Art vs Design

In fact, the difference between art and design is obvious, even though most people today see them as the same thing. As we all know, art is a human creation. It is a form of self-expression that gives people with artistic inclinations a way to satisfy their inner needs. In the process, they can create objects that either convey beauty or can evoke thoughts in others. Art has always existed, and all those objects that others admire and can share are classified as art. You can include sketches painted on cave walls, murals, statues, decorative ornaments, and even everyday objects that are artistically designed as works of art. This is why there has always been a debate about whether there is a distinction between art and design, or whether they are the same thing.

Take the simple case of buying a cell phone for yourself. Would you choose for personal use a cell phone that looks very ordinary, or would you rather choose a set that looks sophisticated because it was designed in an artistic manner? Or, for that matter, very ordinary-looking furniture? If your answer is an overwhelming “no,” you know why there is so much admiration and admiration for such sleek and beautiful things as works of art.

What is art?

Art is an opinion or idea that arises in the mind of the artist. The artist wants to communicate that idea to others. In order to do so, he creates art. Consequently, art conveys the message that the artist wants to convey. A typical art project starts with a blank slate. Then it becomes the art that the creator needs. The artist creates something new. Art is a product of innate talent. Art is also interpreted differently by different people.

What is design?

Unlike art, design starts with the right goal. A designer knows where to start. Also, the purpose of design is to convey a message or communicate something that exists for a purpose. That purpose can be to buy something, to find information, to create something, etc. The designer is not creating anything new.

Designers around the world know the tastes of end users, so they keep coming up with designs that are not only useful, but also appeal to the aesthetic sensibilities of the masses. Designers are always inspired by nature, hence by art. However, while striving to make products beautiful, designers do not forget about their effectiveness.

What is the difference between art and design?

1. Art is inspired by nature, while design is inspired by the aspirations of end consumers.
2. An artist is an innovator and a designer is not an innovator. The designer’s job is to make something better than what is already there, for example, to sell a product.
3. Art can have several interpretations. A design can only have one meaning. If it carries any other meaning, then the purpose of the design has not been accomplished.
4. The art of being considered good is the talent of the artist. That is, an artist is born with talent in the case of good art. However, to be a good designer creating good design, you need skills, not talent. In other words, good design is a product of learning, not innate talent.
5. An artist has no limitations, and he can paint the canvas any way he wants, giving wings to his imagination and using his skills.
6. But the designer is bound by the constraints of time, budget, and, of course, the likes and dislikes of the management who ultimately approves the design.
7. Art has no secondary use and is a means of self-expression, whereas design uses art and combines it with efficiency to create a product that is most useful to consumers.
8. In conclusion, designers are always attracted to design products in such a way that they are aesthetically pleasing. But this does not mean, of course, that art and design are without distinction.

Adobe Photoshop is the world’s most popular graphics editor, providing the user with a huge variety of tools for creating drawings from scratch as well as for processing photographs. With its help you can retouch photos, get rid of unnecessary items in photos, or replace objects. When it comes to hand drawing, Photoshop will be a great solution for artists because it is fully compatible with graphics tablets and is suitable for creating drawings. 

Let’s take a closer look at this program.

Creating a project in Photoshop

I suggest you go straight to the instructions on how to use the editor. To start with, you need to buy the program or download the trial version from the official site, which does not take much time and is not anything complicated, so I will not talk about it in detail.

Right after the installation you can start Photoshop and wait for the welcome window to appear. It shows up at startup (if it’s not disabled in the settings), displays recent documents with the ability to filter, allows you to open a project to work or create a new one.

If you click the “Create” button, another window called “Create Document” appears. It contains several preset templates with the orientation of the canvas, its size and other parameters. That is, you can use these settings to edit the parameters of the document style. For example, icons require a canvas with a fixed size (e.g. 64×64 pixels), leaflets can be A4 or any other standard size. All that can be specified when creating a document and you can start working with the right proportions right away.

The main elements of the interface

You can not get used to the program of this level quickly if you have no idea about the general elements of the interface, which have to interact in any way. I have divided them into categories, so that it is easier to understand what each of them does and to remember the functions that can be triggered by them. 

The top bar

The menu on the top bar is where most of the different items, options, and functions are found. The menu lists are displayed when you click on it with the left mouse button – so you can read the settings that are present and call one of them. Let’s take a look at all the menus on the top bar in order.

First is “File” – the name of this menu already makes its purpose clear. From here, you can start creating a new project, open an existing one, close the one you are working on now, or save changes. If you remember the hotkeys opposite each item, this will greatly accelerate the work process, because pressing a combination is much easier than clicking a few times with the mouse.

In the “Edit” menu, the most frequently used functions are “Undo” or “Redo”, for which hotkeys are also assigned. However, other standard actions are also present here: “Paste”, “Cut” or “Copy”. Don’t forget that in order to paste or copy an object, it must initially be selected. Pay attention to specific features, such as “Replacing the sky” or “Deforming perspective. The first tool automatically detects the sky in a photo and lets you edit its color. When you use the second one, you select the area to change perspective by yourself and rotate it with a pin, changing the angle at which the elements are represented in the photo.

I’ll talk about “Image” in more detail in another section of this article, when it comes to retouching an image and changing its appearance. But be aware that you can also use this menu to resize the canvas (and the image will be cropped if it’s larger than the parameters you set) or to do the same with the entire image. There are also functions for rotating the picture or creating a duplicate image.

The “Layers” list of functions is rarely used for working with layers since it’s easier to do that with a separate window, which I’ll talk about a bit later too. Most of the tools present here are intended for experienced users, because it’s unlikely that a beginner needs to create a smart object or a video layer. Note that you can also use this menu to quickly export the current layer to PNG or any other suitable format.

You use a separate panel for working with text that appears when you select the appropriate tool, but you can get more options in the menu of the same name to load more official fonts, adjust orientation, antialiasing, translate a layer into 3D, or change the language settings if the default ones don’t suit you.

When working with different objects in Adobe Photoshop, you often use a selection that you can’t quickly remove. To do this, you can use the function in the “Selection” menu, which also comes in handy for other tasks. It is used to select a specific object, the sky or a color range. Thanks to the built-in algorithms, all this is done automatically.

The available functions in “Filter” are useful if you are engaged in photo processing. You can use them to adjust distortion, change blur, stylize, remove noise or correct perspective. The interaction with each filter is intuitive, so all you have to do is select the appropriate one and change the parameters in a new window, which will affect the display of the photo.

The Window menu controls all available windows in Photoshop. A check mark next to an item means that it is now displayed in the working environment. Over time, you’ll come to understand what windows you’re missing, but for now you can use the list of available templates from the “Work Environment” item, selecting an option there for a particular type of activity.

Tool’s parameters panel

Let me tell you about the panel below where all the available parameters for the selected tool are shown. Their display depends on whether you’ve chosen a brush, text, or any other function in the panel on the left. Accordingly, you can’t cover them all in a single article, so I’ll discuss just the most important ones when talking about specific tools in a later section.

Toolbar

We’ll talk about the Toolbar later, but first I just want to tell you about its existence. You always see it on the left, and it displays almost all of the tools available, whether you’re making a drawing from scratch or editing a photo. If you left-click on each tool, additional properties will open, such as the ability to choose not just a lasso, but a magnetic lasso or a straight lasso (depending on your needs in selecting a shape).

Windows

Separately, let’s talk about the kind of windows that are displayed in the default workspace. Of course, you can change their position or disable them altogether if you’re not using color selection or working with object properties. This is done through the top panel menu I mentioned earlier.

The first window, Color, is for color selection when using a fill, drawing with a brush, or adding a shape. You can change both primary and secondary colors by switching between the corresponding tiles. This window has several tabs, to switch between them to select color swatches, add gradients or patterns to the drawing. All available options are sorted into groups, so it doesn’t take long to find the right one.

The “Properties” window becomes available only after you select a particular object. In the following screenshot, you see that the ellipse layer is now active (it’s framed with pins) and that changes in perspective and appearance are available for it. Use “Fill” if you want to change the color of the object, and “Stroke” when you want to add an outline. By the way, there are several options for the stroke, allowing you to choose its type, size, and line type.

