Google Pencil

For a graphic designer it is important to have fun tools for designing and making more accurate pieces. Today in one of my classes, Inventing the Future, I came across the Apple Pencil. We watched its promotional video and I immediately fell in love. The Apple Pencil is used in part with the iPad Pro and can measure the tilt of the pencil and push weight to create strokes. I can see this product being a great device for graphic designers when it comes to making concept sketches clear for clients with a neater layout then pencil to paper. 

I hope to read more reviews about the pencil once it has been more integrated into work fields before purchasing the product. I think it will be a tool that is in every creative department soon enough along with other competition styluses. To get a better understanding of the Apple Pencil here is a link to the video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iicnVez5U7M

Crowdsourcing in the Graphic Design World

What is Crowdsourcing?

"the basic idea is to tap into the collective intelligence of the public at large to complete business-related tasks that a company would normally either perform itself or outsource to a third-party provider."

 99Designs.com

 99Designs is an online graphic design marketplace, one of the largest, which allows a contest atmosphere  for companies to get everything from logos, websites and t-shirts designed. 99Designs is a crowdsourcing site powered by a massive community of graphic designers and business owners. Crowdsourcing benefits graphic designers who need to work from home or do freelance work. It can be a side freelance job to get some extra income. To get a better understanding of 99Designs.com and how to use their website whether you are a designer or user, watch this youtube video by Tim Levy!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcfHcKXpc8Q

Behance || Social Media for the Graphic Designer

Social media is a valuable tool and source that graphic designers should be completely aware of and by no means ignore social media. Social media helps build relationships and promotes oneself being in a creative professional field. Learning what platform works best for you and how to leverage that platform to extend all of its capabilities and offers is an important step. 


10 Sites Graphic Designers Should Focus On:

1. Facebook
2. Instagram
3. Google+
4. Tumblr
5. Pinterest
6. LinkedIn
7. Behance
8. Vimeo
9. Twitter
10. YouTube

Out of these ten platforms I want to stress the importance of Bechance.

Behance

Bechance allows its user to set up a proper portfolio which is highly important in the eyes of those viewing it for potential job openings. Behance is not a static gallery yet a social platform in their own right, enabling designers to solicit feedback and comment on others' work. Creating a stand out portfolio is key in any future career!

To get the most out of a Bechance portfolio remember these tips!

• Only post your best work
• Post work in progress so your design process is semi shown (potential employers love to know how you think)
• Include detailed work. Consider cropping images down if you have to resize to Behance's width of 600px.
• Customize you pages appearance.
• Follow other talented creative people.
• Give proper credit when needed
• Keep your profile up to date