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Whether you’re an amateur, semi pro or professional photographer, you’ll want fast and reliable storage media that doesn’t cost the earth – and that’s the direction this buying guide is looking to point you in. When you find the one that suits you, make sure to check for any Black Friday deals as there's already some great savings to be made. Amazon Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals: what to expect in 2018 Which is the best SD card? Most photographers will be aware that the postage stamp sized SD (secure digital) card, also available in SDHC and SDXC iterations, is the memory card most commonly supported by today’s digital cameras. Within that context, we think that the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I is one of the best SD format memory cards currently available. But there’s also the fingernail-sized microSD utilised by smartphones and tablets, the older but still popular CompactFlash (‘CF’), utilised by many DSLRs, plus what has been termed CF’s successor in the newer XQD format memory card. Eyebrows were raised when the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirror-less cameras were recently introduced with a single XQD card slot. While they may be currently less common (and pricier), the good news is that the XQD memory card has been specifically designed to keep up with the shooting speeds that these latest generation cameras offer; a blazing fast read and write time a particular advantage when capturing Raw files or 4K video. So when choosing your own best-fit memory card it’s very much a case of horses for courses. You’ll need to consider what you’ll be shooting on, how fast you’ll be shooting, whether you mostly shoot Raw or JPEG, Full HD or 4K video – as well as what your budget is – and choose a memory card with a capacity and performance to match accordingly. Power users are advised to check out the Extreme PRO SDXC card from long standing card manufacturer SanDisk. Available in capacities from 32GB up to an impressive 512GB, this option offers a speed class 3 rating. The real practical advantage here is not only write speeds up to an impressive 90MB/s – which means that it is able to deal with rapid fire sequential shooting and in both JPEG and Raw – but also a extremely fast transfer speed of up to 95MB/s, which will speed up the workflow of enthusiasts and pros. Aside from making it easier to capture a sequence of Raw photographs, the data crunching on offer here also makes it suitable for 4K video shooting. To sum up, this is one capable contender. Lexar has long been the go-to card for photography enthusiasts and professional shooters, and, despite disappearing from the market for a little, while it has bounced back with plenty of Lexar options still available. A solid choice for us is this card, which deploys UHS-II tech to enable transfer speeds up to 300 MB/s and write speeds up to 260 MB/s. This ensures that, whether we’re recording full HD, 4K video, or shooting high-resolution Raw files, this card delivers the goods, even if maximum data capacity is 128GB, rather than the maximum 512GB offered by some rivals. A close alternative in terms of specification and performance would be SanDisk’s Extreme PRO SD UHS-II (also featured here), but we feel you can't really go wrong with this one. It can be an expensive mistake to miss capturing that essential image if you’re working as a pro photographer – and especially irritating if it’s because your card can’t keep up. Therefore try and avoid the unfortunate ever happening by investing in this ultra speedy, inevitably costlier, example from industry stalwart SanDisk that, in offering read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of an equally impressive 260 MB/s, is a class leader among memory cards. The above specification makes it a must-have option for reportage, sports and wildlife photographers, shooting bursts of rapid fire stills, or videographers wanting the clarity of 4K resolution video, with the inevitable data hungriness that comes with it. As this is an SDXC (‘Extended Capacity’) card too, storage is impressive via available card offerings from 32GB up to 128GB, but truly the accent is on speed here above and beyond anything else. If it’s Raw files you primarily need to capture, then you’ll want a card that can cope with the highest quality imagery in sequential bursts – as well as one that provides a sufficient storage capacity to avoid having to swap out the media in use at that decisive moment. While the 64GB maximum capacity (the alternative being 32GB) may initially appear a little small when compared with other options here, the performance is anything but, via commendably quick read and write times of 285 MB/s and 180 MB/s respectively. Obviously you will need UHS-II compatible DSLR or camcorder to be able to use this one – so check – but speeds of up to 3x faster than standard UHS-1 SD memory cards can be delivered. Furthermore these Transcend branded cards are shock and X-ray proof, thereby providing a degree of certainly for photo and video enthusiasts and pros. As photographers, we always think we have enough storage capacity until suddenly we don’t. Designed for use by DSLR owners, with up to 512GB of storage capacity offered, this Lexar branded contender is top of the SD card format class. The only (inevitable) downside is that the read and transfer rates are a little more modest than the lower capacity yet higher speed cards likewise pitched at professionals. This necessitates us to decide which is more important to us – having the space to store many hours of video, or having the potential to transfer it between devices even faster than we’d do normally. Ultimately the fact that there is a choice between the two makes us as consumers the victors. Stateside manufacturer SanDisk offers users the peace of mind of it being long and well established when it comes to providing removable media. Its ‘Extreme’ range of cards comes in either standard or ‘Pro’ versions, with the former starting at around £34.99 for a 16GB capacity, with the latter costing a still reasonable £60 (also available are pricier 128GB and 256GB cards). Fortunately for those on a budget, even the standard Extreme cards feature UHS speed class 3 compatibility, meaning they can cope with both Full HD and 4K recording. If buying a 16GB SanDisk Extreme card, you’ll get data read speeds up to 90MB/s, while write speeds of up to 40MB/s are also possible. While that sort of spec will satisfy most photo and video enthusiasts, they’re also water, shock, temperature and X-ray proof. To sum up, this is very sensible jack-of-all-trades option for photographers/videographers who don’t need decisively swift read/write speeds. CF cards may be older and bulkier than the newer SD format alternative, but that doesn't mean they can't still deliver sufficient capacity and speed to satisfy today’s DSLR user. A case in point is SanDisk’s CompactFlash range, which offers capacities from a useful 16GB to a power user 256GB, so we don’t have to swap out media cards in the heat of the action. Also impressive with this one is write speeds of up to 140MB/s at maximum 256GB capacity (otherwise it’s 150 MB/s for the 128GB and lower capacities), which also makes it just a suited to video use, particularly for those DSLRs also offering Full HD capture. In fact, with a minimum sustained write speed of 65MB/s, the claim by its manufacturer is that this one is class leading. While it may not be as recognisable to the casual observer as competing card brands, Transcend is one of the longer-term players in the market – and, usefully, still makes many low-capacity cards, holding obvious appeal for those on tighter budget. However, even the higher capacity offerings that may appeal to semi pro DSLR users – such as this CompactFlash 800 series – are hardly expensive for what’s on offer. Capacities run from a standard 32GB up to a slightly more impressive 256GB. Specification is also solid for what’s a budget card; here we get read speeds of up to 120 MB/s and write speeds of 60 MB/s – actual performance of course affected by camera hardware and software, as is the case with any card. However here there’s even a built-in error correcting code to detect and correct any transfer errors. Yes, if we want the best then we’ll have to envisage paying more than for bog standard microSD cards with larger SD card sized adapters; though at £30.99 for 32GB, or up to £112 for the £128GB variety – less than one pound sterling per gigabyte – this series of cards will hardly break the bank. The enticement here includes the fact that the cards are claimed to be able to withstand harsh environments, are longer lasting – hence the ‘Endurance’ name – and are particularly suited to use in action cameras. This is because they can continually record at high read/write speeds (100MB/s and 30MB/s respectively). Also promised for the highest capacity card is an industry best of 43,800 hours of continuous video recording. Peace of mind comes courtesy of warranties of between two years for the lower capacity cards, to five years for maximum capacity cards. Arriving with us in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities, these Class 10 microSD cards handily come with an SD adapter that allows them to be used in cameras just as easily as a smartphone or tablet. Costing a reasonable under £20 for the lowest 32GB capacity, this seems like good value considering they manage read speeds of 100 MB/s (albeit a modest write speed of 30MB/s). A bright red design also ensures this jack of all trades option from Samsung won’t readily get lost down the back of the sofa, despite being fingernail sized. Peace of mind also comes via a 10 year limited warranty, plus the fact that the cards are claimed as waterproof, temperature proof, X-ray proof and magnetic proof. Seemingly there are very few barriers to recommendation here. Read more: The best camera for creatives in 2018 15 ways to improve your photography skills The best cameras for beginners in 2018 View the full article

Security updates across all Apple platforms released alongside its new products. View the full article

