Design Presentation

NC Software Up 7% Worldwide to $1.4B in 2007 - CIMdata

2008-05-12T03:26:00.000-07:00

Consulting and research firm CIMdata Inc. estimates that based on end user payments, the worldwide NC software and related services market grew by 7.2% in 2007 to reach a level of $1.4 billion. Moreover, CIMdata estimates that in 2008 these payments will further increase by 7.8% to reach a level of $1.5 billion. If so, this will be five consecutive years with a growth rate of 5% or more. There was no growth from 2000 through 2003 when the NC software market was in a recession. Since then, this market has shown steady growth as global economies have improved, there has been worldwide growth in sale of machine tools and manufacturing output, greater emphasis is being placed on efficient operation of machine tools as manufacturing firms must enhance their competitive position, and the overall PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) market, of which CAM is a component, has shown strong growth. Read more here.

FormFonts to Offer Graphisoft GDL Models

2008-04-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Graphisoft and FormFonts 3D have teamed to provide high quality ArchiCAD Geometric Description Language (GDL) models online to ArchiCAD Users.

FormFonts, the leading provider of high quality Google SketchUp models, is partnering with Graphisoft to develop, host and share GDL building content libraries. These libraries include both generic and manufacturer specific content for residential, commercial and institutional projects such as hospitals and research laboratories.

The GDL objects found on FormFonts can be placed into ArchiCAD’s 3D workspace and once placed they can be edited at any time, including modifications to color, material or any other parameter setting. GDL objects are information containers that carry 2D and 3D geometry, product logic and behavior, parameters, material definitions and an object-specific user interface. Unlike other object libraries in the building industry, GDL objects take full advantage of parametric technology allowing the user to create many variables from one single object. Read More Here

Twisting Pixels Releases ArtStudioPro CLASSICO for Natural Media Creation

2008-03-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

Provided as both a Photoshop plugin and standalone application, this is the third edition in the Natural-Media line.

Natural media software either lets users create new works using tools that replicate traditional media such as oil paints and watercolors, or provides a way to transform existing images into ones replicating such media. Twisting Pixels' ArtStudio products fall into the latter category, with earlier editions providing color pencil, crayon, marker, oil paint, chalk and similar traditional effects.

CLASSICO differs by allowing the user to transform an existing image or photo by applying hundreds of hand-painted Artistic Edges, coupled with a Painted Background. Edges can also be combined, to create a wide variety of new effects. Cracked and aged paint effects can be employed, and there are several predefined "looks" for quick image transformation. The most ambitious of these is dubbed DaVinci and applies a mix of adjustable, organic tones and textures, as well as providing control over the curvature of lines in the image. Also of note is Vintage Scene (shown at right), which applies a mix of soft tones and textures to create a misty, nostalgic effect.

The ArtStudioPro CLASSICO application, and Mac and Windows plugin for Photoshop CS3 and earlier, can be purchased on the Twisting Pixels site for $99.95. A trial version is also available for download. The news originally published here

Sue Kagan to Support Zweave for Apparel Fit, Design

2008-03-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

Zweave Inc, the leader in on-demand design automation solutions for product development organizations, announces today its partnership with Sue Kagan Design a leading consultancy in apparel Fit and Sizing. Sue Kagan Design will offer Zweave’s PLM clients fit and technical design business process expertise to support the implementation of their PLM software.

“In the chain that links design development to production, no link has been more difficult to integrate into a PLM software platform than Technical Design and the Tech Pack. The Tech Pack has stubbornly remained rooted in a combination of spreadsheets, email, CAD and PDM” says Sue Kagan.

“Zweave’s Fit Studio gives Technical Designers access to the tools and templates needed to create, share, and re-use fit information from Points of Measure, patterns, grades, construction details, sketches and Tech Packs to the latest in 3D design in the most user friendly and compressive web based model available. This is the right combination of tools and the right approach to PLM for apparel manufacturing.”

PhotoshopCAFE Releases HDR and Photoshop Training Title

2008-03-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

The popularity of High Definition Range imaging (HDR) continues to increase, as photographers and designers seek more control over the look of their imagery. Graphics.com has reflected this in many news items and tutorials, such as Lighting Without Lights and An Introduction to High Dynamic Range Imaging.

The PhotoshopCAFE.com site has for many years been a popular destination for Photoshop users, due to the graphical talents and Photoshop skills of owner Colin Smith. A talented designer in his own right, Colin is known to many for his articles in Photoshop User Magazine and Web Designer Magazine, as well as over 18 books and many public appearances. Colin has also released a string of tutorials under the PhotoshopCAFE imprint, the latest of which is HDR & Photoshop. Read more at Graphicsnews.

