Surfing the Web
If you are like many consumers who depend on the Internet for your information, entertainment, and buying needs you no doubt have visited hundreds, if not thousands of websites by now.

On the other end of the world of websites, the Holy Grail for many web designers is constructing a website that is successful and popular. But where can you get this training?

Graphic Design Schools and You
For graphic designers, understanding the basic principles of web design is very valuable to have.

There are numerous courses that can be taken online, at graphic design colleges, and colleges that provide the essential career training necessary for this interesting field.

But what exactly makes for a successful web design? As we shall see in this series, the answer to this question varies and sometimes goes against conventional wisdom.

We’ll go over examples of popular and not so popular websites and try to shed some light on this subject now, and in the coming weeks.

Back to the Basics of Web Design
If you are struggling in coming up with a website concept for a client sometimes it’s a good idea to return to the basics as far as what the website is intended for. And ironically enough, the key points are primarily non-graphic related:

* What is the website for?
* Who is the audience for the website?
* How tech-savvy is the audience (website navigation).
* Does the design meet the needs of the user?

If you can correctly answer these questions, it may help to clear the fog and allow you to approach designing the website with “fresh eyes.”

Breaking the Rules: The Hits
Following basic website design principles can help you to create good websites.

But some successful websites have thrown out the book on Web Design 101 and have been quite successful. Breaking the rules doesn’t work all the time but it is a viable option for design ideas. Here are a few:

Less Is More
If a client came to you with a request to design a search engine website, you might go about it by creating the webpage with various search categories, helps and links to different topics.

You could add some nice graphics, some prime webpage “real estate” set aside for sponsor’s ads and perhaps to top it all off, you’d show off a nice animation.

But the top-ranked website in the world, which also happens to be the most popular search engine, took a totally different approach.

…………….

There are no graphics to speak of but it serves as a stroke of genius in design by implementing the most basic mechanism of how people search for things on any website; you merely type in what you want to find in a search box.

While this minimalist approach may be too drastic for your next project the underlying principle is very important; design your website so it is simple to use.

Low-Tech In a High-Tech World
Websites have evolved in a manner where they have become progressively complicated and feature laden. But as we see in the following example, low-tech doesn’t necessarily mean outdated or not useful as long as it works for the users.

……………..

Craigslist is the epitome of rule breaking as far as website design is concerned. It has no graphics to speak of on the main page, the layout seems crowded and lackluster, and it doesn’t appear to have much going for it.

One reason why this website works is because of its easy to use interface and user content. The layout of the website is non-threatening and the want-ads style is familiar to virtually everyone.

Next Time…
There are websites that do extremely well in their niche markets. Next time we’ll go over some of these examples and see what makes them tick. We’ll also take a look at some that have made changes to their layouts, but with less than optimal results.

So until next time, keep on designing!

Using Perspective as a Design Tool
Students of graphic design colleges learn to enhance or bring their graphics to life by using perspective.

Or in other words, making foreground objects bigger than distant objects that eventually end in a vanishing point.

Although this technique may seem rather pedestrian, it is a relatively recent discovery and was only developed after the 1300s.

3D Pavement Art: A New Perspective
Street art has been around for many years.

But the recent development of elaborate 3D pavement drawings has garnered a new interest in art for some. It is enjoyed and admired by many and in some cases, used as a vehicle for corporate advertising.

The specific method for this art is called anamorphic.

The art form seems unremarkable when viewed from various points, but if viewed from one particular angle, the image takes on an eerily three dimensional realism.

Inspiration from Street Artists
The impact of 3D pavement art is hard to gauge, but if reactions by passersby from around the world are any indication of its influence, we probably can safely say that these art displays are not only entertaining, but have inspired artists and graphic designers to improve their skills.

The Masters
There are several world renowned 3-D pavement artists who have influenced the look and direction of this art form.

Some of these artists have formal training from graphic design schools or colleges while others are self-taught. But regardless of where they received their education in art, it is evident that they are truly masters of what they do.

What you are about to view is art that was drawn on pavement. Click on each image for a full-sized look.

Edgar Mueller
Born on July 10, 1968 in Straelen, Germany, Mueller had an early interest in art as a young child and was intrigued by the many paintings of rural scenes of his town.

He has an extensive education in communication design but was most influenced by the 3-D street art of Kurt Wenner and Julian Beever.

In 1998 he was honored with the title of Master Street Painter, awarded at the Grazie Festival, the world’s largest street art festival. This title has been given to only a handful of artists.
.
……………………
.
………………………….
.
…………………………….

For more of Edgar Mueller’s work, go to his official website metanamorph.com.

