Graphics

Today you will check out some tips and techniques widely used by designers and artworkers, and that are worth being reviewed by you, graphic reseller, who often ends up creating the art for your customers without an in-depth knowledge of graphic design software.

So, if during the creation process you get that feeling that the graphic art is good, but could be even better, just be inspired by these tips! These are some of the main types of effects used in image creation and some tips on how to use them.

The intention is not to make a step-by-step of how to apply them (even because you don’t need advanced knowledge to use them), but to show how these effects can transform a simple print in an attractive advertisement that provides a high effectiveness!

Light and shadow

The light and shadow effect can help to highlight some elements of the graphic art or main details (like the name of the store or service), and especially to create illusion of depth in the image. In many cases, only with the variation of colors between a light and a slightly darker tone is it possible to provide the lighting sensation.

For 3D elements, the play of light and shadow is essential. Experience the game of light and shadow on business card logos and slogans, stickers, magnets, and card symbols and create amazing graphic arts using this effect!

Gradient

The gradient is also known as degrade, because it gradients the shades of colors (they can be of several colors or of tones of only one color), and its main function is to create a sensation of illumination in art. There are several options for the direction of the color gradient: from left to right, from center to ends, mirror, spiral, among others; and each one can make the graphic art very different only with the change in the direction of the gradient.

This effect makes a big difference in any graphic material, especially in corporate and institutional materials such as folders, inserts and magazines. So use it without fear!

Lens

The lens effect is becoming increasingly known due to the use of this type of lens as an accessory in cell phones. It is the popular fisheye lens, which provides distortion in photographs. The effect can also be added digitally to an image, becoming similar to a magnifying lens, blurring the elements at the ends of the image and making it easier to see what is highlighted.

This effect is widely used to highlight information and give emphasis to some specific content. In folders, posters, banners and canvas for promotions and settlements, usually the technique is applied to give more emphasis to certain information. One tip is to use it in prices, giving the illusion that only with the magnifying lens it is possible to see such low prices.

Transparency

The transparency effect can and should be used on several occasions. Two images can be combined with the gradual transparency, making the transition between them smooth and leaving the print with a modern and attractive look.

The combination of images through transparency can also create an effect similar to that of a watermark, and with this application it is impossible to identify which of the two images is the watermark.

The result is an attractive and differentiated graphic art! The transparency effect can be applied on several types of prints: postcards, notebook and envelope covers, page markers, among others.

Filters (use them carefully!)

Besides being easy to use, the filters represent a quick way to personalize photos and images, and every day there are more options with new tones, textures and contrasts that bring good results.

So it is worth remembering that the use of this feature depends on what kind of work will be produced. For a technology company, for example, it might not be ideal to use this feature.

In other words, everything depends on the type of action intended. Analyze your need, understand the objectives and target audience of the campaign, request the colors and elements of the brand’s visual identity and get all the information that is possible.

Image quality provides better results

It’s no use choosing any image in an internet search and applying some filters and effects believing that the printed material will be excellent. Images with low resolution result in poor quality prints. Think, for example, of that work that needed to be reproduced/reprinted because of the low quality of the final product. On the computer monitor, the graphic art looked perfect, right?

And keep an eye on the photos! Besides good resolution, they should have good light conditions, framing and focus. The secret is that all these effects should add a differential in the graphic material, and not be used to correct technical conditions of the file. Take advantage of these tips and put them into practice right now!