Society of Digital Agencies Launched With Adobe Sponsorship

2008-03-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

While there are many long-standing organizations to represent members in the domains of marketing and design for traditional media, the digital design profession is a rapidly-developing world with its own opportunities and concerns. So the impulse to create a new entity that can advance the profession through knowledge sharing, education, advocacy and guideline creation makes sense. It's also coherent that Adobe would take the role of offical launch sponsor, given that its tools play a large role in such content creation.

SoDA will meet regularly to address issues such as technical complexity, rapid changes in content distribution, scaling issues, timelines and technology's impact on budgets—all of which effect the quality, innovation and accessibility of digital media.

Are you designing it right?

2008-03-05T01:47:00.001-08:00

Every company or organization is uniquely defined by its logo and a logo represents the company and the products/services related with it. When it comes to buying of products and services, people generally relate the logo with the products. Originality plays an important role in logo designing. For a good logo, colors, fonts and a meaningful icon are a deciding factor. A thorough research backed with creative thinking and supported with deep designing techniques goes into making a creative logo. A business with an innovative logo will have an edge over other businesses.

The logo is used in a variety of activities including:

Representation of business, products and services
Online promotion of company and products
Business branding
Business identification

Some companies do not support the concept of logo or even if they do, the logos are either badly created or copied from some other company. This only leaves the company with bad reputation. A bad logo is not done with good thinking and not much of the time is spent in designing it.

A good logo designing requires good designing skills accompanied with lots of research. Logos demand a high price because of the research and skills and involved, also logos separate a company from its competitors. A logo designer plays key role in branding the product with the company. A good logo should have the following:

It is simple: Don’t overcrowd the logo with text and circles instead leave an imprint on the onlookers mind.
Unique: Brand recognition is created with a unique logo.
Consistency: Colors, fonts and layout, all these elements contribute to good-looking logo.
Immediate impact: This aspect of logo designing is very crucial; the logo that is created should leave an impact on the visitors. An effective logo grabs the attention of an onlooker.
Suitable: A company selling sports goods online must have an effective “sporty” logo. The logo should be related to the sporting goods and colors play a vital role here.

Thus, the logo forms the foundation of your business and helps in the overall promotion of the services.

Tia is working with DesignPresentation Associates and writes articles on a number of topics including logo designing, graphic designing and web graphics. For more information visit http://www.designpresentation.net

5 Brochure Design Tips

2008-02-11T02:39:00.000-08:00

Does your product line upset you or make you feel unhappy? Do you think there is some problem with your products? Well, you may be wrong, yes, chances are you need a new brochure and not a new product line. To project your corporate identity and brand positively, a good brochure design goes a long way.

Your company brochure introduces your entire company. It encompasses your entire product offering and production. A brochure is an important marketing tool, which is essential for every business. Customers and clients are influenced more than ever by the visual presentation of your products and services.

An influential brochure design is more likely to be read and remembered. For a good quality design, follow a few simple and essential tricks.

1.A brochure must be brief:

It must effectively communicate the most important fundamentals about your business and your products or services. For example consistency in use of colors, shapes and sizes should be maintained. When reviewing the brochure for the last time, double check for colors, bullets and lists (if any)

2.Highlight the most important point to make it stand out:

There are certain elements or areas in a brochure, which need to stand out. Areas such as CALL NOW or TAKE DISCOUNT OFFER ADVANTAGE. Put these areas in either BOLD or ITALIC or enhance them to make them stand out from other areas on the page. Use a provocative statement at a different position on the page. Decorate the borders and outlines with some bright contrasting colors.

3.Use readable fonts:

In general, when you have a large amount of text, it is best to use a serif font because it is easier to read.

4.Make use of quality stock photos and images when required:

A creative and an impressive brochure will certainly attract a customer to your product. Check out internet sites which provide clipart and stock photos and when you find some use them in your brochure design. Some internet sites offer images and photos at very affordable rate.

5.Leave an impression:

It must leave a strong impact on the reader thereby, prompting the prospect to buy the offerings. The prospect should be left in lurch to know more about the company and its products.

A good brochure is not just enough, for strong branding, a combination of quality images along with outstanding marketing techniques is required. A good marketing mix can make or break the sales curve.

The author of the article is working with a brochure design company, www.designpresentation.net offering brochure design services, magazine designing and newsletter designing.