About Graphic Design

MTV's New Logo: No More Music Television

2010-02-08T20:46:26Z

The MTV logo is not only one of the most recognizable designs in our culture, but also one of the most flexible. Whether rendered in the classic yellow and red, pinstriped or leopard print, the logo is always identifiable. This has given the TV giant the ability to keep their brand while using the 3-D "M" with the spray painted "TV" in countless ways. The story of this famous logo project from almost 30 years ago can be read on Frank Olinsky's website, one of the original designers.

For these reasons, I was surprised to first hear that MTV had redesigned the logo, until I saw they basically just cropped out the bottom text "Music Television." This change makes perfect sense, being that MTV isn't what it used to be. It's now the place for reality TV and "Cribs," not 24/7 music videos. Despite the change, the logo will still be just as flexible, able to accommodate unlimited graphics and photos as seen on this blog. What do you think of the change?

MTV's New Logo: No More Music Television originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 20:46:26.

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Managing the Web Design Process with Notable

2010-02-02T10:02:03Z

There are many project management systems out there, but Notable has found a niche by creating a great web-based application that focuses on design feedback. Geared towards web design, but certainly useful for all kinds of work, Notable allows you to take a snapshot of a website that includes the design, code and content. From there, multiple users can leave notes and feedback on specific elements of the page and discuss the design until reaching a final product. Read the full review.

Managing the Web Design Process with Notable originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 10:02:03.

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Featured Website: Grammy.com

2010-02-01T00:38:57Z

With the Grammy's wrapping up a couple of hours ago, it may seem like an obvious website to feature. However, it's not the just the show, but also the design of the Grammy site that caught my attention. Overall, the site has a very modern feel, with subtle background imagery and semi-transparent blocks of content used throughout the design. A clean rotating feature area, video highlights, and social networking links are highlighted, followed by a list of nicely styled blog posts. Gold type is used for headings keep that Grammy style, and features such a tag clouds give the site a current feel. Check out Grammy.com to see the design, and the winners, and be sure to visit about.com's entertainment channel for more coverage.

Featured Website: Grammy.com originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 00:38:57.

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The Internet in Numbers

2010-01-24T21:38:05Z

Pingdom has compiled a very interesting collection of Internet statistics from 2009. From the number of emails sent in a day (247 billion) to Internet users worldwide (1.7 billion) the blog post has a long list of stats in categories including social media and online video. While a lot of the numbers are estimates and pulled from sources all around the web, it's still an interesting read and a nice summary of the year online.

The Internet in Numbers originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 21:38:05.

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What are Estimated Taxes?

2010-01-18T20:31:20Z

Almost half the people who answered our recent poll about estimated taxes said "What are quarterly taxes?" Estimated taxes are paid throughout the year, avoiding penalties at the end of the year. Aside from keeping away from those penalties, they are also a great way to split up your tax payments rather than owing one large sum in April. Paying quarterlies is fast and easy, and can even be done online. Calculating them is also quick, as it can be based on your previous year's income.

What are Estimated Taxes? originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Monday, January 18th, 2010 at 20:31:20.

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10 Early Warning Signs of a Bad Client

2010-01-11T15:23:22Z

It's happened to many of us before... we take on job that turns out to be a giant headache and look back saying, "I knew it!" While you can never predict every terrible project experience, there are some red flags to look for. Check out these 10 warning signs that you are stepping into a bad client-designer relationship.

If you have your own way of identifying bad clients, please share your experience.

10 Early Warning Signs of a Bad Client originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 15:23:22.

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Webby Awards Extend Entry Deadline

2010-01-05T09:14:10Z

The Webby Awards has extended their entry deadline to January 29, 2010... so if you missed the deadline in December or just finished that next award winning site, now is your chance to submit. Personal and student work is still discounted with an entry fee of $150. Enter now at webbyawards.com.

Webby Awards Extend Entry Deadline originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 09:14:10.

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Reminder! Quarterly Taxes Due January 15.

2010-01-04T16:58:27Z

Graphic designers working as freelancers or running a business pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties and large payments at the end of the year. Don't forget to pay your 4th quarter 2009 estimates by January 15, and remember the rest of the due dates for this year. Please also answer our quick poll below.

Reminder! Quarterly Taxes Due January 15. originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at 16:58:27.

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What Are Your Plans for Your Design Business in 2010?

2009-12-29T08:42:33Z

The start of a new year is a great time to rethink or adjust your business plans based on results from the year. What are your plans for your design business in 2010? What will you do differently than last year? The same? Please share your strategy for the new year by filling out this simple form.

What Are Your Plans for Your Design Business in 2010? originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 at 08:42:33.

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Share Your Holiday Card Designs

2009-12-22T08:41:05Z

Last week, we went over some ideas for creating custom holiday cards and where to find some holiday fonts. If you have created a holiday card to send to clients, friends or family, please fill out this short, simple form to share your greeting card designs with the about.com graphic design community.

Share Your Holiday Card Designs originally appeared on About.com Graphic Design on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 08:41:05.

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