Graphic Rhythms

by David Jones

Article by Mark Schwager

MOLDING TECH TIPS ™ 3-17-2007, Part & tooling designs…design for low cost parts, not tooling!

At MSINC, we see it EVERY DAY! It doesn’t matter if you are a corporate automotive design engineer or a person starting a new business with a great invention; designing plastic parts to keep tooling costs down instead of designing your parts with a focus on keeping part costs down and quality is the “perfect storm” for your long term success!

Lets face the ugly truth. Launching new products into the marketplace requires a significant amount of “up front” capital money and everyone wants, and needs, to get the most return (bang) for their capital investment dollar (buck). Competition is fierce. Material and production costs always go up….not down. And even if you have a great product with little competition, you are still competing for consumer sales dollars that are not easy to get and keep for the long term.

Ok, now that we agree that every company launching a new plastic product will need to spend capital investment money on tooling before they can actually produce the parts in production quantities, and we agree that they want the best financial returns they can get back from the investments they have made, lets take the next step and assume they will actually want to stay in business if the returns are what they expected. Now we are coming to the real heart of what this article is all about…staying in business by designing your products to allow you to get the greatest financial returns on your business capital!

Now, plastic product design is a tough job. The “idea” designers design to get the products into CAD very simply and speedily without much of any consideration for anything else and we often make major changes to their part designs to make them feasible for injection molding. The “beginner” designers send us designs that can be injection molded without major changes, but will require minor changes for molding. The “average” designer sends us designs that are perfectly OK for injection molding, but are usually focused on simplicity of tooling instead of the production injection molding process itself. Finally, the “advanced” designer sends us part designs that are not only free of change requirements, but have a clear focus on robust part features, uniform wall thicknesses and many other things that will lend to lower priced parts overall.

Here are a couple of “financially irresponsible design thoughts”…..and the problems with them…

“Tooling side actions like slides or cores are just too expensive”….WRONG! Too expensive compared to what? It is true that a “no action” mold will be cheaper than a mold with slides or lifters, BUT, in many cases adding features to your parts that require side actions can reduce the actual number of additional components needed in total product assemblies. Therefore, a financially responsible part design may require a slightly more expensive mold for itself, but completely eliminate the need for several additional molds!

“My part design doesn’t require slides so why are you quoting it with slides?”….because it will not run consistently, efficiently and defect free without slides! I see this ALL THE TIME on parts that are very deep and/or have ribs and require long ejection strokes. If your part needs to be molded deeper than about 1″-1.5″ deep on the core side of the mold, you may need slides on the outside of the part to release the part effectively during part ejection. You have to understand that lower part pricing depends on robust, problem free molding cycle times! Deep parts that want to stick in the core require ultra slow part ejection to keep ejector pins from pushing through or making un-sightly pin marks and sometimes slow ejection still isn’t enough. In order to help those parts eject smoothly and freely without slow cycle times and quality problems, those parts may require simple short travel slides on the outside of the part. BEWARE OF THE MOLD MAKER that says “the part is going to shrink to the core and away from the outside anyway”. Those guys obviously haven’t had to dig stuck plastic out of deep ribs in a mold that is already mounted in a molding machine!

In summary, FORGET ABOUT THE TOOLING when you are designing a product. Design the product with uniform wall thickness throughout, nice draft angles throughout, pick plastic materials that are readily available in the market place, remove un-needed plastic wherever you can….EVEN IF IT WILL REQUIRE SIDE ACTIONS!!! Remember, you only have to purchase the tooling once, and the tooling should be designed for MAKING PARTS quickly and problem free for your best financial returns!

Mark Schwager – MSINC, http://www.msinconline.com

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by dgray_xplane

An equal combination of creativity and expert skills are essential when designing a faultless website. First impressions count. Create the right looking web page with relevant information and visitors will stay on your website and explore within, however if the design and layout is poor and difficult to navigate, the visitors will quickly leave. A well-considered website with great web design will attract customers, encourage people to visit again and ultimately will boost online sales.

Web design is always going to be subjective but one thing remains true, and that is bad web design will reflect badly on your business. Good web design will reflect well. It is not necessary for the design to be complex because quite often the simple things work much better. Graphic design can also be used to great effect by introducing additional graphic design elements into the web page such as logos, images, colours, attractive buttons, flashes, characters and endorsements.

Designing for the web is different from designing for any other medium.

The skills required are vast but when you get it right the end result will be a website that is attractive, serves the purpose, promotes the brand, drives sales, provides information and above all an enjoyable experience. Graphic design and web design working together correctly is a powerful combination.

This is the internet era and people have access to websites almost everywhere on the planet. Today’s online businesses have the potential to be highly profitable without having to open a shop on the high street. This environment and online competition makes it challenging and to become more successful than your competitors you need to invest in a professional, experienced graphic and web design company.

