Graphic Design Classes Online

Unit 1 : Overview

Desktop publishing has several components like hardware, software and brainwork (i.e., design). Different forms and variations of each are available. In this unit an overview of the desktop publishing process the equipment is given.

Lesson 1 : Introduction
1.1. Learning Objectives
On completion of this lesson you will be able to describe:
i) Steps in desktop publishing process.
ii) Brainwork in design.
iii) Six steps for success in desktop publishing.

1.2. Introduction
There is a greater need for effective design today than ever before. The spread of desktop publishing and word processing software coupled with the availability numerous typeface options and low-cost inkjet and laser printers have made readers more sensitive to effective design. As a result, design blunders that would once be tolerated are now noticed. Bad design is almost considered an insult by readers, who now know how to recognize careless design and production.

1.3. The Desktop Publishing Process
The desktop publishing process can be organized in the following steps:
Assemble tools: Analyze hardware and software resources.
i) Define project: Identify audience, message and budget limitations.

ii) Select Layout: Choose page size, borders and columns.
iii) Add headlines: Select typeface, type size, weights, widths and line spacing.
iv) Place body copy: Choose typeface, type size, line and letter spacing, punctuation and hyphenation.
v) Add visuals: Select correct type of visual, resize, place on page, fine tune.
vi) Choose colors: Make sure that color enhances, rather than confuses, the message.

vii) Production and printing: Choose output resolution (i.e., dots per inch) and paper (weight, color and texture).

1.4. What is Design?
Design is the process of taking responsibility for the appearance and the content of your pages. You need to continually ask questions, make appropriate decisions, and pay attention to details. You have to break large projects into their component parts and then refine each part. Design is taking the time to do the job right. Try it, and if it works, make it better. Effective design is the result of planning before acting. You first analyze the purpose of the document and the obstacles to overcome. You then analyze the environment where the publication will appear, including the reader's level of motivation
and where the reader will encounter the publication. You must examine documents competing for the reader's attention.

1.5. Six Steps to Success
Regardless of whether you're designing, successful the result of following the same six step procedure:

i)  Establish goals and organize your material: Analyze your message and your readers. You shouldn’t even being to think about what your publication should look like until you have answered the Who, What, Where, When, and Why questions.
ii) Choose an appropriate format and page layout: What's the overall "look" of your publication? How many columns of type will you use? How many colors will you use? What color, weight, and texture paper will be printed? What graphic accents will you use to direct the reader's eyes?
iii) Make appropriate typeface, type size, and spacing decision: Although we live in a picture-oriented world, the majority of your message will appear as headlines and body copy. Your job is to create titles and headlines that attract attention and body copy that’s transparent and doesn't interfere with your reader's ability to quick message.
iv) Add and manipulate visuals: When possible, replace words with visuals. Visuals encompass illustrations, charts, graphs, tables, organizational timelines, and more. Keep in mind that each type has advantages and disadvantages, and each type requires careful placement on the page.

v) Build momentum into your page: After you have readers' attention, you need to keep them interested in your publication. Break large amounts of material into bite-sized chunks by using organizational devices such as subheads, pull quotes, and sidebars.
iv) Refine and fine-tune until you drop: Perfect wholes are the results of perfect details, and you get perfect details by breaking a project into its component parts and fine-tuning each part. A single glaring error can undermine the credibility and readability of your document.