Another main window is the “Layers” window. Each element on the canvas is created as a separate layer, but you can also manage them manually, for example, when it comes to processing a photo. The background is fixed and inaccessible for moving, and all the other layers superimposed on top of it are edited according to the user’s needs. If you right-click on a layer, an additional menu appears allowing you to delete it, create a duplicate, apply a mask or go to the blending options.

Basic Photoshop tools

Let’s proceed to analyze the purpose of the main Photoshop tools. We won’t be able to describe each of them in detail, so we’ll dwell on the principle of operation only, and you can check their work by yourself by creating a test project.

By default, the tool “Move” is selected, and its name tells you about its main purpose. Select any layer and use it to move it to the desired location on the canvas. Pay attention to the guides highlighted in pink – they allow you to maintain the proportions relative to the canvas itself or to other objects on it.  

Next is “Rectangular Area”. If you press the left mouse button on this tool, you can select a different type of selection: an oval, a vertical or a horizontal line. The way it works is that you select an arbitrary area as a specified shape on a layer and can copy, cut, or do other editing such as filling with color with another tool or using the eraser when you don’t want the object to extend beyond the selection. 

When it comes to an arbitrary selection frame, “Lasso” and all its types are ideal for that. You can use it to draw a selection on dots, use the magnetic type to attach dots at a color junction, or apply only straight lines.

In the next picture you can see the available types of this tool, which appear when you call the context menu.

Below you can see the “Magnetic Lasso” option for selecting a shape. As you can see, the automatically generated points cover only the ellipse and do not go beyond its borders. This will allow you to freely move the selected object, clone it, or cut it out.

If you find out when you work with a photo that it needs to be cropped because there is excess on the edges or there are other unwanted details that you need to get rid of, use the Frame tool to do so. It adds a frame to the canvas that you can edit by modifying the active area. Pressing Enter deletes everything outside the frame.

The “Frame” function is designed to fill the selected area with another frame. In the following screenshot, you can see that the example uses a circle with the ocean inside it, and the edges are perfect and nothing is sticking out. This is done by using this tool to first select the area for the placeholder, and then move the frame there. It’s literally done in one minute.

Try it, and I’m sure you’ll get it right the first time.

The graphics editor provides another interesting tool – “Pipette”. It is designed to take a color sample from an image. It comes in handy when you want to paint a certain area in the color you want, but can’t select it on the palette. Then temporarily move the image with the desired color to the canvas, select the dropper and click the left mouse button in the desired area. You’ll immediately see the exact same shade selected in the palette.

I’m going to skip the Dot Restoration Brush tool and talk about it along with another similar tool, as they are often used in the same circumstances – when processing photos, replacing one object with another, copying or deleting it altogether. Now let’s dwell on brushes, of which there are a huge number in Photoshop.

It’s clear that they are designed for painting, and almost everyone knows how to control them, because at least once worked in Paint. In the toolbar at the top, which I mentioned earlier, you can choose the type of brush, its size, drawing mode, opacity and pressure, which will be very useful for the owners of graphics tablets that are drawing in Photoshop from scratch. By the way, additional brush settings appear when you right-click in any area of the canvas. This way, too, you can quickly adjust its size, hardness, and type.

“Stamp” is exactly the tool I want to combine in one block with the “Dot Restoration Brush”. The former is designed to copy pixels from one area of the image to another. That is, you need to press ALT + LCM (click on the desired area), then it can paint in another area of the image, cloning or painting over the area in the same color, eliminating problem areas of the face or replacing objects in the picture.

The restoring brush should be swept over the area to be replaced. That is, the object will be painted in the color that is next to it. This is how you can remove moles or pigments on the face, make the sky clearer in the photo or get rid of other small details that are on a homogeneous background.

After applying the previous tools, you may need the “Archive Brush”. It restores the previous state of the fragment selected with it, that is, it removes all sketches, overlays, or replaced objects, returning the layer to its default state.

The “Eraser” works a little differently and comes in three types. The first type just makes the pixels transparent, the second is designed to paint them into the background color, and the third allows you to smartly remove an object. It finds contours and erases them completely, leaving other objects behind. One of the most popular uses of this tool is to remove the monochrome background on which the object is located.

“Text” is also used quite often, since Photoshop allows not only to draw or process photos, but also to engage in graphic design, make presentations, layout mockups and other projects where inscriptions are necessarily present. All fonts installed in the OS are picked up automatically, a new layer with text is created, and all the basic settings you’ll see on the top panel. After selecting the tool, click in an arbitrary area and start typing text. If it’s already created but needs editing, first select it and then change the parameters.

Separately, let’s talk about choosing geometric shapes. In Photoshop, there are five, but each can be edited with points so that a new, unique figure is created. Most often, drawing them is just what you need for presentations. Use the “Properties” window after selecting an object to make it transparent and leave only the outline, or make other changes I’ve already talked about when parsing this window.

Examples of Photoshop operations

Of course, the format of one article does not imply teaching Photoshop in its entirety, since there are thousands of different actions that can be performed in it. As examples, I’ll give you just two, I think, basic actions, and you, based on their examples, will be able to start working with your projects or at least understand in what direction you should move when studying this program.

Using overlay options

Above, I told you how to create an inscription, so I’ll use it as an example to show you how the blending options work that apply to individual layers with different objects. This can be any shape, text, or even a photo. 

To start, find the layer you want in the corresponding window and right-click on it.

From the context menu that appears, choose the first item – “Blending Options”.

This will open the “Layer Style” window, which contains all the available options. Their names are already clear, so I won’t describe each style in detail. Check the one you want to activate, and then click on its line to see the additional options.

As an example, let’s take “Shadow”. You can adjust the blending mode for it, set the transparency level, offset, size and span, and add noise.

In the following screenshot, you can see how the shadow is applied after making the settings. This is also how it will appear when you work with other shapes.

I also added an external stroke, set a different color for it and it turned out this.

This is the most trivial and simple example. With the overlay options, you can add glow, gloss or change the color of the shape, even adding gradients. All this is done through the described menu “Layer Style”.

Photo Retouch

The retouching of photographs in Photoshop is a complicated process that requires special knowledge and understanding of how the picture should look in the end. I will show you one setting that you can take as an example and see for yourself how it changes the look of a photo.

Use the familiar “Picture” top panel item, thereby bringing up the list of available options. I’ll edit the curves a bit with the corresponding option under “Correction”. If you think the image is too bright or lacks contrast, choose other settings and adjust them with the sliders.

In the new window, I’ll select the “RGB” color channel and decrease the green a bit, since the graph shows that it’s the most. Refer to it to see what colors are represented in the image and if any of them need to be cranked up even more. 

Saving the project

I will tell you how to save your project after you finish work, so that you can open it later and make changes. To do this, follow a simple algorithm:

Open the familiar “File” menu and choose “Save As”. If you use just “Save”, the project will be saved in PSD format. You can choose any location on your computer for it.

When you open the Explorer window, set the file name and choose the appropriate format for it from the drop-down list. It depends on the purpose for which the project was created.

Note that if you select JPG or other file formats, the next time you open the file in Photoshop, the layers will not appear and will be unavailable for editing. To avoid that, use the proprietary PSD format.

As part of this article, you learned how Photoshop works and what features it has. Of course, we can’t call this article a universal manual, because I have only described the most important moments that are used when interacting with this product. All other information I suggest drawing from reputable sources or even books that describe how to work with the program. 

Android is the most popular mobile OS, which is installed on millions of devices around the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are quite a lot of games, utilities, applications, including various Android Apps for designers. You can use them on average Chinese smartphones, top devices like the Google Pixel 2 XL, or Samsung tablets with the S Pen.

This article will be a kind of logical continuation of the selection of free desktop analogues of Photoshop, Illustrator, but only for the mobile market. The information here (as well as illustrations) is taken from that article. We have shortened the list a bit, choosing only the best solutions and those in which you can work without any financial costs. In total, there are a little more than 10 applications. To download design software for Android, you just need to follow the corresponding links in their descriptions.