Warren Creative have a professional, friendly team with years of experienced in graphic design and web design. Our web developers use clean and accurate code and work closely with the graphic and web designers as one unit. Our team is the combination of professional web designers, graphic designers, web developers, flash designers, web writers and illustrators, each of them experts in their area of work.

Web users today are very impatient and if they do not find the website attractive or the website takes a long time to load, then most people will click away. Our web design team optimize graphics, content, images and other files as small as possible without sacrificing quality. Our specialists use streaming media to reduce downloading time. We always remember the 10-second rule for site loading. When developing well-designed websites we always consider easy and effective website navigation. A simple, clear navigation can increase the clicks of the users which means increasing customers, sales, sign-ups or whatever your site is designed to do.

Warren Creative is a brand agency that provides graphic design and web design solutions and have extensive knowledge and experience in designing for print and the web. We offer clear tactical branding solutions and services for a complete cross-section of sectors and industries ranging from small businesses right through to large corporate companies. We help our clients to meet their objectives. Our approach is creative and practical with a professional, friendly service that is second to none.

1,000 Package Designs (mini): A Comprehensive Guide to Packing It In (1000 Series)

Packaging is everywhere you look—it’s in your refrigerator, your medicine cabinet, your closets, on the streets, in the stores, etc. Putting together a compendium of 1,000 of the best packages will offer designers a true array of inspiration and illustrate why people make the buying choices they make. The package of a product often times makes or breaks a sale—consumers are drawn to certain colors, graphics, and shapes, and this book will have plenty to offer of all three. This will be th

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The Design of Everyday Things

Donald Norman’s best-selling plea for user-friendly design, with more than 175,000 copies sold to date, is now a Basic paperback.”Provocative.”–Time magazine Anyone who designs anything to be used by humans–from physical objects to computer programs to conceptual tools–must read this book, and it is an equally tremendous read for anyone who has to use anything created by another human. It could forever change how you experience and interact with your physical surroundings, open your ey

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by RSNY@DESIGNCOLLECTOR

is an art. Designing website needs lots of creativity and intelligence. Web designers get opportunity to reveal their ability by creating distinctive website every time. Web Designing task is going challenging day by day for . This because lots of competition in the field of web designing. In this challenging period only proficient and highly experienced web designers can go ahead by offering unique and unbeatable to their clientele.

There are numbers of available all over the world for designing different types of website with ability in designing various types of websites. If someone wishes to prepare his own personal website or preparing corporate website he will first consider his budget for website. For example, if quotes at an economical rate why should he need to go for professional company? This is a common question arise in mind of every one, right?

– There are various types of website and for designing different type of web design need special expertise in each area. An experienced web design company has team of professionals such as web script writer, graphics designer, and Artist.

– It is also essential that have team of expert . Nowadays mostly all website are eCommerce based such as shopping cart, portals, B2B and B2C applications are very common today. need highly qualified and skilled web developers such as .NET developer, PHP Developer and many more.

– When team of web designers and web developers work together they can definitely crate an . This is the most important reason for opting corporate web site designer for creating custom website or corporate website.

– Corporate web design or business websites needs lots of attention. It requires numerous efforts to make it successful globally. can make it lucrative by offering their long term know-how and ability.

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Nowadays provides all such expertise to their valuable customers. We are well experienced offering unique and ideal services such as Ecommerce, Business IT Solution, Website Marketing Strategy and many other web services. Our specialty belongs to serve unique creation to each customer.

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Thinking with Type, 2nd revised and expanded edition: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Design Briefs)

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Our all time best selling book is now available in a revised and expanded second edition. Thinking with Type is the definitive guide to using typography in visual communication, from the printed page to the computer screen. This revised edition includes forty-eight pages of new content, including the latest information on style sheets for print and the web, the use of ornaments and captions, lining and non-lining numerals, the use of small caps and enlarged capitals, as well as information on ca

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by Aranda\Lasch

Just the other day I received a question on from Adam at :

Which got me thinking about how difficult it was for me and some of the fellow graphic design students I studied with to get a job in the design industry back in 1999 (yes that long ago!) straight out of design college. I snapped up a job with a Central London design agency in Soho within 2 weeks of leaving college but looking back it wasn’t really the right job for me then. Though just 13 months later I changed positions and worked for a great design agency based in London Bridge and learned a huge amount as well as working on lots of different types of projects as a designer.

Anyway competition was fierce then BUT the amount of graphic design and other design courses available in art colleges and universities up and down the college has grown hugely since then.

So here are a few tips on (like Adam asked) “how to get into the UK Design industry”

Having a great design portfolio is a must. To be honest your design portfolio is the most important thing on this list, its what you’ll mainly be judged on. It must be well presented and include at least 6 or more design projects. Think about the kind of work the agency your applying to does and try to tailor your portfolio towards that. For example if they specialise in corporate identity and branding work try to include work of this kind.

