Orange Is the New Power Color by Alvalyn Lundgren
design

Orange Is The New Power Color

Historically, orange had limited use in Western culture. You don’t see it used often in illuminated manuscripts and Renaissance art. The last time orange enjoyed

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The Basics of Visual Balance by Alvalyn Lundgren
art

The Basics of Visual Balance

If you’re a designer or artist trying to wrap your head around what balance is all about, you’re not alone. Balance is sometime obvious, sometimes

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better design through abstraction by Alvalyn Lundgren
design

Create Better Design Through Abstraction

Abstraction is likely one of the most misunderstood techniques in design and fine art. In general, it’s confused with anything that’s non-objective, modern, postmodern, non-traditional,

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Optical Color Mixing

There are two ways color is mixed to make new colors. One is commonly known as admixing. The other is optical mixing, also known as

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Introduction to Light Logic

Light logic is a system of using value pattern to create the illusion of real space and form. It is simply the idea that light interacts

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5 ways to create a focal point
design

5 Ways To Create A Focal Point

[themeone_drop_cap letter=”T” color=”accent-color2″ /]here are, of course, more than 5 ways to create a focal point in an image or design. The big picture idea

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art

What Is the Bezold Effect?

Even if you’ve worked with it for years — on screen or on paper — you will always be in a learning mode when it comes to

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Making the Invisible Visible

There is a phrase: ex nihilo nihil fit. It roughly translates from the Latin as from nothing, nothing comes. Generally, this is a true statement; you

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design

Why Colors Do Not Match

On a recent identity project for a client, I had to send two related print pieces to two different printers, one online and the other

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branding

How Brands Are Built

People connect with brands the same way they connect with people. Brands cannot be developed and maintained without design. Branding is not design, but it

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design

What is Design Theory?

And why does it matter? Design theory involves the fundamentals and principles of creating visual communication and all types of art. It deals with how

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Should You Care About Aesthetics?

Are you more concerned about aesthetics or your bottom line when contracting design services? Designers – good ones – always care about how something looks. This

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The Sustainability of Paper

Like me, you’ve probably received email with a “Think of the forests before you print this.” appeal in the footer. We’re encouraged to go paperless

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They’ll Notice

Start-up businesses and organizations tend to hold themselves back in terms of establishing reputation and solidity by under-budgeting and under-investing in the brand-building graphics and

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Optimizing Your Business Card

Whether you’re a business owner, executive or staff member, business cards continue to play a leading role at events, in business and in the marketplace.

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Freedom Through Boundaries

During a downhill event at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, a contestant wiped out against the fence because she lost her footing on a turn.

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advice

Advice For Emerging Designers

…your process of emerging from school into the (design) profession needs to be as carefully framed and designed as any of your projects.

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Your Website’s Magnificent 7

Like any design, websites are experienced. Your goal should be to provide the best experience to the largest percentage of people who visit your site.

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Listening Is A Design Skill

Listening is related to empathy. Empathy is valuing another’s experience, and keeps the designer from creating something that is self-expressive.

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