There are a number of graphic design apps for Android that can help you with all sorts of design projects. Whether you’re creating a logo, a flyer, or just want to do some basic editing, there’s an app for that.

One of the most popular graphic design apps for Android is Adobe Photoshop Express. This app has a ton of features, including basic photo editing tools, filters, and fonts. You can also create designs from scratch, or use templates.

If you’re looking for a more basic design app, try Canva. Canva is very user-friendly and lets you create designs with drag-and-drop ease. It also includes a library of stock photos and fonts, and you can share your designs with others for feedback.

If you’re looking for an app specifically for logo design, try Logo Maker. Logo Maker has a wide variety of templates and tools to help you create the perfect logo for your business or project.

Finally, if you just need to do a quick edit of a photo or graphic, try an app like Snapseed or Pixlr. Both of these apps have a wide range of filters and editing tools, and are easy to use.

So, whether you’re a professional graphic designer or just starting out, there’s an Android app for you. These apps are easy to use, have a ton of features, and are perfect for any design project.

Infinite design

Infinite Design is a vector drawing app for iPad that offers you a near-infinite canvas to work with. You can create designs of any size by zooming and panning around the canvas. The app includes a variety of tools to help you create detailed designs, including a pen, pencil, and brush tool, as well as a variety of shapes and text tools.

One of the best things about Infinite Design is the way it handles layers. You can easily create and manage layers, and you can even merge and intersect them to create more complex designs. The app also includes a wide range of export options, so you can share your designs with others or use them in other projects.

Overall, Infinite Design is a powerful vector drawing app that gives you the freedom to create whatever you can imagine. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this app is sure to help you unleash your creativity.

Sketchbook Express

Sketchbook Express is a drawing and painting app for the iPad. It was created by Autodesk, the same company that makes the popular 3D modeling software, Autodesk Maya.

Sketchbook Express is a very capable app. It has a wide variety of brushes and drawing tools, and it can be used for a wide range of drawing and painting projects. The app also includes a layer system, which allows you to easily create complex drawings and paintings.

One of the best things about Sketchbook Express is its price. The app is free to download, and it includes a large number of features.

Sketchbook Express is a great app for anyone who wants to learn how to draw and paint. The app is easy to use, and it includes a wide variety of features.

Artflow

Artflow is a vector drawing and animation software package. It offers a wide variety of features, including the ability to create and edit vector graphics, create and edit animations, and create and edit text. Artflow also offers a variety of export options, including the ability to export animations as videos, and the ability to export vector graphics as PDFs or SVG files.

One of the most impressive features of Artflow is its animation features. Artflow offers a wide variety of animation features, including the ability to create keyframes, create path animations, and create frame-by-frame animations. Artflow also offers a wide variety of easing options, which allow you to create more realistic animations.

Artflow is a fairly versatile software package. It offers a wide variety of features, including the ability to create and edit vector graphics, create and edit animations, and create and edit text. It also offers a wide variety of export options, including the ability to export animations as videos, and the ability to export vector graphics as PDFs or SVG files.

Overall, Artflow is an impressive vector drawing and animation software package. It offers a wide variety of features, and it’s very easy to use. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to create vector graphics or animations.

Adobe Illustrator Draw

Adobe Illustrator Draw is a vector drawing app that enables users to create illustrations, logos, and icons. It has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for novice users.

One of the best things about Adobe Illustrator Draw is the wide range of tools and features it offers. Users can create vector illustrations using a variety of drawing and painting tools, including pencils, markers, and brushes. They can also add text, shapes, and images to their illustrations, and apply effects and filters to enhance their work.

Another great thing about Adobe Illustrator Draw is that it integrates with other Adobe apps. This means that users can easily export their illustrations to Photoshop, InDesign, or other Adobe apps for further editing and refinement. They can also share their illustrations with others via social media or email.

Overall, Adobe Illustrator Draw is a great app for creating vector illustrations. It offers a wide range of tools and features, and it integrates well with other Adobe apps.

Adobe Photoshop Sketch

Adobe Photoshop Sketch is a vector drawing and painting app designed for tablets and smartphones. It is one of the newer additions to the Adobe Photoshop family, and was released in late 2014. Photoshop Sketch is available for free on the App Store for iOS devices, and on the Google Play Store for Android devices.

Photoshop Sketch is a fairly basic drawing app. It has a limited number of drawing tools, and does not include many of the features that are available in the full version of Photoshop. However, it does include a few basic features that can be useful for basic drawing and painting tasks. These include a selection of brushes, layers, and blending modes.

One of the main benefits of Photoshop Sketch is that it is very easy to use. The app is designed for tablets and smartphones, so the interface is very intuitive and user-friendly. This makes it a good choice for artists who are new to digital art, or who are not familiar with the full version of Photoshop.

Overall, Photoshop Sketch is a basic but useful drawing app that can be used for basic drawing and painting tasks. It is easy to use and has a limited number of features, making it a good choice for artists who are new to digital art or who are not familiar with the full version of Photoshop.

Adobe Capture CC

Adobe Capture CC is a creative cloud application that allows users to capture and edit images and vector graphics. The application has a wide variety of features, including the ability to capture images from a webcam, sketch on a virtual canvas, and convert scanned sketches into vector graphics. Additionally, Adobe Capture CC allows users to share their work with other Adobe applications, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

One of the most notable features of Adobe Capture CC is the ability to convert sketches into vector graphics. This can be done by either drawing on a virtual canvas or by capturing an image from a webcam. Once the sketch is captured, the user is able to edit it by adding colors, lines, and other elements. The vector graphic can then be exported and used in other Adobe applications.

Adobe Capture CC also has a variety of built-in filters that can be used to edit images. These filters can be used to adjust the colors, contrast, and other aspects of an image. Additionally, the application includes a number of built-in fonts that can be used to create text-based graphics.

Finally, Adobe Capture CC includes a built-in sharing feature that allows users to share their work with other Adobe applications. This can be done by exporting the image or vector graphic as a PDF, JPEG, or SVG file. Additionally, the application can be used to create animated GIFs that can be shared on social media websites.

There are a lot of programs for graphic design: some better suited for beginners, and others for complex and large-scale projects. We prepared a selection of popular graphic editors for Windows, Linux and macOS, their features, pros and cons.

Vector and bitmap graphics

Some tools are suitable for working with vector graphics and others for raster graphics. Let’s explain the difference.

Raster images are made up of pixels that have color and coordinates. They include photographs, digital drawings, or photorealistic images.

Vector images are pictures which consist of a set of reference points and curves connecting them. They are usually logos, icons and technical drawings.

10 programs for graphic design on the PC

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a graphics editor for working with raster and vector images and videos. The program is optimized for Windows and macOS, and there are also versions for iPad and mobile devices.

Designer thinks that Photoshop is loved by novice designers because it has a free trial period, and there are courses and video tutorials online on how to use it.

Adobe Photoshop features

What you can do in the Photoshop graphics editor:

• improve photo quality and color reproduction;
• create collages – fragments of different photos glued together;
• retouching photos;
• create mockups – images that are used to show the customer a product design or corporate identity;
• restore old photos or images;
• prepare the image for printing;
• to process text elements.

The advantages of Photoshop – support for all major file formats, a large set of tools, the availability of a library of effects and filters and the ability to create your own. 

There are some disadvantages:

• first, Photoshop requires a lot of power from the device, otherwise it can “hang”;
• second, the official version of the program is quite expensive.

Adobe Illustrator

The download of Illustrator is another Adobe program for creating vector images, but it is also capable of working with bitmap graphics. It is used for creating illustrations, icons, layouts and logos. The program has a lot of ready-made filters and special effects.

The features of Adobe Illustrator:

• work with geometric shapes;
• converting text into curves: you can change the appearance of letters to make a beautiful inscription;
• working with assembly areas and creation of banners in different sizes;
• raster to vector conversion;
• creation of illustrations.

