Tools of the Trade
Things you might find in a graphic designers office…
Recently I had a brand shoot with about 10 photographers… I know, why the heck do we need a whole team?
It was actually a brand shoot workshop run by photographer Maddie Peschong for the Reset conference. It was such a good experience and everyone was so sweet!
But I had a moment in the brand shoot process that got me thinking… Before the shoot Maddie told me to gather some props: tools of the trade, things that reflected my brand… and my first thought was “ok, so bring my computer…?”
And then it hit me, I have SO MANY tools in my design and branding arsenal! At first you may think graphic design is a purely digital game… a computer, maybe an ipad or tablet. But the thing that gives a brand or design DIMENSION is alllll the other analog tools that precede the digital work…
Here are a few tools, practices and processes that make the design of a brand unique, timeless & truly a work of art beyond typefaces and shapes on a screen!
Books:
While the internet is a boundless resource for inspiration, books remain highly invaluable for vetted inspiration, historical reference, and design guidance. Whether it's exploring the works of design luminaries, delving into typography fundamentals, or immersing oneself in the world of visual storytelling, books offer a wealth of insights and ideas that are trustworthy and tactile.
Printmaking:
The art of printmaking offers a special, tactile approach to image reproduction and experimentation. From linocut and etching to screen printing and letterpress, printmaking supplies create really tangible colors, textures, and imagery that can yield unique and captivating results.
Paints and Brushes:
Embracing traditional mediums such as paints and brushes imbues depth and authenticity into a digital design. Whether it be watercolors, acrylics, or gouache, these tactile tools offer color exploration and texture that can’t be achieved digitally, adding a layer of warmth and personality to a brand or design.
Paper and Sketchbooks:
The humble sketchbook serves as a sanctuary for brainstorming, thumbnailing, and exploring a TON of concepts really quickly. When you receive three logo options for your brand, you can bet there are pages FULL of graphite explorations and concepts that produced those options.
Collage:
Collage materials serve as a treasure trove of existing visual elements that can be incorporated into work to add depth, texture, and narrative richness. From vintage magazines and newspapers to textured papers and found objects, collage materials offer endless possibilities for creative expression and storytelling
Calligraphy Pens and Inks:
Calligraphy is a great starting point for custom lettering, labels and illustration. It’s a wonderful reference for how the hand naturally moves and produces shapes with a pen. These shapes cam begin by hand and be translated and traced into a digital format to create unique and authentic imagery.
Modeling Clay and Sculpting Tools:
Clay is a great exploratory tool when creating imagery, especially when creating 3 dimensional digital imagery. Being able to explore in space before producing images on a screen gives a ton of insight into how shapes interact with each other and with light so they can be more accurately translated into pixels.
Found Objects and Texture Samples:
Design is best when inspiration is drawn from the world at large. Found objects, texture samples, and other pieces of actual material can serve as visual stimuli for the creative process. Whether it's a weathered piece of wood, a vintage textile, or a rusty metal surface, these tangible artifacts can add texture to design and make it feel more genuine.
Traditional Art Supplies:
From pencils and markers to pastels and charcoal, all art supplies can provide design with a versatile toolkit for concepting really riveting visuals. These time-honored materials offer an intuitive means of expression, allowing for the exploration of form, color, and texture in a really true and efficient way.
As a graphic designer of COURSE I love working in the digital space. Computers offer a way to really quickly explore a lot of ideas and perfect a concept well. BUT, bringing the analog into a digital process makes the end result so much warmer, more personal and REAL. I love working with people and businesses to develop brands that are so unique to them, and using these tools helps me to create brands that are genuine & impactful.
Are you ready to take the plunge and work together to create a brand that is uniquely YOU? I have all the tools ready to go… schedule a brand consult and let’s get started!