The CG Awards are back, and we’ll be celebrating the world's best computer graphics from the last 18 months live at Vertex, on 8 March 2019. You can still vote for your favourite game, favourite film VFX sequence, favourite short form, favourite community artist and more, but be quick! Voting closes 15 November 2018, after which we'll have two nominees per category to give to our judging panel. Find out more about some of our expert judges for CG Awards 2019 below. Gleb Alexandrov Gleb Alexandrov is an artist, blogger and tutorial maker at Creative Shrimp, the website with tips and tricks for those who want to get better at computer graphics. Gleb has become one of the biggest and well known 3D artists in the open source computer graphics community. Jodie Azhar Jodie Azhar is an award-winning game developer and BAFTA Breakthrough Brit. Her career in the games industry has covered a decade – including working at Kuju, Rebellion and Creative Assembly – and she rose to the position of technical art director before starting her own game development studio earlier this year. Izzy Burton Izzy Burton is an artist and director currently working at Blue Zoo Animation. She directed the award-winning short film Via and was named one of Animation Magazine’s Rising Stars of Animation 2018. She graduated from Bournemouth University with a degree in Animation in 2015. Adam Dewhirst Adam Dewhirst is the modelling and texture supervisor for The Mill NY; he has 14 years experience in film, commercials and TV. He was the lead modeller on Guardians of the Galaxy at Framestore. Notable film work includes The Dark Knight, WWZ, The Golden Compass as well as commercial spots for Cartier, Audi, Lexus and Legoland. Justin Holt Justin Holt is texture department supervisor at Atomic Fiction in Montreal QC. Currently he is supervising work on The OA, Rim of the World, Top Gun 2, Stranger Things season 3, Bloodshot and Wonder Woman 2. Carrie Mok Carrie Mok is editor of 3D Artist magazine, one of the top publications in the world for CG tutorials, behind-the-scenes access on the tools and technology behind the biggest movies and games, and industry insight. She has been working on the magazine since 2015, interviewing key industry figures in VFX, animation and games from ILM, MPC, Double Negative, Epic Games and more, and bringing the spotlight to the inspiring art and techniques of professional artists. Rob Redman Rob Redman, editor at 3D World magazine, is a 3D artist and creative director, working across film and TV. When not in the studio he is often found presenting at various industry events, or building guitars. Glen Southern Glen Southern runs a studio, producing content for TV film and more, plus training for CG artists. Maarten Verhoeven Maarten Verhoeven is a freelance digital sculptor, concept and VFX artist specialising in work for film, commercials, prototypes and toys. Having a background in art, he handles different aspects of production, from concept to sculpting, compositing and colour grading. Today he’s working as a freelance ZBrush artist, contributing his talents worldwide to various companies, publications and projects. Read more: CG Awards 2019: cast your vote now The best ZBrush tutorials 17 Cinema 4D tutorials to up your 3D skills View the full article

Whether you’re looking for your first camera bag or it’s time for an upgrade because your kit has grown and your needs have changed, we’ve put together a curated list of recommendations to help you find the right carrying companion. And you're timing couldn't be better, with Black Friday just around the corner, there's every chance you can soon grab a great bargain. The best camera for creatives in 2018 Right now, we think the Tenba Axis tactical backpack is one of the best camera bags out there. It gives you a decent build quality and plenty of room to expand for a reasonable asking price. But the right camera bag for you naturally depends on your personal requirements. While most find space to stash a tablet or laptop alongside photographic equipment, some are better for compact system cameras than bulkier DSLRs while others offer space for a camera drone too. So study the following list closely in order to find your own best fit. How to choose the best camera bag and case for you Of course, it’s not just the gear you’re going to be putting in the bag you need to think about. Also consider what you typically photograph – and what environments that places you in. For example, a street photographer might be better suited to an equally unobtrusive shoulder-worn messenger type bag that doesn’t obviously scream ‘photographer’. Amazon Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals: what to expect in 2018 Landscape and wildlife photographers, used to covering a fair bit of terrain and being out in all elements, may be better suited to a waterproof backpack; something that has room for a water bottle and provisions as well as that camera and tripod, while being padded and featuring breathable fabrics for extra comfort. Those who regularly hop on and off aircraft meanwhile may favour a rolling trolley-style set up – while being mindful of whether it will match current carry-on luggage rules and regulations, naturally. The more you think about it, the more choices there are to make. So, to help, let’s look at what we consider some of the best camera bags and cases right now (and why)… Aimed at pro photographers and videographers with a couple of camera bodies and long lenses, who need to keep said gear protected from the elements, are these military inspired ‘expedition’ packs featuring a water repellent exterior plus YKK zippers and reinforced stitching. There are three capacity options, all with space for a laptop plus two camera bodies and lenses. Three access points at the top, back and sides usefully enable cameras to be retrieved while the packs are being worn. An ‘airflow’ harness is height adjustable for comfort, while webbing on the exterior allows for battery pouches and memory card wallets to be added. A rain cover and space for a tripod ensures these options tick most photographers’ boxes. Those photographers who want an unobtrusive camera bag to stash their compact system camera or consumer level DSLR could check out this Manfrotto option which, with prices staring at just under £20, won’t break the bank. While obviously not designed for a pro DSLR with a 400mm lens attached, Manfrotto’s nimble Street Pouch/Holster option can still host a CSC with lens attached along with two additional lenses. Alternatively, you can pack a DSLR with a standard zoom attached. Or there’s the Sling/Waist pack option that houses a premium CSC, entry level DSLR or even DJI Mavic Pro. Either way you have transport for your system that doesn’t obviously scream camera bag while being very reasonably priced with it. Neat. If you’ve spent around £1,000 – possibly more – on a premium compact camera or CSC, you might want something equally classic and swish to transport it in at an a lot more affordable £100. Enter Billingham’s unobtrusive yet stylish vertical option in, the British made, pouch-like ‘72’, which comes complete with handy shoulder strap and brass and leather fixtures. With construction that includes hardwearing materials that manage to be both moisture and heat resistant, this option also comes in a choice of five different colour combinations. There’s a useful front pocket for your camera batteries and cards, a padded interior divider, plus the peace of mind of a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Most cameras these days mix the classic with the contemporary, so why shouldn’t the bag you choose to carry it in function the same? This is a modern take on the shoulder bag that still features a tactile wool-feel fabric and hand-sewn construction, yet the weather protection and durability with it that today’s photographer would demand. There a couple of options available in the ‘10’ or ‘13’ bags – the numbers referring to the size of tablet or laptop in inches that can also be housed alongside a DSLR sized camera and lenses. We also get a dedicated mobile phone pocket, while the dividers and foam in the base can be removed to create a completely collapsible bag for convenient storage when not in use. Again there are several size options available in this series of backpacks for the hearty outdoor snapper with an array of gear. A case in point; these packs can transport a DSLR or mirror-less camera with three to four lenses, or a DJI Mavic type drone, while also finding room for an iPad Mini type tablet. Depending on your requirements, choose from the 12L, 20L or 24L models, which increase in size and capacity in line with their product numbers. Boasting both practicality and durability, naturally the interior is fully adjustable, with even the smallest pack being able to accommodate an equipment set up such as that detailed above, while the largest option can fit one or two DSLRs and a whopping five to seven lenses. With padded, adjustable dividers, this is a pack not just for the solstice then, but moreover a bag for all seasons. For those looking for a compact camera bag for an equally small spend, Hama’s Zambia range is worth seeking out. It's capable of transporting everything from a premium compact camera, through a bridge camera, to a DSLR plus lens. Size wise we’re looking at everything from a snug bag with dimensions of 7x6.5x13cm weighing just 150g – making it suitable for the most compact of system cameras – to an option that can transport a DSLR, while being a still very trim 16x9x14cm in size and weighing a manageable 220g. With prices ranging from a suggested £21.99 to £34.99 these polyester construction bags are inexpensive options with it. Every photographer – especially the pro – wants level horizons for their landscape shots and that means packing a tripod. Manfrotto manufactures both tripods and bags, so naturally they’re designed to work in unison – its compact yet expandable Advanced Befree backpack aimed at travel and landscape photographers being a case in point. Cabin size friendly, it can comfortably stash its travel-sized tripods (Befree Advanced and Befree GT series models) alongside your camera gear via a specially provided expandable padded side pocket. Naturally it also finds space for your camera gear and personal belongings besides and comes with a protective rain cover. The dedicated camera compartment is padded and is located close to your body when the pack is worn for added security. Water resistance is provided via a rain cover. Featuring an armoured exterior with padded top and side handles, plus an interior described as flexible, this streamlined and lightweight ‘spinner’ bag on wheels has a depth of 8.8-inches, ensuring it can be taken on board flights as hand luggage. It also provides a panel via which to access a laptop without opening the entire bag, while the four wheel design provides a wide degree of movement, enabling photographers to manoeuvre around obstacles - other bags and people – when travelling. Capacity is such that it can stash up to eight lenses and speedlites alongside one or two pro DSLRs – one with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached. There are also customisable dividers and zippered mesh pockets inside for transporting a wide range of accessories. A larger, versatile option for when you need it. A smart yet unobtrusive looking backpack from Lowepro for just over £100 features convenient side body access and a robust fabric construction in a choice of either grey ‘Canvex’ or black ‘Cordura’ with, typically for a bag of this type, a fully customisable interior with flexible dividers. This enables a mirror-less camera, DJI Osmo or Mavic type drone to be stashed. An all-weather cover is also provided for those photographers who enjoy hiking in the great outdoors, while there’s a dedicated sleeve for a 13-inch laptop alongside that inevitable Thermos. A back panel provides a cushion and a low profile design for added comfort too. If you’re looking for pro grade robustness when it comes to keeping your kit safe then the Peli brand comes highly rated. Not only is it claimed to be crushproof, waterproof and dustproof thanks to a rubber O-ring seal (meaning that your precious kit will be better protected than via most options on the market), this trunk-like hard case features the added benefit of a retractable handle and wheels, with foam padding for the interior. It can accommodate one or two pro grade DSLRs and up to eight lenses while also featuring the swish addition of a pressure equalising valve, plus a degree of buoyancy. As well as the standard black, it also comes in a range of bright colours and can manage all of the above while remaining a size that means it can be taken aboard a plane as carry-on luggage. Read more: GoPro on Black Friday and Cyber Monday: The deals we're expecting to see The 10 best point-and-shoot cameras in 2018 The Northern Lights: Top photography tips View the full article