The advantages of Adobe Illustrator:

• it is suitable for different operating systems;
• a huge number of functions;
• The popularity: any print shop works with the .ai file format. 

The disadvantages of Adobe Illustrator: 

• relatively high price; 
• the editor weighs a lot and will be slowed down if your device doesn’t have enough power. For example, Windows will require 2 GB of free space on your hard drive and additional free space is needed during installation.

CorelDRAW

CorelDraw is a program in which you can draw in perspective, edit vector images and photos, create animations and templates for applications and websites. In it you can work with files created inAdobe Photoshop.

CorelDraw functionality.

The program is used:

• to process photos;
• creating content for sites and social networks;
• modeling objects;
• drawing vector images.

Advantages of CorelDraw:

• synchronization with cloud storage;
• working on different devices; 
• it supports the Cyrillic alphabet. 

Cons of CorelDraw:

no tools to create infographics; 

interface is quite complicated for beginners;

high price; 

the files are not always correctly exported to other programs. 

Sketch 

A vector-based graphics editor supported only on macOS devices. It is often used for designing websites and applications. In Sketch, you can work with fields of any size and with any number of layers. The interface design is minimalist, just the way Apple likes it. It has a free trial period.

Features in Sketch

With Sketch, you can create and edit vector graphics using a huge library of brushes and effects. In addition, in the program you can:

• use simple tools – pen, pencil, figure and text insertion to create images;
• to color objects in multiple layers;
• create symbols – templates for layers or shapes;
• prepare images for printing.

Pros of Sketch:

• you can watch a personalized design feed of other designers’ work without registration;
• easy interface.

Cons of Sketch:

• there is no mobile version of the editor; 
• It is not compatible with the Adobe editors that most designers and printers use;
• relatively short period of free use – 30 days. 

Artweaver

A raster-based graphics editor optimized for Windows. The interface is similar to that ofAdobe Photoshop. There is a free rate with limited functionality, which is well suited to beginner designers.

Functionality of Artweaver

The set of functions is the same as in Photoshop:

• image editing;
• creating gradients;
• creation of filters for image editing.

Advantages of Artweaver:

• support for many image formats; 
• large library of brushes with the ability to change them; 
• there is a free version.

Cons of Artweaver:

• outdated interface; 
• support for only one operating system; 
• the free version is slow and cannot be used in commercial projects;
• the functionality for a large design project is not enough. 

Krita 

Raster graphic editor with open source code. It can be installed on any operating system. Krita has a large number of brushes and has a brush editor, so it’s great for drawing.

Functionality of Krita

In the editor, the graphic designer can create bitmap illustrations and logos, as well as frame-by-frame animations.

Pros of Krita:

• it is a free editor; 
• huge library of brushes, you can use brushes created by other users; 
• it supports many file formats and works with HDR technology. 

Cons of Krita:

• no tools for retouching images; 
• weak tools for working with text. 

Affinity Designer

An editor for working with vector and raster images. The developers of Affinity Designer call it the fastest, easiest and most accurate vector graphic design software. The editor works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and there is an iPad version.

Affinity Designer Features

Here’s what you can do in Affinity Designer: 

• customize vector brushes;
• customize your own layout grids; 
• work with both raster and vector images;
• develop dynamic characters and isometric graphics for video games.

Advantages of Affinity Designer:

• supports automatic cloud synchronization, you can create your own keyboard shortcuts. 
• It works with documents of any complexity;
• it weighs less, so it works well on medium-powered devices;
• you pay only once – you don’t need to renew your subscription each year. 

Disadvantages of Affinity Designer:

• It is not possible to export an image with all layers in any of the vector formats;
• None of the usual features that are available in Adobe editors, such as the eraser. 

Photoscape

A free program for image editing and formatting. Suitable for Windows and macOS. In Photoscape great number of tools for processing photos. Suitable for beginners because the interface is very simple and clear.

Photoscape features

In Photoscape you can:

• process photos (including batch processing);
• create collages;
• create animations;
• quickly convert files from RAW to JPG format.

Pros of Photoscape:

• free editor;
• does not take much space on your hard drive.

Cons of Photoscape:

• One of the main disadvantages is that the editor has ads. Also, it is impossible to work with multiple files at once.

Inkscape

A professional vector graphics editor for Linux, Windows and macOS devices. The tool is free and has open source code. Files are created in SVG format.

Inkscape functionality

The functionality is the same as in the previous programs:

• changing the shape and color of pictures and text;
• raster to vector formatting;
• working with drawing tools (ellipse, star, spiral, or gradient);
• collaborative design.

Pros of Inkscape:

• free access; 
• rendering: you can draw static elements into 3D objects; 
• tool is used in movies, commercials, video games, or to create architectural 3D visualizations. 

Cons of Inkscape:

• It is relatively slow; 
• exporting bugs do occur.

GIMP 

A free raster-based image editor that can be customized. Partially supports working with vector graphics. In it, you can create logos, scale and crop photos, retouch images and convert them into different formats.

What GIMP does for you

With this application you can quickly perform simple tasks: crop images, remove red-eye effect, crop illustrations and add text to them.

The good points of GIMP are:

• a wide range of tools for image processing;
• It is able to open PSD and PDF formats, which are the most often used by clients or other designers. 

Cons of GIMP:

• it is not possible to adjust each layer of an image and apply effects to it; 
• doesn’t support CMYK color format, which limits what you can print.
• online programs for graphic design

Figma 

A simple and free online graphics editor that is suitable for drawing vector graphics, web design, mobile application prototyping, logo design.

Functionality of FIGMA

The program is mainly used for web design, but there are features that are suitable for working with graphics:

• adjustment of color saturation, brightness, contrast;
• use of Google Fonts;
• arranging design objects with the help of a modular grid;
• drawing vector shapes.

Pros of Figma:

• clear modern interface; 
• automatic saving in the cloud and the ability to easily revert to previous versions;
• sharing.

Cons of Figma:

• poorly developed text editor; 
• you cannot work offline;
• no keyboard shortcuts to customize. 

Renderforest Graphic Maker

Online service for graphic designers with cloud storage and free version.

Features Renderforest Graphic Maker

The main functions of the service:

• creating and editing images; 
• working with fonts and animation; 
• creation of presentations and intros for videos; 
• there is an opportunity to superimpose music on the animation and video. 

Pros of Renderforest Graphic Maker:

• a wide range of features (animation and video creation, logo development and website and app prototyping); 
• very simple and intuitive interface; 
• a large number of templates with the ability to sort them by topic. 

DisadvantagesRenderforest Graphic Maker:

• not enough memory;
• limitations on the format of the import video in free mode; 
• the free version leaves watermarks on the files. 

Pixlr 

This is a suite of cloud-based image editing tools that includes several photo editors and a photo sharing service.

Pixlr functionality

Like other bitmap editors, in Pixlr you can:

• retouch photos;
• change the saturation and temperature of a photo;
• work with highlights and shadows;
• create collages from photos;
• apply filters or special effects.

Pros of Pixlr:

• a large number of opportunities for photo processing;
• the created objects can be published on social networks directly from the program.

Disadvantages Pixlr:

• the disadvantages are the lack of the menu. 

Canva

Cross-platform service for graphic design. The editor gives access to a large number of design templates, illustrations, fonts and stock photos.

Canva functionality

The basic functionality is like other online editors. But Canva has a lot of ready-made file templates:

• presentations;
• cards;
• business cards;
• posts for social networks;
• videos;
• logos; 
• posters;
• infographics, etc.

Pros of Canva:

• canva is loved for its large number of templates – it creates posters, presentations, booklets, and gift certificates. Most of them are free and comply with modern design trends; 
• it is possible to work in the service on different devices.

Cons of Canva:

• not all fonts are adapted to Cyrillic; 
• in the free version of the program can not change the size of the image.

The occupation implies its own requirements for technology. For example, to pick up a decent laptop to work with graphics is not so easy. This is because the corresponding software consumes a lot of resources, and even the screen should be as correct.

What should designers pay attention to when choosing a working laptop?

