graphic designer Archives - CLEVERcreating

Is the Meaning of Symbols Easily Recognizable to Everyone?

July 24, 2023July 24, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Often people assume that the meaning of symbols is easier to comprehend than written text. Most of the time, this assumption is wrong.

In the same way that any foreign language must be learned, the idiom of symbols must also be learned. Some symbols or characters are immediately obvious, others require a table with an explanation.

However, we pick up a lot of knowledge about symbols just by looking around in the town where we walk or using public transport. And when everybody knows the meaning of a certain symbol, it communicates a lot quicker than written language. Especially when many languages are used in one place, for example at an airport.

What are the Qualities of Good Signs that are Eye-catching and Valuable?

July 21, 2023July 21, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

There are good signs and there are bad signs. To know the qualities of good signs we just have to look around and experience the signage that surrounds us.

Don’t you agree that a lot of signs are confusing? Our environment is so full of messages, promotions, and both visual and auditory noise, that it’s hard to focus on the signs that we need at a specific moment.

Still, some signs are marvellous. In a way, it’s a pity that the better the design is, the less we notice the signs because they do their job instantly and without complicating things.

How to Use Layers in Photoshop to Make a Festive Easter Card

April 5, 2023April 4, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Using layers in any creative computer program is a marvellous way to enhance our creativity. In this article, I will explain how to use layers in Photoshop, applied to an Easter card.

Once you know how to benefit from working with layers, you can use them for any kind of creative expression.

Besides using them for masking, I often toggle between layers to turn them ‘on’ and ‘off’ so I can judge differences. Making variations and looking at which one pleases me most, is easy that way.

What are the Rules of Corporate Identity that Can Stand the Test of Time?

March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

I was a graphic designer for 35 years, so I had to develop several technical skills over time. When I started in 1985 fax machines were quite new and there were no computers in the offices in the Netherlands.

Most printers had offset, although there were a few that still used letterpress printing. Designs were made on the drawing table. The design drawings were transposed by phototypesetting. And, we can hardly imagine this, there were no mobile phones, let alone the smart ones.

The main conclusion throughout the years was that the techniques may change, yet the rules of corporate identity will not.

Is Graphic Design a Good Career? Spoiler Alert: Yes, It Is!

March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Nowadays I am retired, yet I have been a graphic designer for 35 years. There hardly was a day I felt reluctant to go to my studio to start my day. It goes without saying that the profession is still part of my heart.

The world has changed hugely in those 35 years, as you can imagine. After all, everything changes all the time.

The question “Is graphic design a good career choice” was frequently asked of me, both by my clients and by students and interns. Despite all the changes, I could always answer with a resounding yes.

How Does a Colourblind Person See the World? Be Considerate of Others.

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

The biggest advantage of being a graphic designer is that you meet so many kinds of people and work for so many different types of companies.

Some clients wanted to talk as briefly as possible, while others shared more about their interests and their lives.

That’s how I found out that my printer was red-green colourblind and one of my clients was red-colourblind. How does a colourblind person see, became an interesting topic this way.

DIY: Do You Want to Design it Yourself?

January 26, 2022February 20, 2013 by Hannie Mommers

DIY or let an expert take care of your graphic design? What are the criteria to buy or make your graphic design? It can be necessary to make it yourself. It can be smart to let an expert do that. To know the difference you have to be very critical on your own abilities. Not … Read more