Halloween decorations can often get a little messy. If you're not up to furnishing your office with cobwebs from a spray can, why not jazz up your desktop with these creepy Halloween wallpapers? Just like our movie wallpapers, we've separated the wheat from the chaff to bring you 10 of the best free Halloween wallpapers that are sure to delight and unnerve. With familiar icons and scenes from scary movies, these wallpapers are the perfect way to celebrate the spookiest time of the year. Read on, if you dare... 01. Jack Skellington What's this? What's this? It's a Jack Skellington wallpaper, that's what Jack Skellington, the beloved pumpkin king from Tim Burton's 1993 film The Nightmare Before Christmas, has won over a legion of fans thanks to his creepy yet cute charm. Over the years he's become a mascot for Halloween in the real world, so who better to adorn your desktop than the man, or skeleton, himself? 02. Pumpkin You can't beat a carved pumpkin on Halloween Well, Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without a carved pumpkin, would it? There are millions Jack-o'-Lantern wallpapers to choose from, unsurprisingly, but we decided to settle on this one because it makes great use of lighting to create a dramatic effect that won't get in the way of your icons. 03. Happy Halloween Are you out trick or treating this Halloween? Halloween isn't all about getting scared out of your skin. For lots of people, especially kids, the sweet treats are the most exciting part. In this illustrated Halloween wallpaper we see a street of trick or treaters going about their business in the midst of ghosts, bats, and the undead. But where do the costumes end and the creatures begin? 04. Witch We love how this wallpaper finds a new look for a classic witch What do you think of when you think of a witch? Green skin? Warty nose? Pointy hat? Witches are are so well-known that it's hard to think of a new approach to them, but that's exactly what this wallpaper has done with its geometric shapes and bold colours. We're glad to see she's still zipping around on a broomstick though. 05. Vintage pumpkin Keep your Halloween classy with this vintage pumpkin wallpaper Are you one of those people that complains about how commercial and tacky Halloween has become? If so, this is the wallpaper for you. Instead of ghosts and ghouls, this tasteful design uses an olden times pumpkin sign, complete with some amazing typography. But with it's dark colour scheme, you know this wallpaper is down for some Halloween hijinks. 06. The Babadook Will you let the Babadook into your desktop? Fans of the 2014 supernatural horror film The Babadook will be downloading this wallpaper quicker than we can say 'Let me in!' Making use of the pop-up book seen in the film, this wallpaper is sure to make you jump when you shut down your windows at the end of the day. 07. Blair Witch Project "In spite of what Mike says... this wallpaper is my fault" Found footage masterpiece The Blair Witch Project terrified audiences upon its release in 1999. This wallpaper remembers a chilling scene from near the end of the movie where Heather breaks down and apologises down the lens to her fellow filmmakers. Did you hear those children laughing? 08. Halloween nighttime This is the greatest hits of Halloween imagery Looking for a more traditional Halloween wallpaper? You can't go wrong with this one, which brings together some of the most recognisable motifs of the big day. Black cat? Check. Creepy mansion probably filled with ghosts? Check. Cobweb - because nothing is more scary than a spider? Check. And look how big that creepy crawly is compared to the moon. Terrifying. 09. Halloween icons These spoopy wallpaper icons will make your Halloween extra cute If you're not down with your internet lingo, you might not have come across the phrase 'spoopy'. For some people, it means a decoration or aesthetic that is as cute and funny as it is scary. We'd definitely say these icons of bones, coffins and cats are more spoopy than spooky, so be sure to give this wallpaper a whirl if you like your Halloween to be fun instead of frightening. 10. Happy Halloween They did the monster mash... Frankenstein's monster, the creature from the black lagoon and Nosferatu are all here to wish you a Happy Halloween in this mash up of monsters from iconic scary films. See, they're not all bad. Related articles: Create creepy Halloween carvings with these pumpkin stencils Create a low poly wallpaper in C4D 18 artists changing the face of horror View the full article

It needs little introduction, but Affinity Designer is a suite of vector art editing tools available for mac/windows and now also on the iPad. This graphic design tool is a great middle ground between the more basic free graphic design software and the pricey but feature-rich Creative Cloud suite, and it offers incredible quality for the cost. Here is a quick overview of how Affinity Designer's Pen tool works. Watch the video below or scroll down for a short explanation of each of the features to explore. 01. Launch the Pen tool Bring up the Pen tool using the icon on the left-hand toolbar, or use the shortcut P. The Pen tool on Affinity Designer is incredibly similar to other Pen tools you may have used elsewhere. You should be able to start using it fairly easily – although there are some added features that set it apart. 02. Pen tool modes There are four modes: Pen mode, Smart mode, Polygon mode and Line mode Affinity’s Pen tool has four different modes. First, there's the basic Pen mode. Smart mode will assist you in creating flowing curves that naturally arc. Polygon mode can be used to draw straight, connecting lines. Finally, Line mode is used to create lines that do not connect. All have their own benefits and uses, and you can select the one you want using the icons shown in the image above. 03. Converting your path Adjust your line using the conversion options You've created a path using your Pen tool, you can adjust it using the conversion tools shown in the image above. These will enable you to do things like smooth a zig zag or make it jagged again. 04. Line actions There are also a number of actions to choose from. With your path or node selected, you can select from the following: Break Curve (opens the path at the selected node), Close Curve (closes the path at the selected node), Smooth Curve (adjusts the path and smooths or simplifies it), Reverse Curve (toggle to draw from the opposite end of the path). 05. Snapping Play about with different snapping settings to find which one suits you Snapping is used in a variety of ways in Affinity Designer. For the Pen tool I recommend you play about with the different settings to figure out your preference. Your options are as follows: Align to node of selected curves; snap to geometry of selected curves; snap all selected nodes when dragging; snap off curve handles. 06. Use Fill Toggle fill on and off The last feature to be aware of is the Fill feature. When checked, this will fill the inside of your path with your chosen colour as you draw. Read more: Affinity Designer: How to use the Export persona Affinity Designer: How to use the Pixel persona View the full article

When it comes down to building a great app, you need to consider both function and design. The Complete UI/UX Fundamentals Bundle shows you how to create apps that everyone will love to use – and that look as good as they work. This bundle includes eight courses that covers the concepts behind building apps that are usable, accessible and enjoyable to use. You'll also learn to conduct the discovery it takes to define your user audience and solve their potential problems by understanding their point of view. Snag the Complete UI/UX Fundamentals Bundle for $29, 97 per cent off the usual price. Related articles: Add UI animations to your site Create slick UI animations The pro's guide to UI design View the full article