1. A high-performance processor. Since software, as we have noted, “heavy.
2. Discrete graphics card. It is on the video card lion’s share of the load when working with graphics and rendering, so it is better to choose a discrete.
3. A quality screen. With the correct color rendering and good coverage of the working digital spaces (for example, 100% sRGB). If we are talking about printing or graphic design, the screens can be certified – for example, Pantone or TÜV Rheinland.
4. High-capacity SSDs. Graphic projects take up a lot of memory, so it is better to have at least 512 GB “on board”.
5. The cost of the laptop depends largely on the model of video card. And in this regard, the latest AMD discrete graphics cards look especially attractive. They already offer excellent performance, and in combination with Ryzen processors, they even look great.

It is all about several proprietary AMD technologies, revealing all the potential of this duo. These include AMD SmartShift technology, which links the processor and graphics for faster response to different workloads, and AMD Smart Access Memory technology, which allows the processor to use fast graphics card memory via PCI Express interface. And all together, they provide a noticeable performance boost in many common tasks.

Best laptops for the designer

Of course, not to take advantage of all the advantages of such a combination would be unforgivable. Therefore, in our top top laptops for designers there are quite a few devices with AMD processors and graphics cards. We will start with them.

MSI Delta 15 A5EFK-038RU

Relatively light and compact model with good performance.

This is one of the smallest notebooks in our selection. With its small size of 357 x 247 x 19 mm and a weight of 1.9 kg the device is perfect for working on the go or in a co-working space. The aluminum casing and lid are made of aluminum, so frequent transportation is not a problem.

The laptop is equipped with a 15.6-inch IPS-display with a high refresh rate of 240 Hz and the classic for such a diagonal resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This model uses a powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, which is accompanied by a video card Radeon RX 6700M. 16 GB of RAM on the laptop is enough for any task a designer may have. As a nice bonus, you get a roomy 2 TB SSD, and its battery lasts for a long time (the manufacturer gives a guideline of about 13 hours of video playback).

HP OMEN 16-c0007ur.

The versatile notebook that will suit most designers

The HP OMEN 16-c0007ur, even though it’s considered a gaming laptop, will actually be a great working tool for a designer. It is a compromise option for when you need good performance, but the budget is very modest. The notebook is quite suitable for work both “on the go” and in the office, and especially attractive with its 16.1-inch display with Full HD resolution in a relatively compact size of 369 x 248 x 23 mm and weighing 2.36 kg.

At the heart of the laptop is a productive six-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor combined with a Radeon RX 6600M graphics card and 16 GB of RAM. This is quite enough for medium difficulty projects, and the battery of the device is enough for a whole day of work – up to 9 hours.

ASUS TUF Gaming A17 FA706QM-HX029W

The notebook is ideal for those who like to work at home or in the office.

Another notebook from the gamer series can be a full-fledged PC replacement. It has a large 17.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and is quite large – 399.2 x 268.9 x 24.8 mm, so it is best suited for those who are used to working at home or in the office, without frequent travel.

For this, the gadget has everything you need. Its large screen, on which you can easily see the smallest details of the entire composition, is complemented by a fast 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor. For graphics, a powerful GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card is used and the amount of RAM reaches 16 GB. There is also a high-capacity SSD for 1 Tbyte.

The color gamut of the screen is not record, sRGB 67%, AdobeRGB 50%. Therefore, for polygraphy, you may want to consider another option.

Acer Aspire 7 A715-42G-R4GR

A fast notebook for those who like to save money

This is the most inexpensive laptop in the top, but it doesn’t look budget at all and offers everything a designer needs for normal work. This and a high-quality IPS-display with a diagonal of 15.6 inches, and a fast graphics card GeForce RTX 3050, and a very good processor AMD Ryzen 5 5500U. Except that the laptop does not have as much RAM as we would like, but for its money it still looks a very “tasty” offer.

One of the secrets of such economy is the absence of a preinstalled operating system, but in today’s world, this is unlikely to be a problem. The laptop cannot be called small. Its dimensions are 254,5 x 363,4 x 23,2 mm, and its weight is 2,15 kg. That is, you can still carry it around, but not as comfortable as the same MSI Delta 15. There will also be no problems with autonomy: the laptop can work up to 8 hours without recharging.

Lenovo Legion 5 17ACH6H

No-compromise solution for home or office that can handle any task.

The notebook uses a large 17.3-inch Full HD screen, is built on the extremely fast AMD Ryzen 7 5800H 8-core processor along with a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card and offers 16 GB of RAM. This “monster” can handle any most complex projects, and working with it is a pleasure.

Lenovo Legion 5 has only one minus. More precisely, two – the big size 398,6 x 290 x 26,2 and the weight of 2.98 kg. So you are unlikely to have the desire to take it far beyond the walls of the house or office, and even more so to take this gadget on a trip. And its battery life is unlikely to allow this – the laptop battery is enough for 4.5 hours of work. But, as we have already noted, the weight and size make this model attractive mainly for stationary conditions, which means that the outlet will be somewhere near.

ASUS VivoBook PRO 16 M7600QC-KV060

Suitable for designers who care about the perfect display of objects on the screen.

It’s not the most affordable option, but it’s very close to the ideal. Unlike many other models, it uses a 16-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2560×1600 and brightness to 500 nits. Why is brightness so important? With such a display, the designer will be comfortable to work with even in high ambient light – for example, by the window. At the same time, the color gamut is also almost exemplary: 100% DCI-P3, there is certification Display HDR True Black 500 and Pantone Validated.

In terms of hardware, everything is good here too: powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, able to overclock up to 4.6 GHz, works in tandem with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. There will be plenty of RAM (16GB), and a fast SSD will hold 1TB of information.

It should be noted that fire protection and fire safety are not the same thing. The former is an integral part of the latter. And it is responsible for activities aimed at preventing the effects of fire on people and material values. Therefore, protection includes organizational and technical measures, volumetric, planning and structural solutions, plus everything about personal protective equipment and fire extinguishing equipment.

Warning and evacuation systems

Buildings and premises where fires can injure or kill people must be equipped with fire detection, warning and evacuation systems.

These systems are designed to provide early warning of the danger and enough time to get people to a safe zone.

Composition of a fire protection system

What goes into a fire protection system? The optimal composition of the system includes:

• alarm and notification systems;
• smoke evacuation systems;
• systems and facilities for extinguishing fires on site;
• separating structures to limit the zone of combustion;
• use in construction of structures and materials that do not support combustion;
• kits of individual and collective means of protection.

Full implementation of such measures is expensive and difficult to implement, so usually only some of these elements are used. For each facility they are designed individually.

Requirements for fire protection

There are several laws and regulations stipulating the requirements for fire protection. The basic conditions are that:

• The installation of EE systems must be carried out strictly according to an individual project approved for a particular facility, with no modifications;
• The PP system must be able to quickly react to any fire, give an instant warning wherever the fire is located and must immediately evacuate the occupants;
• fire extinguishing agents shall be used in such a manner as to avoid the spreading of combustible mixtures and the formation of poisonous or explosive gases
• After the fire is extinguished effectively remove the fire hazardous substances from the fire place;
• All PP control systems shall be located in a separate room under round-the-clock supervision of the security personnel;
• The evacuation routes shall be equipped with detectors and signs of the route of movement;
• When using automatic extinguishing systems, be sure to maintain sufficient fire extinguishing agents in them. They must also necessarily be equipped with a manual start and control system.

Fire prevention

The fight against fires should begin with prevention, which consists of:

• Development and implementation of fire codes and regulations;
• Taking fire safety requirements into account at the design stage;
• To organize the timely maintenance of fire protection systems;
• Keeping fire-fighting equipment in readiness and improving it;
• Regular fire-technical inspection of residential and public buildings, industrial and agricultural facilities.

IP system at the design stage of the building

It is possible to create a competent fire protection system only with the help of a complex of factors and means:

• architectural features of the building;
• automatic fire alarm systems;
• extinguishing, smoke and air systems;
• fire-safe building materials.