Next Time…
We hope you liked Mr. Mueller’s artwork. Next time we meet we’ll display Julian Beever’s fantastic images. They are an inspiration to many artists and art admirers.

Until next time, keep on designing!

The Cost of College
Students deal with the challenge of paying for their education at graphic design schools in different ways. Some assume school loans, work part-time or receive assistance from relatives or parents.

But regardless of how you take care of your educational expenses, this burden can be made lighter through available grants and scholarships.

In this concluding article of Graphic Design Scholarship Basics and You we’ll provide some tips and direction on where to apply.
.
Scholarships and You
There are several important things to know when applying for scholarships or grants:

Neat and Complete - Be very meticulous when filling out your forms and be sure to supply all materials and documents that are asked for. Turning in a sloppy or incomplete application may not disqualify you, but it certainly puts you in a less positive light with the scholarship committee.

Read the Fine Print - In some cases scholarships or grants have conditional clauses that may exclude you from being eligible. Things such as your country of residence, low GPA scores or wrong area of study can be deal breakers. Be sure you read all the fine print.

Don’t Miss the Deadline - Note that some grants and scholarship programs are run annually at specific times. If the due date for applications is past you can always apply for the upcoming scholastic year for your graphic design college classes.

Is it Worth it to You? - The application process can vary. Some scholarships only require a completed short form and a letter of intent, while others require an extensive amount of information and preparation. For scholarships that require more time to assemble an application package, you must make sure you have the commitment to follow through.

Scholarships and Grants
The following links will lead you to specific scholarship and grant opportunities. These websites give you information on how to apply, what to submit, and the duration of the funding. Good luck!

The Alfred G. & Elma M. Milotte Scholarship Fund
“One-year grants of up to $4,000 - To individuals who share their enthusiasm for exploring, chronicling and spreading the magnificence of the wilderness through artistic communication.”

Women’s Studio Workshop Residency Grants
“WSW offers a variety of Artist-in-Residence opportunities. WSW Resident artists will receive 24-hour studio access, technical and production assistance, on-campus housing, travel per diem, a materials stipend, and a weekly personal stipend during their stay.”

Samuel H. Kress Foundation
“…Awarded to art historians and art conservators in the final stages of their preparation for professional careers, as well as to art museum curators and educators.”

Scripps Howard Foundation
“The Foundation offers a number of scholarships to promising young communicators, many of which are endowed scholarships provided through endowments set up with specific universities over the years.”

National Endowment for the Arts
“In most areas, funding is limited to organizations. (Direct awards to individuals are made only through Literature Fellowships, NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships, NEA Opera Honors, and NEA National Heritage Fellowships in the Folk & Traditional Arts.)”

IFDA/EF Scholarships and Grants
“Enhancing the furnishings and design industry — IFDA/EF scholarships require a major in interior design or a related design/furnishings program unless noted.”

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation
“…a not-for-profit, private, industry-directed organization that dispenses undergraduate college scholarships and graduate fellowship assistance to talented men and women interested in graphic communication careers.

For more information on other scholarship leads and opportunities see part two of Graphic Design Scholarship Basics and You.

Until next time, keep on designing!

Wisdom from Real People
We conclude this series of The Wit and Wisdom of Graphic Designers and Artists with some of our favorite insights by individuals who have “paid their dues” in the creative arts.

The quotes come from people in the artistic disciplines of sculpture, writing, architecture, and graphic design.

We hope these gems of wisdom will not only cause you to smile a bit, but get you thinking about this thing we call creativity. So without further ado, here are the words of wisdom.

“A camel is a horse designed by a committee.”

- Sir Alec Issigonis, designer of the Mini Cooper automobile

The old saying of “Too many cooks spoil the broth” is sometimes all too true during the formative stages of design. Too many ideas from too many people can ultimately hurt a project. Input from others is a good idea but it is ultimately up to you to choose what works and what doesn’t.

“Technology over technique produces emotionless design.”

- Daniel Mall, interactive art director and designer

In an age where computers are involved virtually in every area of design, we should be aware that technology is only a tool for creativity but not creativity itself. Let’s not forget that we are responsible for designing; computers render them.

Good design is all about making other designers feel like idiots because that idea wasn’t theirs.

- Frank Chimero, graphic designer and author

Although a bit harsh in wording, it’s a humorous way of looking at graphic design. When other designers start to say, “Wow, I wish I thought of that!” you know you’re doing something right.
.

“I never design a building before I’ve seen the site and met the people who will be using it.”

