Graphic Design trends of 2011

As this year closes, it's time to look back at some of the strongest influences in graphic design for the year 2011:


-Minimalist Design
Some of the best and most efficient logos have always been the minimalist yet powerful symbols created by a very basic type. Helvetic Neue has been one of the more popular types for many designs.
So clear, clean-cut lines are still some of the prevalent and most used graphic types yet.






-Organic shapes and patterns
Organic patterns like molecular/ cell grids, flower and tree patterns, flowing plant shapes and feminine silhouettes are some of the most popular backgrounds for identity and many other backgrounds and even patterns used for decoration.


In addition, there's also a trend to combine these two styles: Minimalist type along with a pattern background.

-Hand-drawn illustration and type
There's a growing demand for more original work: commissioned illustrations for products, characters, animations and even hand-made type are among some of the favorite original work that is commonly requested. Most of the fashion magazines now have many or plenty of their commercials with classic fashion illustration.
The video game industry is always looking for original work by video game designers.

-Architectural and city landscapes

Many more motion graphic arts are layering minimalistic architecture and complicated city landscapes.

This has been a growing trend for years now.

One of my favorite songs and videos Animal by Miike Snow shows this nice interplay of the many trends I mentioned in the blog:

 

-Volume / 3D or different types of dimensionality.

All the new Social Media Icons are made this way: like they are 'coming out ' of the page, almost tactile.

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Wonder how to become a Graphic Designer?

Just visit the link and read over some of the most interesting information to get your degree online.

Image sources:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/typoatelier/6108948388/sizes/z/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cowgummy/612375038/sizes/m/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tatielle/2641287607/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Top Five Tutorials for Graphic Designers

Some of the best online schools have made getting your education easy and convenient.
You can now get your degree in Graphics Design from a well-respected online university at your own time and place of convenience.


But what if you would like to get a head-start on your portfolio or learning the latest software that's most in demand for the field?


There are many new and fresh ideas out there and getting a head-start is always a good idea. Learning the latest tools and elements needed in the Graphic Design sphere (which is quite large, btw, you might want to find a focus) specially since all the new advances in technology and software are always changing.


Here I will give you a list of the top ten websites to visit for the best tutorials in te Graphic Design field:


1) Lynda.com





Lynda offers a one week trial subscription to their huge library of tutorials: everything from photoshop to dreamweaver and movie editing and music composition software. And not only does it have the easiest and most clear-cut tutorials, it also has lessons with targeted projects in mind like, how to design a cd cover or design a website with photoshop, etc.




2)PSD Tuts:

This website focuses mostly on Photoshop Tutorials.
There are many areas you can look into: from beginning tutorials to free tools like brushes, etc.

3) Computer Arts Magazine Tutorials.
These tutorials are a little bit more advanced but contain ver fresh and innovative concepts and suggestions to push you to a more competitive level.


4) Vector Tuts:
Excellent place to learn about Illustrator and similar vector tutorials.


5) Graphic Tutorials is another great website to learn some special effects in Graphic Desgin: from background effects to photo touchups and more.




So go on and get your portfolio started with these trendy and innovative concepts.

Photo sources: http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/2568400956/sizes/m/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hubmedia/3979285787/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Paper Craft: A tool for self-promotion

Designers are now starting to find inventive new ways for self promotion.

Considering creativity is always a standard, many freelancers in the Graphic Design field are wanting to stand out with new uses for business cards, brochures and portfolios.

Folding magic

A good point to start your campaign. 
Creating a  Business card envelope containing paper and instructions attached to make your own origami sculpture it is surely a way to stand out. You're not only introducing your company with an interesting design, but also engaging the prospective client. 

http://burstoid.com/2008/11/10/origami-business-cards

Interesting Shapes 

A very easy way to bring an original twist to your presentation is to "custom- shape"your business card into a fresh and new look.

http://designrfix.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Creatice-business-cards-46.jpg

Some go with easy and direct, others with a more abstract concept: a card shaped like a lens for a photographer, or a uneven polygon-shape card.

Layout Concept

Sometimes, there's no need for special effects. There are many ways to bring your essence to a business card without having to shape, cut or mold. 

http://www.coated.com/google-me-unique-business-cards/

Many Designers are starting to "inject" more subject-driven messages into their identity, like the Google Search Bar at the front of their card with their name (or company's name) as a search query.

Edible Cards

Nowadays you can even find cards that are printed on cookies, chocolate, brownies, fruit and many other edibles. Of course, one has to always make sure the paper wrapper includes a non-edible version of the content.

http://businesscarddesignideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/chocolate-business-card.jpg

Interested in making an impact by creating your own identity (business card, portfolio, letterhead)?

Stand out by creating your own custom design and conveying the idea of what your strengths are. Are you more on an illustrator? Then perhaps you can focus on color and layout more than the shape of the card.

An Industrial Designer? Then you might want to devise a more creative 3D design that implements your creativity as a builder.

Not sure where to start as a Designer?

Then start your college or accredited online colleges research and build your dream Graphic Design Career.