In addition, the contractor in such a project should act only an organization with a license and, of course, experience and knowledge of the specifics of the PP of a particular object. During the design, it is also worth considering all the components that make up an effective fire protection system:

• detection;
• warning;
• creation of barriers;
• extinguishing.

Structural flame retardants

First and foremost, flame retardants are special compositions or materials used to construct building structures or to decorate the latter to increase the resistance to open fire and high temperatures. There are a huge number of building materials and compositions of this type today. These include fire retardant paints, impregnations, tile, sheet, panel and block materials that are classified as “non-combustible”.

The main task of the manufacturer of the work is to accurately select the building materials and compositions appropriate for the structures to be finished. For example, it is better to use paints for metal, for stone cladding. Do not forget that there are certain requirements for the technology of applying or laying fire protection materials, which must be strictly adhered to. Even a small deviation from the norm can lead to a loss of quality characteristics.

Fire protection screens

This type of protective constructions is now used quite often at industrial facilities. Made of heat-resistant materials, screens are quite good at performing their duties, such as holding fire for a long time of its burning. Some of them do not let through the smoke and combustion products, as well as high temperatures.

It should be noted that many people under the screens mean the walls erected. And although the latter, built from non-combustible materials, are elements of fire protection, they are incidental to the screens. The screen constructions themselves are structural elements that cover process equipment, material pipelines, electrical installations and electrical wiring, which represent a danger in terms of fire exposure.

The main purpose of fire screens is to increase the practical fire resistance limit of an object, or more precisely, its elements. Therefore, the screens themselves are available in different variations in terms of structural content. It can be partitions, cases, wells, tanks and more. Speaking of non-combustible finishing (cladding), it should be noted that not only piece building materials are used here. This group includes plaster mortars.

To correctly choose the required method of fire protection, it is necessary to take into account a fairly large list of all possible criteria, which include structural factors, economic, technical and technological. Sometimes, comparing the pros and cons, experts come to one conclusion that the object is the fire protection is not needed.

And if all the same decision is made for carrying out of protective actions, it is necessary to take into account conditions, how and when it is necessary to use flame retardant coatings, and with what characteristics. And the conditions are as follows:

• It is necessary to determine the type of structure to be protected from fire, as well as its exact location in the room relative to the fencing structures;
• you must know exactly the fire resistance limit of the structure to be protected;
• how long the fire protection itself can withstand the effects of fire and high temperatures;
• what loads are acting on the protected structure;
• what operating conditions and parameters of the elements;
• what requirements are imposed on the protective materials and compounds in terms of their environmental friendliness and aesthetics.

Collective and individual protection equipment

Personal protective equipment is something that everyone encounters from time to time in safety training, as well as in training and exercises. These include cotton gauze bandages, respirators, and gas masks.

Collective fire protection is an entirely different category that must provide protective functions for people (at least two people). What goes into a collective protection system:

• structural fire protection solutions: fire doors, windows, stairs, hatches, this also includes fire protection materials for lining the surfaces of building elements and building structures;
• smoke exhaust systems – in fact, it is exhaust ventilation, which by its design and selection of materials meets the requirements of fire safety;
• fire-extinguishing systems: automatic or manual; specialists classify this category as primary devices: fire-extinguishers, fire hydrants and stands.

As practice shows, protection (fire protection) is the main factor that ensures fire safety in terms of its effective condition. Therefore, it is important to take into account all the requirements of the PP, to apply them in practice, taking into account the rules and regulations of the PB.

Passive fire protection: concept, means, advantages of use

The main idea of passive fire protection is to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjacent rooms and objects, and to minimize the effect of the products of combustion before the arrival of the firefighters. The time won by the passive fire protection system will be enough to evacuate people and apply primary extinguishing measures.

The main pathways through which fire and smoke enters a room are:

• doors, windows, open openings;
• joints of walls, ceilings, roof;
• pipes, cable penetrations;
• ventilation, ducting.

According to the risks and paths of entry, there are four groups of materials that provide passive fire protection:

• Inflammable. Create additional volume under the influence of thermal energy.
• Endothermic. Absorb the energy given off by fire, but also break down their structure.
• Ablative. Slow down the spread of heat energy.
• Insulating. Do not lose structure under the influence of high temperatures, prevent the transfer of thermal energy.

The main advantages of passive protection complex include:

• localization of fire in the place of its appearance;
• minimization of risks to human health and life;
• contributing to more effective extinguishing.

Despite the obvious advantages of passive fire protection system, it should be used only in conjunction with other types of fire protection means.

Automatic fire suppression systems include:

• An extinguishing agent that provides fire suppression;
• A system for supplying the substance, fitted with special valves;
• detectors responding to a fire;
• equipment for audible and visual alarms.

Since the mass introduction of fire suppression systems, it has been possible to reduce the number of large fires and reduce damage. The work of automatic systems is highly appreciated by developers and insurance organizations. Some of the insurance companies do not service the object in the absence of an automatic system.

Today, the fire protection system is combined with the security system, preventing unauthorized intruders from entering the territory. Combining these systems is becoming more and more popular. An important argument in favor of this choice is the economic benefit, because installing separate security and fire alarm systems would cost significantly more.

Fire requirements for objects:

• creation of partitions and walls resistant to critical temperatures and filling the openings with fire-resistant structures;
• arrangement of fire protection compartments;
• use of building materials that do not support combustion and do not emit toxic substances;
• protection from fire of the bearing elements of the building;
• the use of fire retardant compositions for painting reinforced concrete elements;
• the use of non-combustible materials as insulators for building facades;
• the use of fire-resistant glazing to create belts on the facades.

Passive methods of protection also include the replacement of metal frame with reinforced concrete structures in the design, to ensure a higher level of fire resistance.

Stone works are a natural way to treat sewage and wastewater. They are made up of crushed stones, gravel, and sand. The stones and gravel provide a surface for the bacteria to attach to, and the sand helps to keep the stones and gravel in place. The bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater and produce a waste product called sludge. The sludge can be removed from the top of the stone works and disposed of. The stones and gravel provide a surface for the bacteria to attach to, and the sand helps to keep the stones and gravel in place.

What is Stone Works Contracting and Design?

Stone Works Contracting and Design is a professional contracting company that specializes in the installation of natural stone and tile flooring, countertops, and walls. They have a team of experienced and skilled craftsmen who can install any type of natural stone, from granite and marble to limestone and slate. In addition to their installation services, Stone Works Contracting and Design also offers design services, so you can get help creating a beautiful and functional natural stone space in your home.

What are the benefits of stone works contracting and design?

The benefits of stone contracting and design are many. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Stone contracting and design can help you create beautiful and long-lasting features in your home or garden.
• Stone contracting and design can add value to your property.
• Stone contracting and design can be a great way to enhance your home’s appearance and increase its market value.
• Stone contracting and design can be a very cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your home or garden.
• Stone contracting and design can help you achieve the perfect look for your home or garden.

How stone works contracting and design can help you achieve your business goals?

If you’re looking to improve your business, working with a contracting and design company can help. Stone Works Contracting and Design is a full-service company that can help you achieve your business goals. We offer a range of contracting and design services, including construction, remodeling, and landscape design. We can help you create a space that is both functional and attractive, and that meets your specific needs.

Our team has years of experience in the contracting and design industry, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality services possible. We take pride in our work, and we always strive to exceed our clients’ expectations. We understand that each business is unique, and we work with each client to create a plan that meets their specific needs.

If you’re looking for a contracting and design company that can help you achieve your business goals, Stone Works Contracting and Design is the perfect choice. We offer a wide range of services, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality services possible. We understand that each business is unique, and we work with each client to create a plan that meets their specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your business goals.

How to find the right stone works contractor and design team? 

When it comes to renovating or building a stone wall, finding the right contractor and design team is essential. The contractor will be responsible for the construction of the wall, while the design team will help to create a design that meets your specific needs. Here are a few tips on how to find the right stone works contractor and design team.

