Graphic Design: Ethical & Legal Work Practices

In the Graphic Design industry, there are many rules and regulations which protect both the Graphic Designer individual or company, and the client.  These rules are laws that include, but are not limited to: trademarks, copyrights, patents, etc.

These laws apply to a wide range of slogans, photos, images (including clipart), brand names, trade names, colours and sounds that have already been protected in previous design work.  An example of a protected brand name is iPod by Apple.  Also the UPS has a specific shade of brown patented for their use only.

Graphic designers are able to purchase the rights (aka Artist Releases) to use specific images, photos or clipart, etc. through the platform of stock photo websites.

Copyright infringement refers to “..any action within the ‘bundle of rights’ taken by anyone without permission.  This includes: copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating “derivative works”.”

It is highly recommended that Graphic Designers use contracts with all clients to ensure there is a safety net that protects both the Designer and the client.  Signing a contract should not be seen as an uncomfortable moment, but rather a necessary part of business.  The contract should include specific details about the job to be completed.  Another situation to avoid from a legal point of view is if a client requests “work-for-hire”.  This term implies that you, as an individual or the Graphic Design Company will not retain the copyrights to the final design.  There are only certain times when this suggestion is actually legal.

Graphic Design Visual Timeline

Famous Logo's Analysis & Redesign

As visual people, Graphic designers, or in our case; 'Graphic Designers in Training' - tend to observe the world around us without realising we are doing so.  In my daily life I notice billboards, magazine covers, building designs and company logos and break them down into colours, shapes and styles. I then try to understand from a design perspective as to why specific elements and principles of design have been implemented.

One example of a logo I have noticed and often internally debated is the following Snap Fitness logo.  I actually like the logo in some ways, but the main annoyance for me is the colour choice - red.  Red is a very bold, aggressive colour - so therefore needs to be used with caution.  For a gym I can understand the concept behind it - strength, agility, power, etc. are all connotations of the colour red.  For me I see red as a representation of aggression and overpowering, strong emotions when mixed with a gym setting.  If the company wishes to encourage female consumers to buy into their product they may have difficulty doing so.  I have asked for male opinions on the matter and the majority have said that the colour is of no consequence or if anything they liked it.  

The bottom logo is my new design for Snap Fitness.  It uses the colour green, which to me represents - growth, energy and health.  I have purposely designed the logo to be simplified to help subconsciously portray the aspect of an affordable, easy to use gym.  The typeface I have chosen is curved but legible, which allows for ease of readability and instant recognition.

Another logo I have recently taken notice of, is the Deloitte Accounting & Business Advisory Services logo (see below).  What I dislike about this logo is the over-simplification.  The only components are a typeface and colour.  I cannot argue the logo has been unsuccessful for the company's image as this is not true.  The company logos for business and accounting type firms tend to be clinical and non-de script - as a designer I think I may just be adverse to this style as I like decorative and well thought out logos (aka pretty things).  

Graphic Designer: Role & Responsibilities

A Graphic Designer is responsible for a wide variety of tasks.  These include:

·        

·         creating design solutions that have high visual impact

·         meeting clients or account managers to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job;

·         interpreting the client's business needs and developing a concept to suit their purpose;

·         estimating the time required to complete the work and providing quotes for clients;

·         developing design briefs by gathering information and data through research;

·         thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts;

·         using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time;

·         presenting finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers;

·         working with a wide range of media, including photography and computer-aided design (CAD);

·         proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work;

·         contributing ideas and design artwork to the overall brief;

·         demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches;

·         working on layouts and artworking pages ready for print;

·         keeping abreast of emerging technologies in new media (particularly design programs such as QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash);

·         developing interactive design;

·         commissioning illustrators and photographers;

·         working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists.

The following is an example of an accurate job description of a generic Graphic Designer

working in a design firm.  The description is longer and requires a fair bit more

persistence to get through, but the length allows for a more thorough understanding of

the specific tasks and responsibilities required for the role.

Graphic Designer
Description:
GWS Personnel is currently working with a Government client who is seeking an experienced Graphic Designer to fill a temporary 4-6 week opportunity within their busy team. Relevant qualifications in Graphic Design and having demonstrated experience are essential. Responsibilities will include; .Developing their corporate brand. Provide support to management and staff on graphic design aspects of marketing etc. Ensure brand consistency. Devise and produce a diverse and creative range of marketing and promotional material. Portray a positive image of the company within the market The successful candidate will have. High level computer skills in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Indesign, Illustrator & Photoshop) & Microsoft Office. Experience in Flash would be advantageous. High level communication skills. Understanding & Knowledge of commercial printing. Previous design and marketing experience. You will be responsible for working towards deadlines so reliability and working under pressure is a must. You will have the ability to take ownership of this role so it's a great opportunity to make it your own and make use of your creative flair. For more information & to apply please contact Rhyley Hunter at GWS Personnel on (02) 6931 9070 or email a current CV in Word format to rhyley@gwspersonnel.com.au