Taking digital designs into the real world can be fraught with gotchas and gremlins. We’re so used to the world being digital that some of us have forgotten how to prep our work for print. This poster printing guide is here to help. If you’re thinking of doing a run of poster designs for a campaign, party or gig (or simply to adorn your own walls with) here’s a guide to how to print your work. Follow our tips and you'll soon be poster printing with confidence – and you'll no longer have to worry about that guy in the printing shop laughing at you... If you don't want to go to a professional, or if you want to try and few practice runs with your design, you'll need the right printer. Take a look at our roundup of the best home printers for some guidance. 01. Design in CMYK Work in CMYK rather than RGB If you're producing your own designs with the intention of taking these to a poster printing shop, then make sure you're working in the CMYK colour space rather than RGB. In Photoshop you can easily switch to this mode via 'Image > Mode > CMYK color'. This colour mode will give you a more accurate representation of how your colours will print. Subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud 02. ... or convert to CMYK If you’ve been working in RGB and have converted your work to CMYK, just before you send the file for printing you may notice the greens and blues in your image have become lifeless and dull. You can use Photoshop’s Gamut warning tool ('File > View > Gamut warning') to highlight the colours that will have trouble converting from RGB to CMYK. How to master colour theory The RGB colour space has a greater array of colours than CMYK. Remember: all the computer-specific colours you pick in Photoshop for your poster then have to be printed with a selection of real-world inks. Those that can't be replicated will become 'out of gamut', and be printed with what is possible with the available inks. 03. Use vectors if possible Designer Franz Jeitz advises: "When it comes to printing, especially large-format printing, vectors are your friend. Try to design as much as possible in a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator. Not only will it reduce your file size, but it will ensure that you get the crispest print result." 04. Work at 300DPI Skinn's super-sized posters for a Belgian arts centre Print files are BIG. One of the most common delays in poster printing jobs is work being sent back by the printer because the resolution is too low. Files destined for print should be set to 300 DPI (dots per inch). Simply put, the more dots that make up the image, the higher the resolution. More printed dots in an inch means a higher-quality reproduction. If your resolution is too low, you're going to end up with a blurred and pixelated poster. In Photoshop you set the dots per inch when you create a new document ('File > New'). 300DPI is the standard resolution you want for a good quality print document. 05. Select your paper Popular poster printing sizes are A2 (594mm x 420mm), A3 (420mm x 297mm) and A4 (297mm x 210mm). Paper choice and weight can be discussed with your printer, but 170gsm Silk or Gloss Art FSC or 150gsm are good choices. GSM stands for grams per square meter and determines how heavy the paper stock is. 06. Supply files as PDF Supply your print files in the PDF format (print resolution at 300 DPI) or tiffs with no compression at the same DPI. It is possible to send JPGs if they’re high-res enough. So if you just want to print a poster of your pet pooch from a photo on your smartphone you can do this by sending a JPG, but be warned: the edges of the photo will be cut off and the colour will shift. 07. Consider litho printing You'll need to decide between digital and litho printing You have two choices for poster printing: digital or litho. (Well, okay you have three: you can always print at home. But chances are you don’t have a printer big enough.) A wide variety of mass-produced print items (books, posters, newspapers and so on) are produced using litho printing. Put simply, a litho print involves the printer making a set of 'plates' that are used to press the image to the paper. Creating these plates comes at a cost and doesn’t offer the immediacy of digital poster printing. The initial outlay can be expensive, but if you’re doing a large print run and want to output up to A1, it’s the process that offers a higher quality print and finish than digital printing. The choice between digital and litho printing will mostly be dependent on the money you have for the print job and how soon you need it doing. Digital printing with inkjet or laser printers is the cheaper and quicker of the two and good for smaller print runs. If budget is an issue and you’re not being too exacting over the quality, go with digital printing. This is also fine if you're not going above A3. 08. Choose the right poster printing shop Different printers have different levels of expertise, so it's worth doing your homework and getting personal recommendations. Also make sure you tailor the printer to the job at hand. In the UK, for example, Metroprint is well known for high quality and specialist work as well as being one of the few places around to use laser light source printers and genuine black and white photographic prints. For high quality, crystal clear prints on heavy stock, quality Kodak paper these are the people to visit. However, you might just want to print lots of stuff digitally without a special finish or on the highest grade paper. So don't write off high street poster printing at places such as Prontaprint and Snappy Snaps. There's a reason they're everywhere: they offer a decent, affordable service and will print your photo posters direct from a memory stick, mobile phone, Instagram or Facebook. They can also help you enhance your work with a range of photo art effects. Next page: bleed rules, vectors, and the final checks you should be making... 09. Check your spelling! Even if there are only a few words – as on this poster series by Fatih Hardal – double and triple check them Luke Woodhouse advises that you to "spellcheck, spellcheck, spellcheck. Then get your mum to spellcheck it and anyone else who will read it for you. There's nothing more soul-destroying than a typo, and they're easy to miss if you're too close to your masterpiece." And that goes for the big words as well as the small ones – its not uncommon to caught up in checking the small print, only to miss a glaring error in the headline. 10. Set the correct bleed What is bleed? It's simply a little margin (usually 3 or 5mm) around the edge of your poster design that, depending on how the printer cuts the paper down, may or may not be shown in the finished result. It's essentially your room for error and ensures there isn't a random white line on the edges of your printed poster. Programs such as InDesign and QuarkXPress make it easy by showing you guides, so you can see where the bleed starts and finishes. Always ask the printer you're using (or check your own printer settings) to determine how much bleed is required for your poster printing. 11. Consider the trim The trim is the edge of the final printed output. To prevent text or logos being chopped off the final output, they should be placed with some breathing space around them. Design elements should be no closer to the trim edge than 3-5mm, depending on the size of the poster. 12. Run a pre-print check Always run a pre-print check. This will bring up any issues, such as RGB files being used or fonts used that aren’t embedded. In InDesign this is known as a 'pre-flight'. The programme can package up all your print files and links ('File > Package') into one folder, which will spare you any missing font nightmares. 13. Get your blacks right Ben Powell advises you avoid RGB black as it will look grey in print Ben Powell suggests: "When printing posters using black, there are so many different types of black you can use (RGB, Photoshop, neutral rich, registration, flat, designer, and so on). "My tip would be to avoid RGB black as this is primarily used for the web/digital and will look washed-out and grey in print. Which black you should use will depend entirely on your printing process and what paper stock you're using, especially if you're printing solid blacks. "When I designed a recent infographic piece, I spent days printing various different blacks on different stocks of paper to get the most accurate black whilst making sure the colours didn't bleed into each other; a really lengthy but worthwhile process. Always leave plenty of time to test your blacks – it can completely ruin a fantastic poster design if you don't." Related articles: How to get more from your print projects: 5 top tips Create special print finishes in InDesign How to prepare a file for print View the full article

You're reading Playful Physics – Liquid in Web Design, originally posted on Designmodo. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow on Twitter, Facebook, Google+! Physics explains things around us. Whether it is a natural phenomenon or a device created by humankind, physics is the theory behind why it works. Despite being one of the oldest fundamental science disciplines, it is something that not everyone … View the full article

Whether or not you choose to follow the latest design trends, some movements are just too big to ignore – and affect the industry at large. It's not necessarily about following the herd and developing a similar style – often the visual aesthetic is secondary to the social context that's driving it. As a result, the most significant trends aren't just flash-in-the-pan occurrences that pass in a few months – they evolve, grow and expand as different designers interpret that underlying movement in their own way. In some cases, the bandwagon gets overladen with people who misinterpret and distort the original roots: we can all name our fair share of design trends we're tired of hearing about, after all. Major social, political or environmental events may encourage designers, and the brands they work for, to think differently. In some cases, a forward-thinking brand sets an example through its behaviour, and blazes a trail for others to follow. Amongst the 2018 design trends we identified at the start of the year are new approaches to colour, art direction, typography and even how ideas are expressed – but 2018 has also seen bigger-picture developments in methodology and ideology that could have lasting repercussions far beyond aesthetics. Read on for four major shifts in brand behaviour that we've seen develop during 2018, and which we predict will play an even bigger role in 2019... 01. Brands acting sustainably Carlsberg worked with its production partners to develop Snap Pack, a way to join multipack cans with minimal plastic Unless you're the current US President perhaps, sustainability is climbing up the international agenda fast. Brands are starting to put their money where their mouth is, too. If a product uses recycled materials, responsibly sourced ingredients, is ethically produced and strives to be carbon-neutral, it's not just an altruistic venture for the company in question – it's a major selling point for environmentally conscious consumers too. Reduction in plastic is a particular concern for many brands. In April 2018, no less than 10 D&AD Pencils were awarded to AMVBBDO's Trash Isles campaign for LADBible and Plastic Oceans, encouraging the UN to recognise the huge floating island of plastic in the Pacific as a country, so the world has a shared responsibility to intervene. Two household-name Danish brands have also been blazing a trail in this space in recent months. LEGO has announced its first sustainable bricks, made from plant-based plastic, while Carlsberg unveiled various market-leading innovations alongside its global rebrand by Taxi Studio. Most notably, Snap Pack is a new method of gluing multipack cans together, reducing the plastic required by up to 76%. Sustainability was also a key part of Taxi's brief, and the Bristol-based agency crafted a timeless, distinctively Danish branding system that's designed for longevity, rather than fading into obsolescence in a few years. We predict many more brands will put sustainability front and centre in 2019. 02. Brands expressing their personality in new ways A distinctive personality is crucial for brands to cut through the noise in a crowded market – and tone of voice can play a big part. For a decade, Innocent was celebrated as the leading example of this. Countless imitators followed, desperate to achieve the same quirky, playful, chatty tone that raised a smile when you drank a smoothie. More recently, a generic 'artisanal' tone has gained traction, packed with earnest adjectives like 'hand-crafted' and 'authentic'. Following trends won't get you anywhere when it comes to market stand-out, and brands are finding new ways to express their personality visually as well as verbally. A distinctive style of illustration can give a brand personality just as effectively as its tone of voice, and brands launched this year such as Anna by NB Studio are combining the two to great effect. Another stand-out example is Superunion's recent brand refresh for BBC Two (see video above), which rethinks the role of channel idents to express a progressive, risk-taking personality. Putting stimulating, original programming at the core of BBC Two's identity, the agency turned the entire junction between programmes into an extended ident, using a range of stunning animations to express the mood a piece of content evokes, rather than just its genre. Instead of overtly branding the idents, the content does the talking, with only a subtle curve motif – hinting at the outline of a '2' – to indicate the channel name. It's a bold way to express a brand's personality that bucks sector trends, and we predict even more forward-thinking brands will do so in 2019. 03. Brands taking a stand Nike's campaign was divisive but brave Ever since 2016 – one of the most globally divisive years in Western politics for quite some time, with the shock election of Donald Trump following hot on the heels of the UK's dramatic Brexit referendum – it's become increasingly common for brands take a side. The result is a fast-growing trend for divisive campaigns that attract love and hate in equal measure. In 2018, a prominent example was Nike's defiant stance in support of Colin Kaepernick – the outcast American football player fronted the campaign to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its world-famous tagline. While many applauded its bravery and integrity, others destroyed their Nike goods and threatened to boycott the brand in future. With the world more divided than ever on deep-rooted, ideological issues, we predict more brands will take a stand in 2019. 04. Brands focusing on experience As consumer demand shifts and brands such as Amazon, Uber, Netflix and Airbnb cause widespread disruption in their respective sectors, forward-thinking companies are increasingly putting digital products and services at the core of their business model, rather than just seeing digital as a glorified marketing channel. Logo design is becoming a less important way for brands to express themselves distinctively, compared to the value of a coherent, intuitive multi-platform user experience that communicates brand values through every touchpoint. Studio Output's multi-channel rebrand of BBC Sport, which picked up a coveted Brand Impact Award in September 2018, is a case in point. Pre-rebrand, BBC Sport's identity system was tailored for broadcast – and as it expanded across every other digital platform, it lost any sense of coherent user experience. The solution was to communicate brand values through colour, type, and motion principles, translating it seamlessly across all devices and platforms – the logo became secondary. As digital products and services become ever more integral to brands' DNA across all sectors, we will only see this trend increasing in 2019. Related articles: The ultimate guide to design trends 6 biggest design movements of this millennium so far 15 influential art and design movements you should know View the full article

