Boss give you time to train? Jan 19, 11, 12:30 a.m.

Is it normal to learn new skills in work time or are you guys expected to do this at night and weekends?
We do a bit of learning on the job, when we need to know something, but we're expected to teach ourselves new software and techniques in our own time. Does that come with the territory?

Upscaling photos for print Dec 13, 10, 6:33 a.m.

I've got a print job on which requires printing the same design at a range of sizes. (A3, A1, A0)

I've got to use stock photography for the main image, which will cover the entire canvas, but what's the minimum stock photo size I can get away with using?

Most stock I've found comes in around 482mm x 726mm which is in the region of A1. Can this be upscaled to A0 without looking too horrendous?

BTW - these posters are being digitally printed. I don't know if that's changes much?

Looking for a UK Marketing firm Nov 16, 10, 1:06 a.m.

We're looking for help with marketing our graphic & web design studio over the next 12 months.
Handling the deliverables will be done internally (obviously) but we think we'd get a lot from some consultation. Has anyone had any experience outsourcing their marketing? Or could recommend any good agencies or freelancers?

Milton Glaser Dylan £195 Jul 1, 10, 11:52 p.m.

I've seen it framed and in a shop over the road with a frame and 'certificate of authenticity'.
It's a good poster.
Is it a good price?
Is it a good investment?

Check my kerning please! Jun 30, 10, 3:56 a.m.

Right, I know this is suicide but I'd prefer to be humiliated on QBN than live in ignorance.
We're about to go to press with our business card designs, I've check the kerning as best I can but I'm shit at spotting subtle errors. Help is appreciated:

PS. No, the card isn't just in pink, there are 3 colour versions - swatches above.

Most grateful to you. Ta.

Logo flame, I mean crit May 19, 10, 3:37 a.m.

Ok, we've finally decided on a new name for our graphic/web design studio. The old one has served us well for several years but it's time for a change that better reflects our ambition and abilities.
So we're going to be called 'Shape' and here are the logos we've shortlisted:

Graphic design films Mar 13, 10, 6:58 a.m.

Helvetica was amazing. Are there any others out there? I need to bulk up my LoveFilm list.

At the first design meeting Mar 3, 10, 1:32 a.m.

A question for you graphic designers, web designers, video guys etc.

What do you talk about when you sit down with your client for the first time and plan their project?

I'm not talking about the 'easy lays' where you're working with other creatives or clients with a vision. I mean the small businesses - HR consultants, electricians, local school, used car company, engineers etc.

I'm self taught, working in web design for about 5 years now and my meeting (usually) go something like this:

* Business background (theirs not mine!)
* Project objectives
* Copy and photography (who is supplying what. Potential up-sell here.)
* Project scope (budget already agreed is sometimes adjusted)
* Target audience (this always falls on it's arse. 99% say T/A is 'everyone' or 'general public'!
* Timescales
* Probably some other things I cant think of right now.

Pricing web work to print? Apr 1, 09, 5:22 a.m.

I've just had a customer on the phone who says he loves the design work I've done for his website homepage and can I send it to his printer to be used on his brochure?

I've told him it will cost him, but how much is a fair price?

It took me about 10 hours to get the design looking right but. Im not really an illustrator but I drew the radio and other design elements and re-touched the shape of the sofa. The only original stock graphic was the wallpaper pattern.

See it here http://ashmoors.co.uk/index.php

I've got to call him back today, any advice would be appreciated.

Schnookums Mar 4, 09, 7:35 a.m.

Any chance you can re-post the DJ Krush anthology from last week's FMT again?

I only got half of it.

Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 Feb 27, 09, 6:52 a.m.

Anyone used it?

I've got a D70 and want to display the viewfinder on my screen. With Camera Control Pro 2 I can only display the image after I release the shutter.

ahh! Im doing a photoshoot! Feb 19, 09, 12:28 a.m.

Ok guys, I've just promised a client that I'd be

'more than happy to come over, set up a few lights and re-shoot your product photography!'

Only thing is, I haven't touched a camera since college...

Any advice? I can borrow a digital SLR and tripod. Not sure about the best way to light and isolate the background.

The subject is furniture replacements for stuff that can be found here http://d445318.he94.hostingessen…

Ginger Zebra Feb 19, 09, 8:52 a.m.

Love it! http://www.gingerzebra.co.uk/

: or ; Feb 16, 09, 2:11 a.m.

Is it me or can nobody agree on whether a list should begin with : or ;

I keep getting copy for customers with lists like this:

'...several pairs of socks were missing at the crime scene including; six green ones, 2 blue ones and a lone grey.'

I always change it to:

'...several pairs of socks were missing at the crime scene including: six green ones, 2 blue ones and a lone grey.'

(More often and not they make me change it back!)

Is the ; version outmoded or are both right?

Mapping fabrics onto products? Feb 13, 09, 7:13 a.m.

OK - I've got lots of product photography like this:

I've been asked to texturize each product photo with the range of fabrics the manufacturer upholsters in.

I've been told that there is software in existence that can do this sort of thing.

Anyone have any good suggestions? (Vanishing point in Photoshop wont work, will it?)

Cheers y'all

Screen printing Books Feb 10, 09, 1:19 a.m.

I want to get myself a good book on screen printing for the beginner.

Any good ones? Preferably featuring beautiful layout/type and inspirational examples (if that's not too much of an ask!)

Which is best? Feb 2, 09, 8:57 a.m.

http://style-partitions.co.uk/ne…
or
http://style-partitions.co.uk/ne…

where to buy tracksuit? Jan 28, 09, 12:26 p.m.

I've going to a 80s roller disco next week and need to get myself a nice tracksuit.

Any ideas where?

I'm in the UK and yes, of course I've looked on ebay.

Is branding for an electrician folly? Jan 25, 09, 2:15 p.m.

Ok I've got the commission to re-do a local electrician's website, which is great but his corporate image is pretty bad and he has no content (usual story!)

The content is in hand (we're helping write stuff and photographer has been commissioned) but I've suggested that we do some corporate id work too.

Problem is another designer is handling the print work and he doesn't agree that branding needs to be done and has began to produce a promotional mailer and a few other bits for our mutual client.

So my problem?

I need to convince the client that the branding needs to be done AND override the opinion of another designer (who is seiner in years to me...)

The question is, am I correct in even suggesting a rebrand of this:

(Thrown together by the printer / customer digs how the bright colours make it stand out in a pile of business cards)

To this...

(An attempt to bring a classic element to this 4 generation family run business)

Am I even on the right track I wonder? Any feedback appreciated.

Do your worst!

Woo! We're changing our name! Dec 20, 08, 10:26 a.m.

My boss has finally agreed to change our company name from Internet Essentials to Universal Mode (or umode for short.)

The only thing is he's uncertain about the new name. Umode.

He's worried it needs to contain something about what we do (marketing & web design)

Im under the impression that it don't matter but I guess the worry is our clients wont get it.

Here's the proposed business card design too

What do you think?