I would also like to target this newsletter to you, including things which are of interest, relevance and importance – so, let me know what you think. If you have a specific topic you would like me to discuss, or questions you would like me answer please email me at jamie@bittersweetcreations.com and I will do my best to include it in the next issue.

Until then, please enjoy this first issue.

Graphic design is a form of communication that uses text and images to promote a message. Typography, image development and page layout are all important components of graphic design. Graphic design often refers to both the process by which the communication is created, and product that is the end result. Traditionally, graphic design has been applied to static media – books, magazines and brochures. However, since the advent of computers, graphic design has also been utilized in electronic, interactive media (multimedia). An artist who identifies as a graphic designer may involve themselves in your project in varying degrees – from consultation, to visual rough drafts, to final production. In commercial arts, strong concept, multiple presentations and edits, as well as mass production are usually required. It is important to find a graphic artist that can take you through all steps of the design process – from concept to mass production (if necessary) with a degree of expertise in all fields. This is one of the advantages we at Bittersweet Creations can offer our clients – strong design, an understanding of visual communication, as well as a working knowledge of the print process to produce your final design into a tangible marketing/advertising/merchandising piece.

Illustration, on the other hand, can be used as an element in a graphic design project. While it may seem on the surface that illustration is a small component of the larger graphic design project, the illustration gives the piece feeling, and meaning by communicating non-verbally a visual representation of the text of the overall design. Illustrations traditionally have been used to illuminate books, manuscripts, newspaper articles, and poems, but can be used in so many more contexts. Modern illustration is being used in poster design, print advertising, animation, comic books, video games, greeting cards, CD and DVD covers…the list goes on. Illustration can also be viewed as a stand alone work of art. Today, there is a growing interest in collecting and admiring original artwork that was used as illustrations in books, magazines, posters, etc. Various museum exhibitions, magazines and art galleries have devoted space to the illustrators of the past.