Be ready to talk about your design work, what inspired you, why you approached the project in the way you did, even choice of typeface, colours, imagery etc. Show them some of your sketchs and development work, some agencies what to see your scribbles more than the finished work as it shows your design process and how you think!

Before taking your portfolio along to job interviews, make sure you show it to a people (tutors, other design students) talk them through it, get them to ask you questions about your design work and respond with suitable answers. This will get you used to talking people through your portfolio, making you a more prepared for the interview.

Offer to do some work experience with a design company who’s work you really admire (for free if you have to!), even if its just a week then spend that week wowing them, making the tea, producing great work, take an interest in everything relating to that design company. It is a good way to get your foot in the door but also don’t be too pushy or cocky, you might think your a great designer but remember there is a big difference between design college and the real world!

If the company really like you during your work experience they might offer you a full time job!

Send your portfolio as a PDF etc to as many design companies (that your interested in) as possible, then after a few days give them a quick call to check they have received it.

Another alternative and one that worked for me is to approach a design recruitment agency. I contacted Major Players (there are many others!) when looking for a new graphic design position. They interviewed me and I took them through my portfolio and skills set, based on this they then contacted me when suitable jobs became available. This worked very well as they got me a new job within 2 weeks.

There isn’t one as such. Wear what your comfortable in but also look like you have made some sort of effort! That said I wouldn’t recommend turning up in a suit! Remember what you wear can be seen as a reflection of yourself and your design style or preferences.

Be yourself, be calm and open to discussing your work and the work of the design agency. Remember to ask questions about what work they produce and what your role would be. One thing I found useful was to ask if someone could take you around the studio, afterall that is where you’ll be working if you get the job and you need to see what sort of environment you’ll be working in. It also easier to ask questions as you move around and see how they work.

:
Remember to do some research on the company that is interviewing you, as they are likely to ask you what made you apply for a job with them, what sort of work do they produce, what awards have they won (if any), why do you want to work for them in particular?

:
Above all keep trying and keep looking at ways to improve your portfolio. If you go for an interview and they don’t give you a job, don’t worry, your work just might not be suitable for that particular design agency.

So hope this has helped, good luck!

Interior Design: Best of 2009. Fore more, visit: www.home-designing.com This is a video that features the best interior designs we came across this year. The designs featured in this video include the works of some of the world’s top interior designers, furniture makers and 3d architectural visualizers. As such we have not tried to limit the designs to any one room or space. So you are likely to find living room designs, bedroom designs, Kitchens, baths and even kids space design in this video. Hope you enjoy this!
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by kurafire

The fashion industry is filled with talented individuals with the ability to separate the trivial from what’s destined to become an indelible trend. They create everything from intricate bangles and handbags to stylish boots and one of a kind cocktail dress creations. Not only do fashion designers have a keen eye for fashion, they are also skilled at drawing and sewing, and they can fish a fine fabric out of thousands of yards of imitations. Although fashion designers are considered “out of this world” by all other areas of fashion and beauty industry, only a small percentage ever make it as far as Christian Louboutin or Vera Wang. Some may end up wading in a sea of bauble shops, while others might end up working on their creations in their spare time. Fortunately, there are ways to increase your chances of truly making it in the fashion design industry.

One of the top cities for fashion designers is San Francisco, California. While not every fashion designer “makes it” by moving, many do leave their hometowns and head to places like New York, Texas (yes, Texas) and California. While Santa Ana, California and Oakland, California are home to a large population of fashion designers, the majority of California fashion designers migrate to San Francisco. San Francisco fashion designers are the 3rd highest paid in the industry with an average median annual salary of $ 70,360, Dallas fashion designers are in second at $ 71,640, and at $ 72,280 New York fashion designers hold the number one spot. But that’s not all. Fashion designers have the potential to earn up to $ 117,120+ per year – if they have certain skills and knowledge outside of creativity.

For starters, it’s best to forget what you see on TV. Not all successful fashion designers are rich and famous. Some are just rich! Most fashion designers enjoy lucrative and fulfilling fashion design careers in apparel manufacturing, designing for boutiques and high-end clothing stores, and designing for big name brands. They also work in the performing arts (film, costume design) and in education. Fashion designers may also work on a team of fashion designers for other fashion designers and they may also work for themselves. Self-employed fashion designers may sell their own creations to stores, boutiques, and individuals. Here are the facts: 73.5% of all fashion designers work for clothing retailers and in textile and apparel; 32% of fashion designers work part-time, and 26.5% of fashion designers are self-employed.

