Digital and Print Graphic Products

Basic Concepts

Digital graphics are created using computers and software, and they are used mainly on digital platforms, such as websites, apps, and electronic media.
Print graphics, on the other hand, are created for physical output, such as brochures, posters, and print advertisements.
Both types of graphics can be produced using graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) and CorelDRAW.
The production process for digital and print graphics involves a series of stages, including design, creation, testing, and distribution.

When designing digital and print graphics, it’s important to consider the target audience and the purpose of the graphics. These factors will influence the design’s elements like colour, font, imagery, and layout.
Digital graphics should be designed for different screen sizes and resolutions for device compatibility.
Print graphics require considerations for things like paper type, ink compatibility, and printing techniques.
Understanding the principles of design—including balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity—is essential for creating effective graphics.

Graphics can exist in various file formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF (for digital images) and PDF, EPS, AI (for print images). Each format has distinct advantages, limitations, and uses.
A bitmap or raster image is composed of individual pixels, which can create detailed and photo-realistic images. However, they can lose quality when resized.
A vector graphic is created with mathematical equations, enabling it to be scaled up or down without losing quality. However, they are not suitable for creating photo-realistic images.

Image manipulation techniques, like cropping, resizing, layering, colour correction, and adding filters, can be used to improve or alter the appearance of a digital graphic.
Layout and composition techniques are used to arrange elements in both digital and print graphics.
Typography—the art of arranging type—plays a crucial role in conveying the intended message in a visually appealing manner. It involves selecting font type, point size, line length, line spacing and letter spacing.
Colour theory helps designers choose appropriate colours that evoke the correct emotional response from the audience.
Understanding printing methods (like offset, digital, screen, inkjet, laser) and their appropriateness for specific tasks is crucial for print graphics.

Designers must abide by copyright laws to avoid illegally using someone else’s work.
Ethical considerations are also critical, including truthful representation, respecting cultural sensitivities, and avoiding harmful or biased content.