Popular card readers like Square and PayPal have various flaws that allow attacks ranging from fraud to card data theft. View the full article

Design may be mostly done on computers these days, but everyone loves a bit of old-fashioned ink drawing. The only problem is that to make your work look good you need an assortment of pens, of different line widths, and eventually they end up taking over your desk. If only there was a pen equivalent of simply increasing the line width in Photoshop CC. Take three pens into the studio? Not any more! Well, now there is; or at least, there soon will be. The Wright Pen, by Wright Design, is the world's first magnetic multi-tip drawing pen, giving you three line weights in a single aircraft-grade aluminium body, and it's available to order now via KickStarter. Designed for artists, designers, illustrators and just about anyone else who needs fine control over their line weights, the Wright Pen is basically three little pens that slot together to make one versatile drawing implement. And what about the magnets? Well, the last thing you want is your pen falling apart right in the middle of some especially fiddly cross-hatching, so the Wright Pen uses powerful neodymium magnets to ensure that the three pen tips stick together properly and only come apart when you need to switch tips. The Wright Pen's suitable for ladies and their delightful illustrations... The Wright Pen's three nibs come in 0.2mm, 0.5mm and 07.mm widths, giving you a great variety of line weights, and if you need different weights you can simply customise your pen with replacement nibs from the Copic Multiliner SP family. Each tip has its own 3.6mL ink cartridge, ready for you to fill with your favourite drawing ink. ...and for men with their SERIOUS TECHNICAL DRAWINGS Sleek and lightweight, the Wright Pen has just sailed through its (admittedly low) KickStarter target in around an hour, but there's still plenty of time for you to back the project and reserve your own pen for $56/£44 – 23 per cent off the retail price. Bear in mind, though, that it'll be a while before your pen arrives; according to Wright Design's timeline, production's due to kick off early in 2019, and the pens themselves will begin shipping in August next year. Related articles: How to draw a character in pen and ink The best pencils: colouring, sketching and drawing How to draw: the best drawing tutorials View the full article

If you're the rugged outdoors type who loves documenting your escapades on camera then you'll know there's really only one choice when it comes to picking the right kit: you need a GoPro. They're not cheap, though, and if you want to get a great deal when buying one then Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2018 are the best opportunity to do so. We're going to be hunting down the best GoPro Black Friday deals so you won't have any problems finding the model you need at a knockdown price. Here's everything you need to know right now. The best Black Friday/Cyber Monday GoPro deals: What we expect to see GoPro's new Fusion model is great for 360-degree photos GoPro is currently keeping things simple with its range of action cameras. Head to its site and you'll find it features just four models: the GoPro HERO7 black, HERO7 White and HERO7 Silver (be aware that these aren't just colour options; each model has slightly different features, with the Black the best of the three), and its 360-degree GoPro Fusion camera. These are only its most recent models, though, and there are plenty of earlier GoPros out there that still pack some great performance and give you stunning video and photos. These older models are the ones that are almost certain to receive the most attractive Black Friday deals. In particular, look out for GoPro HERO6 Black Friday offers; this model has only recently been superseded by the GoPro HERO7 and there's really not a lot to separate them. The GoPro HERO6 Black will still give you 4K video at 60fps, and it also features super-slow-motion 240fps video at 1080P, and while its retail price isn't much less than the GoPro HERO7 Black, when it comes to Black Friday then it's sure to see some much bigger discounts than its younger brother. There's still a lot to be said for the even older GoPro HERO5 range, too. If you're not too fussed about having the very latest specs and have an eye for a bargain then this could be the sweet spot for the best of the price cuts. For the cheapest GoPro option, however, look for the back-to-basics GoPro HERO, which launched this year. Simple and straightforward, it's lacking in fancy features such as 4K video and exposure control, but it's rugged and waterproof with voice control, and it sells for less than half the price of its full-powered siblings. We doubt there'll be huge discounts to be had, but what price cuts there are will be well worth sniffing out. The best UK Black Friday and Cyber Monday GoPro deals in 2017 What sort of GoPro Black Friday deals can you look forward to in 2018? Here are some of the UK offers we found last year. How to get the best GoPro deals on Black Friday/Cyber Monday Look for older models like the Hero 6 Black, and see if there are any extras thrown in The most important thing to bear in mind, once you've set your heart on finding GoPro Black Friday deals, is that by the time Black Friday comes around you may have already missed some of the best offers. Black Friday is big business for retailers and they don't want to miss the opportunity to shift some stock, so you'll find numerous stores jumping the gun and rolling out their deals in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. In short, start looking now, and don't be afraid to hop on a deal well in advance of the big day. With that in mind, you'll also want to decide in advance exactly what kind of GoPro you're after and how much you want to pay for it. As we've already mentioned, there are subtle differences across similar-looking GoPro models; in the Hero range the Black has the best specs, followed by the Silver and the White. If you want to shoot 60fps 4K video then you're going to be very disappointed if you see a great offer on a Hero 7 Silver and order it without thinking. Check for Black Friday deals with extras thrown in to sweeten the deal. Last year Amazon ran a fantastic offer on a GoPro HERO5 with a rechargeable battery and 3-way arm; two essential extras that you'd find yourself needing to get at some point anyway, so if you see a similar offer this year then it could be well worth your money. And of course, use the same common sense that you would when buying anything else online; watch out for cashback offers that'll give you a welcome extra saving, check that the guarantee covers you if things go wrong, and don't forget to keep your receipt just in case you change your mind once the Black Friday fever wears off. Happy shopping! 3 GoPros to look out for on Black Friday/Cyber Monday If you demand the best in action cameras then you need to opt for the GoPro HERO7 Black; it's a great reminder of just why the company has dominated this market. It's expensive and has its faults, but it's great to see the company refining its gear and paying attention to key areas like video stabilisation. Great videos, great images and, great fun; what's not to love? There are plenty of better-specified action cameras available for a similar price, including ones that'll give you 4K video, but they don't have GoPro HERO's slick design and polished. If you're just starting out with action cameras or need a budget option, this is a great choice. The Fusion's less about 360 video and more about not missing a thing thanks to its over-capture that allows post-editing in widescreen video; it's also brilliant for selfies framed without the selfie stick showing, and for 360-style photos. However it's let down by its app, which has connection issues and fiddly editing options as well as slow download speeds, and its Fusion Studio software, which is slow to use and heavy on processing power. The device itself works well – and it's waterproof too – but there are better 360 options available such as the Yi 360 VR and new Insta360 One X. Today's best pre-Black Friday GoPro deals Winter's drawing in and you might not want to wait until Black Friday to snag a cheap GoPro, so here are the best deals available right now; go get 'em! Related articles: The best cheap GoPro deals for filmmakers and creatives The best camera for creatives in 2018 10 top tips for making the most of Black Friday View the full article

