I wouldn't show process work on your website or in your PDF portfolio unless it strongly emphasizes the amount of work you've done. This is something that could be copied by a dishonest person, so it's best to stick to final artwork for things you share publicly, but have printouts of process work that you can show on request during an interview
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I try to be conscientious when I critique. Glad you are finding things helpful :)
Kinko's and such will likely expect some layout experience. Those kinds of shops have lower pay and fast turnaround times, so although there are certain benefits I'm not sure you would get much guidance.
W3 Schools is a great reference. HTML5 is really not a huge deal, (X)HTML Strict might be easier to find reference for and encourages best practices. Your HTML is mostly semantically correct. You do have some empty paragraphs, which you should avoid to be extra correct (add margin to the last paragraph instead). Your CSS could use some beefing up. Start with one thing at a time or you may get overwhelmed.
One job I applied to, asked for a portfolio to be submitted, and I assumed they wanted a PDF. I couldn't envision sending a pile of PNGs or AIs
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You would actually give them the URL for your online portfolio instead of a PDF. That way you can show more and don't have to worry about file size limits
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Can you recommend a good graphic design textbook that explains layout?
I peeked at some slide shows about layout, and I see some things I know, and a lot I don't know. I think I know good layout when I see it, but I can't tell why bad layout is bad.
I know about grouping items in proximity, aligning text, and that you don't use a display font for a block of text, but I guess those are just the basics. Knowing those things makes me feel like I know more than the folks at my work, however that doesn't make me a graphic designer either. (I tried going back to school but work kept getting in the way, but I may get my chance if I quit my job I guess)
I think if I re-design bad flyers and pamplets, that should give me practice, right?
I can't think of a particular textbook about layout, but if I come across one I will let you know.
It sounds like you have some knowledge of typographic design, and that will help a fair bit with certain things. It's pretty easy to find more details about typographic best practices. The textbook I used in college was quite good, but it was about $80 at the time, so I'm not sure you want to invest in that.
You should also look into designing with a grid and the principles of design. Using a grid will come more into play with multi-page design. See if you can figure out what kind of a grid was used for other pieces, where were certain parts aligned and such
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I'm willing to invest $80. I badly want to get out of this job I am in now LOL. I did buy a book on typography on Amazon, someone's used textbook. However it didn't seem to cover any layout, that I remember
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The book I have is an older edition of this: Typographic Design: Form and CommunicationWhile it mainly focuses on typography, there are also parts that talk about layout and hierarchy
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I have applied for jobs at one company that makes clothing, and another that makes gift cards. I hadn't realized it before, maybe I just live in an industrial area. However I want to learn more, to be be well-rounded and appear reliable and educated.
Sorry for not responding earlier, life has been crazy.
The pamphlet is a good start, but I think for your portfolio you can push the typography more. You also don't have to use blue for all the text, especially since it would be a full colour print job. Generally you want to show caution for large amounts of text in a colour that is a CMYK mix because if registration shifts it can be hard to read.
I think you could also experiment a little with adjusting the shapes of your image boxes. They don't have to be rectilinear, you can add in some curves to tie with some of your other elements.
Basically, don't be afraid to experiment a little more :)
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Kinko's and such will likely expect some layout experience. Those kinds of shops have lower pay and fast turnaround times, so although there are certain benefits I'm not sure you would get much guidance.
W3 Schools is a great reference. HTML5 is really not a huge deal, (X)HTML Strict might be easier to find reference for and encourages best practices. Your HTML is mostly semantically correct. You do have some empty paragraphs, which you should avoid to be extra correct (add margin to the last paragraph instead). Your CSS could use some beefing up. Start with one thing at a time or you may get overwhelmed.
Lynda.com has courses on a variety of subjects, and I heard the Toronto Public Library is giving free accesse if you have a Toronto library card. Also, webdesign.tutsplus.com has lots of free tutorials ( ... )
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I peeked at some slide shows about layout, and I see some things I know, and a lot I don't know. I think I know good layout when I see it, but I can't tell why bad layout is bad.
I know about grouping items in proximity, aligning text, and that you don't use a display font for a block of text, but I guess those are just the basics. Knowing those things makes me feel like I know more than the folks at my work, however that doesn't make me a graphic designer either. (I tried going back to school but work kept getting in the way, but I may get my chance if I quit my job I guess)
I think if I re-design bad flyers and pamplets, that should give me practice, right?
Reply
It sounds like you have some knowledge of typographic design, and that will help a fair bit with certain things. It's pretty easy to find more details about typographic best practices. The textbook I used in college was quite good, but it was about $80 at the time, so I'm not sure you want to invest in that.
You should also look into designing with a grid and the principles of design. Using a grid will come more into play with multi-page design. See if you can figure out what kind of a grid was used for other pieces, where were certain parts aligned and such ( ... )
Reply
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http://www.lorrainequirke.com/ManitoulinStreams1a.pdf
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The pamphlet is a good start, but I think for your portfolio you can push the typography more. You also don't have to use blue for all the text, especially since it would be a full colour print job. Generally you want to show caution for large amounts of text in a colour that is a CMYK mix because if registration shifts it can be hard to read.
I think you could also experiment a little with adjusting the shapes of your image boxes. They don't have to be rectilinear, you can add in some curves to tie with some of your other elements.
Basically, don't be afraid to experiment a little more :)
Hope that helps.
Reply
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