-ins such as Newton 2, a 2D physics engine; Continuum Complete – a plug-in with hundreds of plug-in effects in one and Twitch, a tool that adds glitch effects to your motion design are extremely popular among designers.

Summary: This article discusses some of the most popular plug-ins you must invest in if you plan on working on a motion graphics project on After Effects.

Essential Guide to Creating a Fabulous Visual Effects Demo Reel

When creating a demo reel, you want to make sure that you put your best foot forward. In addition to channeling all that you learned in your visual effects courses, here are a few other approaches you want to incorporate to impress your potential clients or bosses-

·         Using Nothing but the Best

When creating your demo reel make it a point to take this approach very seriously. Make sure you include only your top notch work and actively avoid your sub-par artwork. Missing out on selecting your best work is a sure shot way to get your demo reels into the garbage can. Take into account that those who are in charge of hiring you are essentially spending their entire day looking at hundreds of demo reels. You want to make sure you stand out among the clutter by putting forth your best work.

·         Avoid the One Size Fits All Approach

After finishing your visual effects courses in Singapore you may be qualified for more than just one position. However, at no point should you assume that you can use a generic demo reel to apply for two relatively different job descriptions. For instance, if you are applying for a job with a texture artist as well as an environmental artist you want to make sure you include some artwork that is distinct and relevant to the position in question.

·         Follow the Instructions

Many companies provide very specific instructions about how and what to submit a demo reel. Make it a point to go through the website or the job opening in detail and jot down any special requests they may have. This may include factors such as the type of artwork to include in your reel, the length of your reel and some other technical specifications.

·         Showcase your Strengths and How you Do you

Leverage your learning’s from all your visual effects courses and show the work that is able to prove what you do and highlights how you d it. Employers are looking for more than just a finished product. They are interested in knowing how it has been created. For instance, if you have written great software, incorporate some work that you may have done using the software.

Finally, professors in every visual effects courses in Singapore cannot overstate how important it is for you to invest time in revising and polishing your artwork before you are actually ready to submit it.

Summary:

If you are currently applying for jobs on the basis of your visual effects expertise, this article discusses the considerations to make when creating and submitting a demo reel.