Next, talent and creativity go a long way, but so does education. Currently, 73.2% of all fashion designers have at least some college experience or a degree. Here is a breakdown: 6% of all fashion designers have a master’s degree, 29.1% have a bachelor’s degree, 18.8% have an associate degree, and 19.3% have some college but no degree (this usually translates to a certificate). If you want to start out working with a designer or in a shop, most employers prefer an associate degree at the least. While an associate degree from an accredited postsecondary institution will not fetch the best opportunities or the highest salary, it will get your foot in the door. In addition to college experience, most employers prefer some work experience (an internship or apprenticeship would be helpful), a portfolio of your work, and solid computer skills. In addition, according to CollegeDegreeReport.com, the fashion design industry has seen an increase in computer-aided design (CAD). Because of this,  those wishing to enter the field must be computer savvy and aware of trends in technology.

To date, there are roughly 250 accredited programs in art and design. In San Francisco, visit the California College of Arts or the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising – the west coast home of Project Runway.

For more information about San Francisco, CA fashion designers or fashion design careers in general, please visit the following websites:

The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), San Francisco – http://www.aicad.org/

College Degree Report – Fashion Designers Career, Salary & Employment Info

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) – http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/

The U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics – http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos291.htm

U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences – http://nces.ed.gov/

by RSNY@DESIGNCOLLECTOR

Article by Interior Design London

Interior design consultancies understand the richness of light in all its forms. In London, lighting is crucial to interior design consultancies that need to create stunning results. In this, the fourth article in my series which I call “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I continue to draw on my experience working with some of London’s Top Interior Design Consultancies to explain this exciting area.

One London-based interior design consultancy that I admire has a saying that “a little forward planning goes a long way.” It’s absolutely true; professional interior design consultancies often try to think three-dimensionally and then focus on just a few foundational points in lighting design. First, the designer will assess the space to be lit, taking into account how the client will ultimately use it, its shape and size, and the emotional connection that is desired. The interior design consultancy will also evaluate the availability of natural light, which can sometimes be compromised in smaller London flats or offices. Next, the interior design consultancy will note the client’s preferred colour scheme and furniture designs, whether modern, imaginative or traditional. Subsequently, the interior design consultancy will try to identify the most attractive feature, whether an architectural element, such as extravagant coving, or decorative, such as an historic objet d’art. In London, homes and offices sometimes feature awkward spaces or ill-designed structures; these may be best left unlit. Finally, interior design consultancies will assess any practical dilemmas, such as limited access to a ceiling fixture on account of electrical work from the floor above.

Different London interior design consultancies will design lighting schemes in different ways. There are no hard and fast rules, but it is often beneficial to divide the lighting design into several components. Each lighting type gives its own character to a space and should be adjustable from day to night. London can be very seasonable, and so tunable lighting systems are key to accommodate both sunny summer days and rainy winter evenings. Interior design consultancies will have experience with a variety of different needs; certain rooms may need just a couple of lighting types, while complex spaces may require upwards of four. Professional interior design consultancies will work collaboratively with the client to build up the lighting scheme slowly in order to create a melodious balance.

In the next article in this series “DeLIGHTed by Design,” I will explain the three basic types of lighting.

by Cooky Yoon

Web site is a collection of the interrelated informative web pages. All these web pages will contain the information about the company or about the products and services offered by the company. If the web site is company specific then the should be same. As said before all these web pages are containing the information about the company and also about the services and products offered by the company. The basic purpose to is to create an online presence. If the web site pages are informative enough then it will be useful for the company to create an online presence.

If all the pages are informative enough then if the visitor will come to the site he or see can read the content. By reading the the and can have the brief idea about the services offered by the company. If your company is also providing products then you can give detail information about your products. So the customer will have the detail idea about the features and usefulness of your products. So web site is one of the most important assets for the company.

If your web site will not look attractive and colour scheme, theme and designs of the web site will not look attractive, no one will go to the internal pages and no one will read the content written on the page. So if you want your clients or visitors to read your content, your web site will look attractive enough. If the will be attractive enough and also eye catchy then visitor will go to the internal pages and will visit your site. If the font size is also attractive and readable then the client will read the content of your web site. So will play an important role to expand your business Locally, Internationally and Nationally.

To a creative and attractive website it is necessary to . If you will be able to from then it will be very beneficial for you. The reason is now a day the scenario is changed and the web designers from Sydney and have started to capture the market. As are expanding in Australia you will be able to find the designer who knows the . Today in web designing technologies HTML, XHTML, CSS, Flash, javascript, XML and DHTML are on boom.

If you will find one from Melbourne you will be able to design a really attractive and informative website for your business. To survive in the highly competitive market of all these companies are offering the at reasonably affordable cost with attractive promotional scheme. If you are not able to find a cost you can easily find from Sydney at very .

So just go online and by few clicks you will be able to find a or a .

Another look at the question and a riff on David Ngo’s video

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