The ideation and wireframing stage of any design enables you to consider the layout and user experience from the very start of your project. By only using the core components for your web design — header, footer, navigation, buttons — to begin with, you can always ensure your focus is on the user, without getting distracted by which colour palette to use. There are plenty of wireframing tools out there, but today many web teams use Sketch. Its usability and unrivalled speed make it the obvious choice. Starting with the header, what do we need if we are approaching this project mobile first? Is the logo the main focus? Should we consider using a ‘burger’ navigation to ensure best practice? These are the questions any designer should keep asking themselves throughout the process when building their wireframe components and creating a page design, and here's how to address these questions, and more, using Sketch. Click the icon in the top right of each image to enlarge it Wireframing in Sketch 01. Build the components in Sketch The first steps should be to create an artboard for mobile or desktop, and begin to build the components on the page with simple shapes, in order to define the outline of the components, like the header. Too many colours can be distracting, so minimise your colour palette to clearly define important elements in your wireframes. Highlighting the important stuff (call-to-action buttons, header text) with bolder colours is a subtle yet effective way of creating a visual hierarchy when sharing the designs with colleagues and clients. For example, within the header, inserting a logo and navigation in a bold blue colour, on a pastel blue background, will present them as the important elements in your component. It’s also worth noting that it’s possible to update the link colours in your Sketch preferences, just in case there is a colour clash in a design with the default orange. 02. Use a grid and guides Grid lines can help you define your wireframe It’s also important to consider a grid system, padding and margins as soon as possible when defining the wireframes. Show rulers in a Sketch file by going to View > Canvas > Show Rulers (or ctrl+R). Clicking on these rulers (down the left and above your artboard) will create guides, which in turn saves a lot of stress when sharing designs, as consistency is key when defining a design system. 03. Create symbols in Sketch Planning to use these components in more than one artboard? Why not create a symbol? Symbols are the best feature in Sketch by far, they act as super-components that update all the artboards they currently sit in. To create a component, right-click an element, and choose Create symbol. This will be saved into one packaged item manageable from the symbols page. Improve your Sketch prototypes 04. Add animations in Sketch Supercharge your prototypes by adding app-like animations, available in the prototyping panel (right) Underneath the target area on the right-hand panel there is the option to add animations between your artboards. Using animations is a great way to add more life to your prototype. However, the current options are more tailored towards app prototypes, and don’t offer much flexibility if demonstrating a website design. That said, it’s expected the list will grow in future updates of Sketch with options like fading transitions, for example. 05. Flag your starter page When previewing a prototype, the flag icon that sits in the header of the popup next to the select dropdown is a great way to indicate which of the artboards is the home page. Once selected, every time the prototype is opened, this artboard will be the first page. This will also set the homepage when sharing the prototype in the cloud. Collaborate in Sketch 06. Use Sketch Cloud Sketch Cloud is a great platform to do some user testing Sketch’s latest cloud feature is an online showcase of all pages and artboards in one place. Anyone can sign up to use Sketch Cloud to view, download, and comment on Sketch files, which have been shared publicly or privately straight from Sketch. Pages act as sections on your Sketch Cloud link and are displayed in order of their structure in Sketch (from top to bottom). Artboards within these pages do the same, so make sure the structure is correct (for artboards, order from left to right) to show designs in a specific order. This is also a great platform to perform some user testing once you’ve shared your cloud link. When the prototype is complete, click on the Cloud icon, sign up with an account, and upload the designs to the cloud. From this point onwards, the link will remain the same, so any future amends added to the project will be uploaded when clicking on the cloud icon and selecting Update in the share popup.The dashboard on the cloud is self-explanatory with prototypes, artboards and symbols available to view in order. 07. Prototypes in Sketch Cloud If you viewed your prototype in your Sketch file earlier, and flagged one of your pages as the starting page, Sketch Cloud will create a new section with this prototype ready to go. Can’t see a prototype? Simply go back to your Sketch file, highlight the artboard you want to be the starting page, click Preview so you see the popup, and finally click the flag icon. On your next push to the cloud, this prototype will be waiting for you. 08. Enable comments in Sketch Cloud All users with access can leave comments on each artboard, enabling all feedback to be kept in one place, so there's no need for that long-winded email anymore.If you are looking to get feedback on your prototype or designs, or want to share the prototype on a public link, click on the cog icon in the top-right corner of your cloud dashboard. Here, you can enable comments (which will appear once viewing a design by clicking the bottom-right icon), and create a public link for your designs for sharing. You can keep the designs private, and give access via email to a lucky few. To share a direct link to your prototype without the user having to navigate in Sketch cloud, adding ‘play’ or grabbing the URL in prototype mode and enabling a public share link will do this. For example: sketch.cloud/s/1abc2/all/website/home/ 09. Essential shortcuts in Sketch Cloud Push changes to the Cloud by selecting this icon Push your latest changes to cloud by selecting this icon – your browser will open the link once completed. Declutter your Sketch cloud link by selecting only the page you want to show in the top left dropdown, and share the URL from here instead. You can share changes with your team with this feature In the settings panel popup, tick ‘Use as library’ to automatically let your team know there’s been a change. Flag your opening artboard in preview mode before pushing to cloud to make it appear first on your Sketch cloud link. Build a design system in Sketch 10. Stay organised It's easy to organise your colours in Sketch Keep your brand colours organised in your document palette by choosing the said colour and clicking the ‘+’ icon. Name your symbols correctly to keep them organised Keep your favourite symbols organised in their multiple states by using slashes when naming your symbols, for example naming your symbols ‘Button / Active’ and ‘Button / Disabled’ will group your symbols together under the same category. Show everyone where they can grab the assets with a single page in Sketch Create a design system page by separating all your elements that define your brand into its own page in Sketch. This is a simple way to show everyone where they can grab the assets. Making small changes in easy in Sketch You can overwrite the content in your symbols, such as text in your button (see above), so you don’t need to worry about making new elements if it’s only a small change. Create a page design 12. Create a strong visual hierarchy Designing user-centric components first can help structure your site A strong visual hierarchy ensures clarity in any user-centric design. To get started, design the most universal components – such as colour and typography – first, and then work down to smaller ones such as buttons and input components. To insert just about anything into your design, hover over to Insert tab at the top of the Sketch UI, click, and then start importing elements onto your artboards. Keep in mind your wireframe and design system to ensure consistency in your work. 13. Use colours sensibly Colour is arguably the most important element in any design workflow. With colour, we can set the overall look, feel and tone of a design, so always ensure you use it in correlation to the importance of the elements that they are assigned to. Try grouping your colours like so: Primary colours: the main brand colours, used to create the basic colour scheme of a project and crucial elements like buttons. Secondary colours: these accompany the primary colours, and compromise different shades, gradients and tints from the primary colours. Tertiary colours: an important group, which display system messages, such as alerts, warnings, and notifications. To make your colours as efficient as possible, create each colour as a symbol in your Sketch file to ensure any changes update the elements across your design. 14. Use typography effectively It’s important to design the style and size of all the headings (H1, H2, H3, and so on) and paragraphs to create a visual hierarchy. Usually, typography doesn’t have many stylistic variations, such as colour or weight, so consider using your colours effectively to present the brand personality. Once your happy, define your text styles in the right-hand panel, by clicking on the ‘no text style’ dropdown and selecting ‘new text style’, once saved, you can use this typographic style throughout your design, like symbols. 15. Use icons to add context When used effectively, icons add context to more complex components such as buttons, labels, or tables. Icons in your design can be functional by encouraging users to interact — using an ‘X’ in a button to signify a Remove action, for example. Consider creating a set of UI icons as nested Sketch symbols to help complement other UI elements in the design framework, – arrows, for example – that can be used in sliders, previous and next buttons and pagination. 16. Design buttons and inputs When designing buttons and inputs, make sure to design their individual ‘states’. Each have multiple states and provide visual feedback to users to indicate the current state (for example, hover, clicked). It’s good practice to create each state as a separate symbol, since this adds flexibility. 17. Complex components and sections At this stage, the design could be considered complete since it has everything needed to create a functioning product. However, it’s worthwhile spending more time creating components for the UI framework, such as cards, tables and forms. These can then be combined to develop sections, shaping the blocks to which our websites and applications rely on such as headers, navigations and banners. This article originally appeared in issue 277 of Web Designer. Buy issue 277 here or subscribe. Read more: 24 top Sketch plugins 21 days to design better in Sketch 17 top CSS animation examples View the full article

