Rivers By Design Studio

04/09/2023

02/11/2023

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is a powerful communication tool that enables individuals to create visually compelling content with various page layouts and hierarchy techniques.

It uses a variety of media, such as raster and vector images and typography, to create aesthetically pleasing projects that enhance the user experience.

Graphic designers must cultivate an understanding of the elements of graphic design, including color, texture, line, shape, size, and type. With this knowledge, they can create designs that convey the desired message while being visually appealing.

It is a vital tool for businesses to communicate their message and effectively create an engaging user experience.

02/05/2023

Do you, like most designers, have many fonts on your computer desktop? Then, when starting a new project, you sort through many fonts to find what you think are the perfect ones for said project. However, did you know that you can use ten fonts, mixing serif, non-serif, thick, thin, bold, and light, to accomplish the same as if you had fifty or more fonts? Truth!

For your next project, select ten fonts you like or use repeatedly. Then, challenge yourself to create cool typography, utilizing hierarchy, white space, mixing serif and non, or different non-serifs that are strong visually together.

01/10/2023

: What looks simple rarely is. There is usually a lot of planning, technique, design reviews, rejection and a few tear behind each one.

01/05/2023

Although we now live in a digital era of mobile/smart devices and are signed up to countless blogs, newsletters, and feeds, can they truly replace the feel and beauty of an informative graphic design book?

As designers, we must constantly reference things for each new project, like typography, font pairing, design hierarchy, color usage, and branding.

Who has the time to pour through countless articles, websites, and bookmarks to find the references and reminders you need for each project? No one!

Each new client I take on means refreshing or clarifying my approach to that project. That means a few good books on my shelf, most worn or dogeared from use, are my constant go-to and at-a-glance design masterclass.

By having them and referencing them, I know I will deliver the best design result for my clients.

Below are a few of my favorite books that I highly recommend repeatedly. Share in the comments what your favorite design book or books are.

Thinking With Type by Ellen Lupton -
Great for visual learners, engaging, full-color examples, and a good typography primer for beginners.

Designing With Type by James Craig and Irene Korol Scala -
Now in its Fifth Edition. Very beginner focused and easy to digest.

On Web Typography by Jason Santa Maria -
Excellent overview on typography and an easy read. Great for those who design for the web.

Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst -
A classic that will make you fall in love with typography.

How to be Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy - This book is an essential and informative read for anyone pursuing a graphic design career.

11/24/2022

May your plate be full, your environment bright and happy, may the drinks pour endlessly, and may gratitude fill your soul. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/22/2022

11/20/2022

It is important for all designers to remember and understand that perfection is unattainable. Trying to achieve perfection means you will always be unhappy because no one can be perfect a hundred percent of the time.

08/09/2022

It really is that simple

03/11/2022

Nice visual layout for a fashion spread.