First, it is important to do your research. Ask family and friends for recommendations, or search for contractors online. Once you have a few candidates, it is important to ask for references and to look at past projects. This will give you a good idea of the contractor’s quality of work.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to meet with the contractors and ask them a few questions. What is the contractor’s experience with stone walls? What is the estimated timeframe for the project? What is the contractor’s pricing? Be sure to get written quotes from each contractor before making a decision.

The design team will help you to create a design that meets your specific needs. They will work with you to select the right type of stone, and they will help to create a design that is both beautiful and functional. The design team should also be able to provide a timeline for the project, as well as an estimate for the cost.

It is important to select a contractor and design team that you can trust. Be sure to ask for references and to look at past projects. The contractor and design team should be able to provide a quote for the project, as well as a timeline for the project.

The History of American Design and Contracting

The history of American design and contracting is a long and proud one. From the earliest days of the country, American designers and contractors have been at the forefront of innovation and excellence in their fields.

One of the earliest examples of American design and contracting came in the form of the construction of the United States Capitol building. In 1793, President George Washington appointed a commission to oversee the construction of the new building, and the project was led by two of the most famous American designers and contractors of all time: architect Benjamin Latrobe and contractor George Washington Parke Custis.

The Capitol building was completed in 1800, and it soon became a symbol of American democracy and strength. The design and construction of the Capitol set a high standard for American design and contracting, and it has been a model for subsequent projects throughout the country’s history.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, American design and contracting continued to thrive, with many important projects being completed throughout the country. One of the most famous of these projects was the construction of the Panama Canal, which was undertaken by the American construction firm of John Frank Stevens.

Stevens and his team faced many difficult challenges in constructing the canal, but they ultimately succeeded in creating a marvel of engineering. The Panama Canal project demonstrated the talent and determination of American designers and contractors, and it helped to cement America’s reputation as a leader in the field of construction.

In more recent times, American design and contracting has continued to thrive, with many notable projects being completed in the last few decades. One of the most notable of these projects is the construction of the World Trade Center, which was undertaken by the American construction firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill.

The World Trade Center was an iconic building, and it represented the best in American design and contracting. Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill are a world-renowned construction firm, and their work on the World Trade Center was a true testament to their skills and abilities.

The history of American design and contracting is a proud one, and it is filled with examples of excellence and innovation. American designers and contractors have always been at the forefront of their fields, and they have constantly pushed the boundaries of what is possible.

Today, American design and contracting is more advanced than ever before, and it is poised for continued success in the years to come. Thanks to the talent and determination of American designers and contractors, the future of American construction is looking bright.

The Evolution of American Design and Contracting

The design and contracting industry in America has seen many changes over the years. The industry has progressed from a time where contracts were often handwritten and projects were completed using just hand tools, to a time where computers are used to design projects and construction is completed using heavy machinery.

The design and contracting industry in America began with the first colonists. These colonists were skilled in many trades, including carpentry and blacksmithing. They used their skills to build the first homes and businesses in America.

The first contracts in America were handwritten. There were no standard forms or procedures back then. Contracts were often vague and incomplete, and disputes often arose as a result.

The first construction projects in America were also completed by hand. There was no machinery available back then, so everything was done by hand. This often resulted in delays and cost overruns.

The design and contracting industry in America has changed dramatically over the years. Computers are now used to design projects, and construction is completed with heavy machinery. This has resulted in faster, more efficient projects.

The design and contracting industry in America is now governed by standard forms and procedures. This has helped to reduce the number of disputes that arise between contractors and clients.

The design and contracting industry in America is constantly evolving. The industry is now moving towards green construction, which is a way of building that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

The Role of Design and Contracting in Business

In business, design and contracting are essential for creating and executing plans, and for achieving results. Design is about creating a vision and a plan for what the business wants to achieve, while contracting is about getting the work done by bringing in the right people and resources.

Design is a key part of business, as it provides the framework for everything that happens. Good design can help a business to be more efficient and effective, while bad design can lead to confusion and chaos. The design process should involve all members of the team, from the top down, so that everyone has a shared understanding of the goals and objectives.

Contracting is also important, as it allows businesses to get the work done that they need to succeed. Contractors can bring in skills and resources that the business may not have, and can help to get the work done quickly and efficiently. It is important to select the right contractors, and to put in place clear contracts that outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties.

Design and contracting are essential for business, and should be given the attention they deserve. By using these tools correctly, businesses can achieve their goals and be successful.

The Future of American Design and Contracting

The field of design and contracting in the United States is in a state of flux. Advances in technology, the global economy, and changes in consumer preferences are all shaping the future of American design and contracting.

One trend that is likely to have a big impact on the field is the increasing use of technology. Technology can help companies speed up the design and construction process, and it can also help them save money on materials and labor. In addition, technology can help businesses reach a wider audience and connect with customers in new ways.

Another trend that is likely to have an impact on design and contracting is the global economy. With the rise of countries like China and India, businesses are increasingly looking to expand into new markets. This is likely to result in more opportunities for American designers and contractors who are skilled in international contracting.

Finally, changes in consumer preferences are likely to have an impact on the field of design and contracting. For example, there is growing demand for green products and sustainable design. As a result, businesses are increasingly looking for designers and contractors who can help them meet these demands.

In conclusion, the future of American design and contracting is likely to be shaped by advances in technology, the global economy, and changes in consumer preferences. Businesses that are prepared for these changes will be in a better position to succeed in the future.

Our lesson today is going to be a little different. I’m going to tell you how to prepare a design for printing on T-shirts. This tutorial can be safely applied to printing on mugs, shirts, bags, caps, and other paraphernalia. But first, I’m going to tell you a little bit about ways to print on textiles in general. Then we’ll draw our design and prepare it for t-shirt printing from start to finish.

Types of printing on t-shirts

Conventionally, printing on materials can be divided into the two most popular categories – thermal applique and thermal transfer.

Thermal application is used to print vector images on textiles. The printing process is as follows. Images are cut out of a special film. The film is a colored rubber base, which can be present both in pure form, and with refinements, like velvet, luminous surface and so on. Next, the printing plotter cuts out areas of the graphic based on the vector image. Superfluous details are removed from the image. This process is called sampling. The film is then transferred to the textile and refilled with a thermal press. After cooling, the mounting film, which is the base of the material, is removed. If the image is multicolor, the entire process is repeated. That is, all the design elements for all colors are cut out one by one. This technology is popular primarily because it takes a minimum amount of time and allows you to minimize the circulation down to one copy. And, of course, you have already understood that we are talking exclusively about vector images and designs with a minimum number of colors.

For the printing of raster photos on textile materials digital thermal transfer is used most often.

Thermal transfer is suitable for raster images. In general, you can thermal transfer an image as a bitmap as well as a vector image. It makes no difference to the thermal press. It will print everything the same way. The vector image will essentially be “rasterized” and transferred to the t-shirt. The process is as follows. You prepare a file in any graphics editor. Of course for the highest quality resolution standard requirements for printing – 300 dpi and so on. Next, using the cutting plotter from the image cut out the shape you need. We get a working transfer, which is applied to the T-shirt under the thermal press. The backing is then removed. If the image is multicolor, the process is repeated several times for each color channel.

This printing process does not cause any difficulties for designers familiar with printing and preparing to print business cards, flyers and other paraphernalia. In essence, the process is identical. And that is why we will talk about a more complicated, more resistant to washing and high-quality process of applying images to textiles – thermal applique.

File formats

Now we’re going to talk about the work area for t-shirt design and the requirement for files. First of all, all printers have their own technical requirements for the designs used. So you should definitely read them. You can create a vector image in any vector editor, adapted for this. A number of printers require files in AI, CRD, EPS, PSD format. Many printers have restrictions on software versions. For example, you have to save the file in AI format, which is compatible with the 9th version of Illustrator. If you have neither Corel Draw, nor Illustrator, a vector editor must be able to save files in the standard EPS vector format.

Working Area and Dimensions

Creating a working area based on the actual size of the design. That is, take a ruler, put it to a powerful chest and really figure out the size of the elements of the film. Film printing is not capable of printing lines less than 0.8 mm wide. Such lines will simply tear away from the t-shirt, or fall out when printed, or you simply won’t have the layout accepted. Therefore, if you have text planned in your design, consider the width of the lines. The same goes for various grunge ornate patterns and blots.