In just a couple of hours time we're expecting to hear news of the latest iteration to Apple's popular tablet, the iPad Pro 2018 (or iPad Pro 3). As invites to a special hardware Apple event in New York today have been flying around, speculation is rife about the new device. And we've got some of designer interest to share. The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday iPad deals We've already seen the release of an entry-level iPad this year, which, as our full iPad 9.7 review states, is more laptop-like and art-friendly than ever before. But if some of the rumours suggested by @OnLeaks on behalf of MySmartPrice are true, Apple's latest iPad Pro looks set to take that to a whole new level. The gist we're getting, more than anything, is Apple really pushing this device as a 'laptop replacement', boasting powerful iOS 12 (tablet-focused) software and rumoured new features including TrueDepth camera technology and a USB-C port replacing the current Lightening one. Combine that with the fact that software companies like Adobe and Affinity are clearly focusing efforts on iPad-specific apps, and this could soon be an interesting time for creative professionals. That said, there are other rumours surrounding functionality, which might make it less desirable to artists and designers. Our sister site techradar recently reported early sights of the new device saw no sign of a 3.5mm headphone port and that measurements of the 2018 version were significantly smaller than that of the 2017 model. The new 2018 iPad Pro is rumoured to be significantly smaller than its predecessor Obviously all of this is speculation at the moment, as is whether Apple will refer to new device as the iPad Pro 2018 or the iPad Pro 3. But one thing we can be sure of is that it won't come cheap. Nor that we'll see any iPad Pro Black Friday deals, sadly, especially when leaks suggest the cost of a new iPad Pro will be in the region of $649/£619. We'll be sure to cover any Apple news as and when it comes in, including details on announcements expected to drop on shiny new MacBooks , so make sure to check back later for any updates. Read more: Apple Black Friday: what to expect 13 iPad Pro apps that come alive with Apple Pencil The best cheap Apple Pencil deals of 2018 View the full article

If you think that developing vibrant animated characters is difficult, you'd be right – it usually is. But this CrazyTalk Animator 3 Pro makes it simpler than ever before, using a wide range of motion templates to bring any image, logo or prop to life. You can even use instant facial motion capture from newer iPhones to make animating 2D characters even simpler, and utilise character templates, motion libraries, a powerful 2D bone rig editor and more to develop characters. That lets you create 2D talking characters for videos, web, games, apps and presentations. Check out CrazyTalk Animator 3 Pro for $79 – that's 55 per cent off the regular price. Related articles: The best online animation classes in 2018 Create and animate SVG polygons Pixar Animation Studios: 4 secrets to success View the full article

An attacker can send spoofed commands to the crane's controller. View the full article

Anyone who wants to create something beautiful online needs to have an eye for design – but sometimes needing to know how to use Photoshop or other design-related tools can be off-putting for the average joe. This piZap Pro: Lifetime Subscription lets you access enormous, diverse suite of digital programs to complete nearly any digital design task, without needing to understand complex programs. Utilise hundreds of fonts to spice up flyers and graphics, use royalty free stock images for blogs, edit photos and more. You can even design your own emojis, showing off your creative spark. Try this piZap Pro: Lifetime Subscription for just $39.99 – that's 77 per cent off the regular price. Related articles: 5 uses for stock images you might not have thought of How to build an AR app How to make an app View the full article

You're reading The Economist Redesign Does It Right, originally posted on Designmodo. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow on Twitter, Facebook, Google+! It’s been decades since one of the oldest news magazines in the world has looked different. That all changed in October when The Economist launched a redesign that freshens up the look of the news and makes it easier to … View the full article

The issue impacts many large distros with GUI interfaces. View the full article

We asked 10 of our favourite designers to think back to the beginning of their careers and remember the best bit of advice they received. Designers being designers, none of them went in for your typically 'inspirational' guidance. There's no talk of 'looking through the rain to see the rainbow' going on here – instead, it's more like: 'shut up' and 'accept that you're a failure'. Read on for the brutally honest but perennially useful lessons that helped these designers climb to the very top of their disciplines… 01. Think for yourself This personal project by Craig Oldham has advice for new designers on it Craig Oldham is known for giving brutally honest advice in print – his book Oh Sh*t... What Now? is out now – and in person as a public speaker. The Manchester designer was once told: 'If you can think, we can teach you everything else.' It's stuck with him throughout his career. "This," he says, "hands down, is the most reassuring, inspiring, and supportive thing I was ever told as a young designer. It's something I refer back to myself still, and something I always share with others." 02. Know when to shut up The best bit of advice David Airey ever received can be boiled down to this: there are times you need to speak up and be heard, and there are times you need to shut your gob and listen. The Northern Irish logo and branding expert offers plenty useful advice in new book Identity Designer: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding. He puts it in far more constructive, far more diplomatic terms: "You don’t learn much when you're talking." 03. Seek out failures Based in Glasgow, Craig Black specialises in lettering and exterior design. A recent personal project saw him build and hang paper-sculpted stag heads decorated with typography. He says it's important you don't go into projects blindfolded. "The best piece of advice I received," he says, "especially when I wanted to pursue being an independent designer, was from my good friend and amazing letterpress designer Nicole Phillips: 'Find people who've done it before you, ask about their successes and, more importantly, their failures.'" 04. Do what you do best Johan Debit is co-founder and creative director at Brand Brothers in Paris. The studio recently created a new identity for the 'book-lovers website' Reading Wild. Identity, logo design, typography: this what Brand Brothers excels at, Debit explains. So the team leave graphic and communication disciplines to others. They don't take on work they can't do to the best of their ability. Branding schemes – such as this one for Reading Wild – are what Brand Brothers excel at "This ultra-specialisation choice has made us better and much more visible, while drastically reducing stress situations and increasing our pleasure dramatically," Debit says. "The best advice I received was to focus on what I could do best. There is a great temptation to know how to do everything, but it is impossible. In artistic disciplines, it takes a lifetime – or 10 – to hope to become excellent." 05. Face your enemies Jaime Zuverza makes some of the coolest, weirdest posters around. The advice the Austin-based designer and musician would like to pass on is pretty open to interpretation: "Your enemy is your friend." It could mean taking on projects that push you out of your comfort zone, or possibly that a certain amount of self-doubt can spur you on to do better work. Or maybe it's a bit more philosophical: that you shouldn't be jealous of other people's successes. If that's a bit too deep for you, then try this, his tip on doing plenty of research before you put pen to paper: "Never start with a blank canvas." 06. Avoid surprises Sophie Brown is project director at Freytag Anderson. The Glasgow studio recently created the identity for The Modern Croft, which was an "opportunity to reinvent the Scottish tradition of crofting in a contemporary retail brand". It was a success, and based on simple principles. The team at Freytag Anderson believe in the power of clear communication Brown says: "The best piece of advice I’ve ever received would be to communicate, communicate, communicate! Make sure everyone knows what they’re working to. If something has to to change, tell the client in advance. If something’s agreed verbally, follow it up in writing. That way, there are no misunderstandings and no surprises." 07. Work with people who are better than you Max Ottignon is co-founder of Ragged Edge, the London branding studio whose clients includes Grey Goose, Google and the BBC. The studio owes its success to following a simple (but hard to implement) bit of advice. Ottignon was once told: 'Hire people better than you.' He says: "To start with it was hard to get my head round it. Not being the best felt like an admission of failure. But once I managed to put my ego to one side, it enabled Ragged Edge to do things I never thought possible." 08. Stay curious Vanessa Eckstein is the founder and creative director of Blok Design. The Toronto studio recently designed the branding for 48North, a Canadian cannabis business, a project that required them to visually represent 'the boldness and the clarity' of the company. Blok Design's work for 48North In work and life Eckstein always refers back to a TS Elliot quote her father often repeated: 'We shall never cease from exploration / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.' "My sense of eternal curiosity, the need to question from different points of view, the openness and hunger to keep on growing, and to experiment, knowing that the journey is more important than the immediate result, since all will also arrive at the right time. All these pathways in this one quote that I still keep close." 09. Don't expect immediate results During their career, Yarza Twins have had their fair share of bumps in the road. The London-based Spanish designers were told early on that it was going to be this way. Very few – if any – designers make great work from the get-go. It takes time and patience. Marta says: "We don't think that it's possible to become a designer from one day to another. To be a good graphic designer is a process that can take years to learn. So don't feel frustrated if your early creations are not good." 10. Don't rely on talent As a young designer, Mark Richardson – aka Superfried – heard a few pieces of advice that stuck. Really, they're all riffs on the same theme: "Nothing counts until it is in the bank … You're only as good as your book … Talent is not enough." They're about staying motivated, staying hungry, about always wanting to do better. Richardson has had countless 'potentially' exciting projects that fell through or, worse, the clients didn't pay up. Similarly, he says, just because you went to an exciting university and got a first-class degree doesn't mean you're going to do well as a professional. That's why talent alone doesn't equate to success. "I have worked alongside some of the most talented in the business and they work harder than anyone else I have met! Hard work should be a given, but don’t kid yourself, there is always someone out there working harder than you." Read more: 18 things they didn't teach you at design school 6 mistakes designers make – and how to avoid them Discover the hidden flaws in 6 world-famous logos View the full article