Here is an example of vague description of what a Graphic Designer is responsible for in a Graphic Design Firm:





Graphic Designer
Australian Taxation Office
(Non-ongoing Position, Closing Date 14/06/2012)

Description:
Your role as a hands on Middleweight Graphic Designer is critical for the delivery of our day-to-day business. You'll facilitate the development of products from concept to delivery including the design and typeset of products and will perform quality assurance checks.








The above description may be completely accurate, but is too complicated and loses that instant effectiveness the employer should be aiming for.  It also does not address the majority of tasks a Graphic Designer is typically responsible for in an organisation, which leads the viewer to believe these tasks are not required.

Graphic Design: Pointillism Art Movement

Photo Manipulation: Supernatural Being

For this exercise we were asked to transform ourselves into a supernatural form using photo manipulation.  I chose a fairy as I have always been interested in these unfortunately 'mythological' creatures.

I have included the original photo for comparison..

Bye for now, I need to go shine my wings! :P

Importance of Research in Graphic Design

QUESTION 1:  Is research an important part of graphic design?

Research is of paramount importance in the Graphic Design industry because new design concepts and trends emerge constantly.  As professionals in an industry we must stay up to date with these concepts and trends.  Research is also important in choosing appropriate colours, typography and design for the specific company or individual you are designing for.  For example – if you are designing for a client in another country, you would need to thoroughly research the meanings and any possible negative connotations associated with a specific colour, symbol or style. 

QUESTION 2:  What platforms are the most useful when it comes to Graphic Design research?

Graphic Designers and students have many varied platforms they can use to research, such as: industry professionals or co-workers, search engines - eg: Google, textbooks or Graphic Design magazines and productions.  Every platform will provide a different area of knowledge for the Graphic designer to acquire and then apply to design. 

QUESTION 3:  What visual imagery do you see during everyday life and how does this influence you as a Graphic Designer?

I take inspiration from magazines, billboards & advertising, architecture and interior design in everyday life.  When I notice something that I really appreciate I try to keep it in mind for future ventures in case it may be useful to express a certain feeling or style.  I believe every single concept has at least been thought of and applied to a design of some sort.  Graphic design is about using these old concepts and interweaving them in a fresh, new way that appeals to the client and of course the demographic audience.

Graphic Design Presentation: In Sport

Click on the individual slides to enlarge :)

Glossary Of 3 Graphic Design Terms

Glossary of Terms:
 

Bleed – An extending margin of colour entirely surrounding the image or document to prevent obvious negative space after the document has been printed and trimmed.  This is usually between 3 and 5mm.

CMYK – Acronym that refers to the four colour printing process. (‘Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black’)

DPI – Refers to the amount of dots or pixels that fit in the space of one inch.  A higher number indicates a higher quality image or file.

My Definition of Graphic Design

Blossom Graphic Design Company

"Glamorous Graphic & Web Design" 

Blossom Graphic Design is a one stop shop for all designs girly.  Owner and sole operator Dianne Kennedy has cornered a specific target market and focuses only on this style of design.

Check her out here:   http://blossomgraphicdesign.com/

Boutique branding, web and graphic design

Niche market – Aimed primarily at women

Founder:  Diane Kennedy (B. Vis Arts)

•   Internationally recognised
•  Graphic Designer, art director and web designer
• 17 years experience in design
•  Started out as a makeup artist with her own business
• Designed her own make up line packaging and continued onto graphic design
• Mainly designs for small to medium businesses, with clients in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA, South Pacific, Canada, Europe, UK, UAE, Africa and Saudi Arabia
• Logo design, business cards, web design, print, swing tags, packaging, gift certificates, invitations
• Aims for glamorous, high quality designs that are extremely professional
•  No shop front – online only
• Based in Sydney, Australia
• Has designed for clothing stores, spas, hairdressers, make up artists, online stores, etc
• Here are some examples of a her work..

Elements & Principles of Design: My Interpretation

Contrast – The concept of using two or more visually different colours, textures or patterns  in the same design.

Emphasis – Using colour, size or perspective to enhance or add value to a specific element.

Balance – Providing visual symmetry or asymmetrical style to a design. 

Unity – When all the design elements and principles used work together seamlessly in a design.

Pattern – A repeated shape which can be used to create texture or balance in an artwork/design.

Movement – This technique is often used in photography to represent speed or energy.

Rhythm – Harmonious repetition.