Let’s open Illustrator and create a working area of 30 by 30 cm. The other settings are not important to us.

Create a t-shirt design

For the t-shirt design, I chose an image of cream, from which we will create something of our own. Place the cream image on the workspace via File > Place. The picture will be our base. So convert the layer it’s on to a temple.

Double click on the layer that the image is on and in the dialog box select Dim Images to and Temple. After that, create a new layer and work on it.

Now select the Pen Tool and start outlining the cream jar. You can read about how the Pen Tool works in the articles Pen Tool in Illustrator and Drawing Pen Tool in Photoshop. To see what’s happening on the work surface, I put a thick red border and a transparent fill.

The first figure is drawn. Now let’s draw the cream. Let’s do it in exactly the same way with the Pen Tool.

The design for a thermal appliqué doesn’t have to be complicated.

Working with text

Now let’s add some text. Let’s write some Photoshop lettering. I chose the font Myriad Pro.

Now the second inscription is the “secret of success”. The font: Georgia Bold with a slant. The Nivea backing can be turned off, or removed altogether. And the image is slightly transformed to fit on the workspace. Moreover, I reduced the distance between the letters. This can be done in the Character panel. The way I see it, the letters should just go together.

My next step is to translate the text into curves. We will need very simple vector shapes to print the design on the t-shirt. Select both lettering with the Selection Tool and choose Type > Create Outlines

The Photoshop lettering sits too flat on the cream jar. But it should be at least a little around it. This is easy to correct. Select the inscription and go to Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Warps. In the dialog box, check Preview to see the result. Curve the inscription downwards, and warp it slightly vertically. In the bend mode select Arch.

At this stage we have two objects with text. Broken pieces stacked in a group from the inscription “The Secret of Success” and the Photoshop inscription, which is a complex object Envelope Wrap. We need to get rid of all the complex objects, break them into curves and combine them into simple shapes. Groups are also forbidden.

Let’s start with the Photoshop caption. Select the object and break it into curves Object > Expand. We got the details of the caption folded into a group. Now turn on Curves View > Outlines and work with our vector outlines. I want the letters to not touch each other, but overlap each other. We’ve already done that work by reducing the distances between the letters, and now a bit of manual correction. The point is that next we have to merge all the letters into a single shape, and if somewhere the contours do not overlap each other explicitly, we will have a problem.

Select the Direct Selection Tool, and adjust your points.

In the area where the letters U and R intersect, I removed the extra points with the Pen Tool, and aligned the letter trunks with each other.

Now we need to connect all the letters together by getting rid of the partitions. I open my Pathfinder and use the Unite command. But that’s not enough. The shapes do merge, but the “success” part of the word does not intersect with the rest of the shapes in any way. So Pathfinder merged them into a group.

It is necessary to get a single fused vector object instead of a group. Let’s create a compound object through Object > Compound Path > Make or CTRL+8 Do the same operation with the word “Photoshop”. Finally, you should have 4 shapes. The jar, the cream, and the two complex lettering.

Now let’s move on to the t-shirt design layout.

Trapping when creating a t-shirt design

When working with conventional printing, you don’t have to think about “cutting” the graphics when you overlay one ink on top of another. The illustrator itself will separate your colors as needed. If you draw a C100 blue area and an M100 magenta area on top of it, the process will be on different color channels. So the magenta square will need to get into the slot that’s freed up for it. That is, plates with different layers of paints will overlap, and the joint of the paints may not come together. Roughly speaking, the square will not fit exactly into the hole and white gaps will form. The gaps are solved by trapping. When trapping, you create a small border up to 0.5 pt in width around the object. The trapping is set to Overprint mode. That way, it lays on top of all paint layers, “blurring” the white gaps.

The problem is most relevant with black paint, because black is in a separate channel and is used most often, including on surfaces painted in a different color. In this case, applies Overprint, the essence of which is that the black channel is printed on top of all, without cutting holes. In this way it becomes, of course, more saturated and takes on a hue, but it is hardly noticeable. But in conventional paper printing, you don’t have to worry about trapping.

When preparing a vector design for thermal appliqué, it’s completely different. First of all, you don’t have any trapping. You just create vector outlines that will be cut from the film. When you’re preparing your design you need to know what kind of film you’re going to print with. But we’ll talk about color below. Automatic “cut out” graphics won’t happen either. If you create a design from a blue area over which a magenta area lays, the magenta area will lay on top of the blue area without a hole cut. This means only one thing to the printer: unnecessary waste of valuable film. Your design will not be accepted in this form, so we will make the hole by hand. It’s not easy with edge alignment either. You have to manually trapping each object so that the paint layers slightly overlap each other.

Cut out the holes of the design

First, let’s trim the can and the cream. Select both objects, open the Pathfinder panel and click the Minus Front command. But before that, copy the cream CTRL+C, and after the hole is cut, put it in the same place CTRL+F. The objects will be stacked in a group. We don’t need it, get rid of it Object > Ungroup. In the image below, I’ve intentionally shifted the shapes to make it clear what we need to get.

As required by the printer, the objects should slightly overlap each other by at least 2 mm. This distance varies by the way. Be sure to read the requirements of the printer to prepare for printing. The layers should overlap each other in descending order. That is, a large layer goes first, with smaller layers on top, and so on.

Select the cream and the Object > Path > Offset Path command. In the dialog box, set 2 mm. The command creates a copy of the object, so the old object can be deleted.

Now it is the turn of the Photoshop inscription. We choose a jar and an inscription. The inscription should be above the can. In the Pathfinder panel, select the Minus Front option. As a result, we have a group, combining elements of the graphics. Let’s merge everything together through Object > Compound Path > Make 

We got rid of the Photoshop lettering by cutting a hole in the can through it, but where is the lettering itself? If the design is going to be printed on a white T-shirt, we don’t need white. But what if the color of the T-shirt is arbitrary? In this case, we just need another layer with a film in the form of an inscription overlapping the holes in the cream jar.

Select the Group Selection Tool and select only the hole with the Photoshop inscription. Now press CTRL+C and CTRL+F to copy the inscription to the same location on the work surface. The outlines will be copied unfolded, so we’ll have to assemble the lettering. Select each letter that has notches in it, and cut the holes with the Minus Front command from the Pathfinder panel. The visibility of the rest of the objects can be turned off so they don’t get in the way. After all that, merge the inscription through Object > Compound Path > Make 

We’ll apply Object > Path > Offset Path mode to the inscription and shift its outline by 2 mm. This command creates a copy of the object, so the old inscription can be removed.

Checking Layout Contours

There shouldn’t be anything unnecessary in the design for the t-shirt. Scattered vector dots, vector trash. All this is excluded. You can check the layout in the outline view View > Outline

As you can see, everything is clear. The contours neatly overlap each other, there are no unnecessary intersections. It is especially useful to check for vectorial trash on the tracing graphics.

Merge layers

When preparing a design for a t-shirt, you need to understand that the print shop will require a specific number of films to print. Each color of your design is one film. It is unacceptable to create different objects of the same color. According to the idea of our design the jar and the inscription “secret of success” will be blue. The Photoshop inscription is white and the cream is yellow. In total, we need only three vector fused objects.

Choose the “secret of success” inscription and the jar and merge them together through Object > Compound Path > Make or CTRL+8

Choosing the colors of the design foils

We’ll use ProstoPrint.ru and choose a color from the list of available films. So how to make the work of the printer as easy as possible and let him understand exactly what color we mean for each object?

First of all, I will go to the Swatches panel, select all the colors and delete them. Then I will create new colors. In the dialog box, we adjust the approximate color of the film and enter the exact name of the paint from those offered by the printer. In the paint settings we select Spot Color.

And then I create 3 inks from the list of inks of the printing house, each of which has a corresponding name. It only remains to set the cream jar with the correct color.

That’s it. I hope you got some useful information from this tutorial.