I Want to Learn Graphic Design
Last week I was browsing at the Strand, and I came across a book of typography-based tattoos, like this one:
I was transfixed. I can’t remember the last time I was so inspired. I just wanted to keep looking at the pretty pictures.
More than that: I wanted to make the pretty pictures. I wanted to learn how to create striking prints like this one that hangs in my living room:
And not just prints – I want to be able to design postcards, and greeting cards… all the printed materials that transfix me, that have always transfixed me. Here are some of the visual stimuli I keep around for inspiration:
I want to learn all aspects of graphic design, and I want to learn how to translate it to the web.
I’ve wanted to learn web design for a long time – as a producer, not knowing how to execute my own vision has been incredibly frustrating (including here on Tastee Pudding, which does NOT look the way I want it to). It feels like wanting to reach for a paintbrush but realizing you can’t move your arm…
What’s held me back? I’m not sure. I remember sitting with a designer at a past job and watching her deal with layers in Photoshop; it looked like hell. It’s just the kind of detail work that pisses me off.
But my desire to bring into the world the images I see in my mind is getting stronger.
I think it’s time to jump…
I know what you mean. I love typography! I’m very attracted to art with typographic elements. I was in a similar position 3-4 years ago in a marketing job when I realized that it would be very efficient if I could design web elements on my own. Starting as a newbie to Photoshop, I taught myself a lot just using free tutorials on the web.
That’s good to hear! Thanks. Any tutorials in particular you recommend?
This is a good intro to the basics of PS, layers, etc: http://www.pegaweb.com/tutorials/beginners-guide-adobe-photoshop/index.htm
Now this video is also a great intro. It’s using PS Elements for scrapbooking BUT the principles for designing digital elements are the same and it’s presented without a lot of jargon or tech-speak. http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/bigvideo.asp?gid=1
PS is not the most intuitive thing but once you get into the logic then you can jump into other tutorials–like this? :-) http://abduzeedo.com/reader-tutorial-typography-wallpaper-photoshop
THANK YOU! will check these out asap
Amanda,
This is so awesome. I felt the same way about blogging, and theatre management, and business, and yoga. I had no idea how to do any of it so I just started. Looking forward to seeing your pretty pictures :)