- Frank Lloyd Wright, architect

Frank Lloyd Wright produced amazing buildings with his architectural flair. But even with all his talent he realized that design may not mean a thing without proper planning and research regarding the purpose of the design.

“You can’t depend on your eyes, when your imagination is out of focus.”
-Mark Twain, American writer

Have you ever attended a brainstorming session where an individual starts to propose ideas that are totally off base? In some cases thinking outside the box is beneficial, but the ideas need to be based upon the project parameters.

“I am still learning.”
-Michelangelo, artist and sculptor

How could an accomplished sculptor and artist say something like that? If anyone had the right to say they didn’t need any more education, certainly Michelangelo would be a prime candidate.

His brief but revealing comment should be emblazoned upon the hearts of all artistic individuals because once we think we know it all; that is the day when our creative growth stops.

A sound education at a good graphic design school can help in building a solid foundation for our career training.

Continued education classes and courses at graphic design colleges or universities can help us to remain current in our knowledge and skills in graphic design. One thing is certain, if Michelangelo felt he was still learning, we have no excuse not to!

Design a Home for the 21^st Century
Are you a graphic designer and a fan of architecture? Are you interested in trying something different with your design skills?

Or perhaps you are an architecture professional or student. If so, now is your chance to stretch your creative muscles and apply your talents in the FreeGreen New Home Design Contest.

The contest is seeking entries from designers that demonstrate the concept of “affordable luxury” in homes. In the words of the contest sponsors:

“…home owners still desire livable, ascetically pleasing, and luxurious homes, but now need these same concepts implemented into smaller more affordable residential structures.

“This creates the perfect opportunity for the design community to take charge of this challenge and be the first to create new home designs, and design delivery methods that meet today’s restraints and requirements.”

Choose Your Venue
Contestants have the option of choosing between two design profiles: a traditional single family home or a modernist retreat.

Your draft must identify the climate region the home is designed for and cost $220,000 to $410,000 to build. All entries must fulfill the required square footage requirements for each design profile.

To see a summary of the requirements for each profile, follow these links:

Traditional Family Home
Modernist Retreat

Please note that certain contest assets and details will be only available after contest registration. The cost of the entry/registration fee is $50.

Judging and Prizes
The winners will be selected from the votes for best design from the public and a jury comprised of industry professionals. According to the official contest rules, prizes for this competition are:

Best in Show ($5,000 Prize)

* $5,000 Cash - For the best design across both contest profiles.
* The implementation of your design into a true house plan (full construction document set) by ….FreeGreen, to which you will retain the rights.
* Your winning house plan will be posted on the FreeGreen for-sale House Plan Web site, Better ….House Plans.

Best in Class (Two $1,000 Prizes)

* $1,000 Cash - For the best design in each profile (the Best in Show Design is excluded)
* The implementation of your design into a true house plan (full construction document set) by ….FreeGreen, to which you will retain the rights.
* Your winning house plan will be posted on the FreeGreen for-sale House Plan Web site, Better ….House Plans.

Final Details
These links provide important information regarding the FreeGreen Home Design Contest:

The Official Contest Site
Contest Schedule
Contest Rules
FAQs
Registration Page

The entry deadline is September 1, 2010. Send any questions about this contest to WhosNext [at] FreeGreen.com. There is a $50 entry/registration fee required to participate in this competition.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Calling All Designers
The Seoul International Design for All Competition is a unique opportunity for designers from a broad range of design backgrounds to compete for cash prizes and awards.

Seoul, Korea has been designated World Design Capital 2010 and is celebrating this honor with a design fair and contest.

The Design for All competition’s objective is to provide an open forum for all designers, regardless of their specific fields of expertise, to share and present their creations.
.
.
The Entry Categories
According to the official website, designers may submit their work in the following contest categories and their respective sub categories:

* Product for All
- Product
- System
- Fashion
- Craft

* Communication for All
- Graphic
- Advertisement
- Moving Image
- Animation

* Space for All
- Interior
- Environmental Design
- Architecture

Awards
Various cash prizes totaling $26,000 USD plus contest award certificates will be given to the winners of this competition. According to the contest sponsors, the awards are:

* Golden Haechi prize: one winner, US $10,000
* Silver Haechi prize: three winners, US $2,000 each
* Bronze Haechi prize: five winners, US $1,000 each
* Iron Haechi prize: max. ten winners, US $500 each

* Honorable mention: within two hundred people, certificates for each
* People’s choice awards: twenty winners, certificates for each

How to Enter
Perspective contest candidates must first register at the official website. Submissions are to be uploaded to the entry website with a valid free account.

The deadline for submissions is July 13, 2010. There are no entry fees for this contest.