There are many models used to measure and describe color. The RGB color model is based on the theory that all visible colors can be created using the primary additive colors red, green and blue. These colors are known as primary additives because when combined in equal amounts they produce white. When two or three of them are combined in different amounts, other colors are produced. For example, combining red and green in equal amounts creates yellow, green and blue creates cyan, and red and blue creates magenta.
As you change the amount of red, green and blue you are presented with new colors. Additionally, when one of these primary additive colors is not present you get black.
RGB Color in Graphic Design
The RGB model is so important to graphic design because it is used in computer monitors.
The screen you are reading this very article on is using additive colors to display images and text. Therefore, when designing websites (and other on-screen projects such as presentations), the RGB model is used because the final product is viewed on a computer display.
Types of RGB Color Spaces
Within the RGB model are different color spaces, and the two most common are sRGB and Adobe RGB. When working in a graphics software program such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, you can choose which setting to work in.
* sRGB: The sRGB space is best to use when designing for the web, as it is what most computer monitors use.
* Adobe RGB: Because the Adobe RGB space contains a larger selection of colors that are not available in the sRGB space, it is best to use when designing for print. It is also recommended for use with photos taken with professional digital cameras (as opposed to consumer-level), because high-end cameras often use the Adobe RGB space.
Sources:
”The Little Know-It All: Common Sense for Designers.” Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. KG (dgv), Berlin 2007.
”Working Space Options.” Adobe.com. 20 Sep. 2007.
RGB Color
What Do You Need to Know Before You Design Your Own Logo?
 | Everyone’s got ’em. You likely see the “Nike swoosh” logo everywhere you go. And you know the Texaco station at the corner by its distinctive “star.” So, you’re thinking, “My company needs a logo, too.” Maybe you want to design your own logo too. Why create a logo for your company? Because a logo:
What should you know about creating the right logo? Your job as designer or decision-maker is to make sure the logo is a strong, balanced image that communicates clearly and has no clutter. The logo should be bold and easily seen at a glance. For example, on a well-designed logo, strong lines and letters show up better than thin, delicate lines and fonts. The logo’s graphic imagery must be appropriate for the business. The graphic itself should work as a unit with the company name. It should achieve a look that’s distinctive, yet not trendy. It’s best to avoid trendy type styles and extremely tall or wide shapes. You want your logo to look good for a long time. Choose an appropriate spot color (or two) and make note of its ink formula. The formula is a blend of various inks that’s given a PMS number so the color combination is easily communicated to the printer. You’ll refer to that PMS number when you print jobs in the future so you can be sure the color on your logo will consistently be the same. What elements make a successful logo? Here are 10 logo design tips that professionals use: 1. Simple, yet sophisticated 2. Distinctive, bold, and graphic (no thin lines) 3. Not extremely tall or wide 4. Not trendy or old-fashioned 5. Looks in balance 6. Works well in all sizes 7. Works well in color or black and white 8. Graphic element and name work together as a unit 9. Communicates your business clearly 10. Uses graphics and fonts appropriate for your business
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Brochure Design Tips
All of us would like to think our product is so good, our services so unique, they’ll simply sell themselves. Not so! Strong branding, powerful images, compelling web pages and outstanding marketing pieces make or break that upward sales curve you crave so urgently. In today’s market, your customers and clients are influenced more than ever by the visual presentation of your marketing pieces.
For example, a powerful brochure design will more likely to be read, remembered and respected. Here are five simple, but essential tricks of the designer's trade that you can use immediately, at little cost, to improve your brochure design.
1. Take advantage of quality clip art and stock photos
Chances are you’re not an illustrator or photographer, but that shouldn’t stop you from using professional illustrations or photos in your marketing piece. You can use clip art—sometimes at a very low price—to enhance your layout. Check out the Internet for sites that feature clip art or stock photo libraries that provide a wide variety of quality and prices to choose from. Use the same style of graphics throughout your brochure design to create a consistent look.
2. Jazz up your layout so your most important points stand out
Break up monotonous lines of text with attractive “pull quotes” or “call-outs,” which make critical information stand out on the page. To create a pull quote, just copy a provocative or challenging statement from your text and paste it into a different position on the page using large, contrasting type. Add decorative quotation marks, border it with lines, or place it inside a box to jazz it up.
3. Repeat certain elements
Good design calls for repeating certain elements throughout your piece to make the whole piece come together visually. For example, use the same color, shape, and size for all your bullets. Also make all your headers the same size, color, and font. Repeat specific graphic elements such as boxes, banners, and rule lines throughout the piece. A word of caution: When you review your work, make sure you’ve used all of these design elements consistently.
4. Pay attention to proximity
Proximity refers to the exact spatial relationships between elements. For example, you create visual relationships between photos and their captions by keeping the captions close to the photos. For subheads, a pro positions them closer to the text below than the text above. Apply this principle of exact spatial relationship to all other graphic and text elements where appropriate. When you review your work, make sure you’ve applied this spacing consistently throughout.
5. Know when to use serif and sans serif fonts
In general, when you have a large amount of text, it is best to use a serif font because it is easier to read than a sans serif font. Serifs are the tiny horizontal strokes attached to the letters which help the reader’s eyes flow from letter to letter. Bold sans serif (without serifs) are good for headlines and subheads because they slow the reader down thus bringing more attention to each word or concept. Some examples of serif fonts that are good for body copy are: Times, New Century Schoolbook, Garamond and Goudy. Some examples of sans serif fonts that are good for headlines are: Arial Bold, Helvetica Black, Univers Bold and Trade Gothic.
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