Posted by admin | Posted in Graphic Design | Posted on 30-07-2009
It’s true. The world as we know it is struggling financially. And while it may seem that everyone around you is tightening their belt and closing their doors, keep in mind that good design does NOT have to suffer just because you’re client’s budget might.
What can you do to continue your standards of superior design on a tight budget?
1. Faux finishes. If you can’t afford it, fake it. Finishes that is. I recently attended an excellent print show in Tulsa, put on by CP Solutions. There were several paper vendors there with many exciting papers and finishing options that had all us designers ‘oohing’ and ‘aaahing’. But what if you’re client cant’ AFFORD a clear varnish or laminate finish?
Try this– adding a simple layer of partial opacity can make a dark design shine with extra sheen creating the illusion of a varnish or laminate.
2. Cut it out. Wanna create an awesome die cut effect without the cut? Try placing the design on a dark background (preferably black) when viewed at a distance in dark card holder the card will JUMP off the table and trick the viewer with the illusion of being die cut.
3. Simple arrangements. Nothing screams “CLASS” like something simple. Sleek. Elegant. On your next card project, convince the client to go with the “less is more” approach. The card will look sophisticated and expensive without the extra price.
Got some special design tricks of your own? I’d love to hear them!