For the aspiring artist wanting to create your own character design, it can be tempting to just follow the manga template wholesale. It’s important to note that basic art and storytelling fundamentals are still necessary in the creation of good manga art. Here, three artists from Collateral Damage Studios – Loe ZI Rong, Tan Hui Tan and Ho Wei Rong share their expertise and experience when it comes to creating and refining manga character art. From how to clean up your character sketches, work with colour theory and craft a story for your creations, there’s plenty to incorporate into your own manga workflow. Use the icon in the top right of each image to enlarge it Clean up your sketches 01. Tighten up your roughs Use a new layer to add detail to your sketch I usually start with a rough sketch, working out the pose and the flow of the other objects such as the costume and hair. Then I’ll take a quick second pass to refine parts of the picture and add more details that can aid in my line-work process later. If you’re working on a single layer it can be easy to accidentally erase portions of the original sketch when you’re zoomed in and focused on adding details, resulting in the overall composition being altered. I recommend using a new layer to flesh out the details, while keeping the original composition on another layer for easy reference. 02. Differentiate layers with colour For clarity, use a different colour to add detail I find it useful to change the colour of my pencil before cleaning up your sketch. Even if you reduce the opacity of the sketch layer during the clean-up stage, unwanted lines that are overlooked might be mistaken for lines from the original sketch. Changing the colour of the sketch to another colour can make the distinction between the sketch layer and clean-up layer more obvious, and reduce stray lines when cleaning up. Using colours to highlight different areas that you might want to separate into layers also serves as a visual reminder when lining them. 03. Add weight to your lines Varying line thickness can help add depth to a drawing Apart from certain art styles or production requirements, giving your lines different thicknesses helps to add depth to your drawing. In general, drawing thinner lines of elements closer to the light source and thicker lines for those further away can make your art pop. One example when it’s not necessary to add weight to your lines is for animation production, when production time is limited and the consistency of lines between frames is more important. 04. Rotate and flip the canvas Flipping your artwork can reveal things you didn't previously notice To achieve clean and smooth-flowing lines, it’s usually better to clean up curves correctly in a single stroke. Most painting software enables you to rotate and flip the canvas freely to adjust the angle at which you tackle those curves. Flipping the canvas as you draw is also a good way to check the balance of the image if you’ve been staring at your artwork for too long. 05. Check the developing artwork Zoom out of your sketch to look at the bigger picture As mentioned earlier, during cleanup we tend to zoom in and focus on the finer details of the artwork. We end up taking localised decisions on how certain strokes would be cleaned without bearing in mind context of the whole image. This might result in, for example, a well-drawn hand that’s clearly out of proportion when compared to the rest of the body. Therefore, it’s important to zoom out occasionally to check everything’s still on track as you clean up your sketch. Apply colour theory to your figures 06. Think about the colours you use Colours have different connotations in different cultures Colours convey mood and meaning, and you can use it to direct or misdirect the audience. At its most effective, just the colour palette can bring to mind the object. It also serves as a bond when different objects share the same palette, such as the historical significance of the red, blue and white stripes in Pan-slavic flags. Beyond basic colour theory, the science of colours and its everyday usage can be useful information. For instance, knowing that in European culture, royalty is represented by purple, while in India, deep red and ochre symbolise grandeur and wealth, can be useful in creating culturally specific characters. 07. Concept and usability These two characters have almost identical colour palettes When I create a character design, form follows function. A hierarchy of information applies to colour design, too. Areas of high contrast will attract more focus, and bright colours can indicate narrative significance. I try to go from a macro overview before tackling details. Here, the characters are twins working as bodyguards. They share a black, green and white palette, but also have spots of pink or cyan to differentiate them. I also try to ensure that no other in-universe characters have a similar palette. The narrative theme is dark, and therefore the general colour palette reflects that and is muted. 08. Build a palette Before deciding on a palette, explore options with a character colour sheet I use tools like Adobe Kuler and ColourLovers for inspiration – you can use Kuler to create a palette from an existing image. Before deciding on a palette, explore options with a character colour sheet (usually with flat colours). Also, keep in mind the usage and context of the image. If, say, it’s meant as a final asset in an environment, make sure it contrasts against the main environmental colours. I tend to use a neutral white light for shading, so that it’s easy to adjust the character art in different lighting conditions afterwards. 09. Colour psychology and symbolism A character's colour palette can reveal their traits People perceive colours differently (think of viewers who might suffer from chromophobia or experience colour blindness). But there are general meanings and physiological effects associated with colours. For instance, I tend to avoid fully saturated colours such as CMYK magenta, because it gives me a headache! There are some exceptions when a ‘pop’ aesthetic may be preferred. In my example, the character is a heiress who’s revealed to be the main villain of the game towards the end. Her smaller stature and weak body makes her an unexpected villain, but the impression of vulnerability is further enforced with a predominantly pink and white palette, which signifies innocence. Whereas, the impression of inner darkness is supported by the presence of a darker palette. 10. Change your colours Make sure all the different parts of the character are on individual layers for ease of editing If you want to change the colour on an element that's already rendered, first, separate out the elements. Make sure all the different parts of the character are on individual layers for ease of editing. If I want to change a character’s hair from black to pink for instance, I’ll use Photoshop’s Curve tool to brighten it first. To do a gradient colour on her hair, ctrl-select the hair layer, and then place a solid gradient on a new layer. Duplicate the gradient layer multiple times, and play around with Color, Overlay and Screen blending modes. To make other adjustments, I use Color Balance, as well as a separate layer set in Screen mode, to finalise the colour change. Sometimes, when there isn’t enough tonal information for the colour change, I’ll paint them in as needed. Develop a story for your character 11. Create a focus If you can't describe your character in one line, you need to rethink them The key to creating a good character story is to have a strong centre to build your story around – the selling point that your readers can instantly recognise. It should be easily described in one succinct line. I use this one-liner to provide direction from which I develop the rest of my character’s story. Something as simple as 'a girl with a love of stationery and humanity thrust into circumstances beyond herself' can be enough to form the base of your character’s story. 12. Colour code characters One effective way to differentiate characters is through colour When differentiating characters, the quickest and most visible way to do so is by the use of colours. Colours can tell a story on their own, whether through the meaning of individual hues, or the relationship between certain colours. I use purple for a character with royal poise and wit, and red for a go-getter type with a childish lilt. And the contrast between red and blue enables me to create a story of contrasting opinion and values. 13. Create a distinct silhouette Hairstyle and clothing help to make manga characters different from each other Bodies come in all shapes and sizes in western comics. However, for manga, most body types and sizes fall within the same general categories, only differentiated by gender. In trying to create a distinct silhouette within the stricter rules of manga, I often fall back on two specific areas: hairstyle and unique design elements. I use contrasting hairstyles for my different characters, which allows for the variation in silhouette demanded for distinction. Where available, I also add unique shapes and objects to my clothing design to further set the silhouettes apart. 14. Tell a story through visuals Everyday problems can help set the scene in manga comics When introducing a character, it’s important that both their personality and abilities are displayed within the first few frames. To that end, in battle comics I ensure that their introductions enable them to fight an enemy. I use this approach to establish the character’s verbal tics and choice of actions, as well as the powers and capability that they’re able to display. For a comic set in everyday life, I use a mundane daily task or scene for the same function, showing how the character approaches a problem that would be immediately familiar to the readers. 15. Begin with an end in mind Your character's role in the story should influence their design It’s relatively easy to create a character’s personality and traits. What isn’t easy is creating a role for the character. I begin this task by deciding what purpose this character will play in my overall storyline. I use something vague, but directional, like 'background character in the second arc', or 'mid-stage villain boss for the hero’s first battle'. This influences my choice of colours, elements and extravagance of design. After all, a throwaway character who appears in the background of two chapters will be much more subdued in design than one who has a major role in the hero’s development. This article originally appeared in ImagineFX, the world's best selling magazine for digital artists. Subscribe here. Read more: How to make it as a manga artist How to draw manga characters Create a character using Copic markers View the full article

When unboxing Wacom’s Intuos Pro medium, first impressions were a mix between thoughts about how great the tablet looks, and concerns over how long it will stay that way before becoming marked, scuffed and worn. In the box you’ll also find the Wacom Pro Pen 2, a stand, four coloured pen rings and a cable. Wacom Black Friday deals 2018: what we expect Documentation mainly consists of a couple of diagrams showing how to use the stand, which conveniently houses both the nibs and can be used to extract a nib from the pen. Lastly there are samples of rough, standard and smooth texture sheets. The sheets (sold separately) stick to the tablet work area, replacing the existing surface with a new texture, allaying fears of marking the tablet. the backing is of the ‘peel-off- and-throw-away’ variety, which is problematic if you chose to peel it off to switch between textures. It would prolong the pen nibs’ lifespan if the tablet shipped with the default smooth surface applied. Before use it’s necessary to install drivers and firmware updates. Once done, you’ll want to open a Wacom account then hop into the Wacom Desktop center and fine-tune how the tablet functions to your preferences. Ignoring the fairly pointless set-up wizard, the other options provide a wealth of useful customisation tweaks, including: on-screen controls; orientation settings that are ergonomically designed for left and right-handed artists; touch settings for multi-touch gestures to navigate around your project; and ExpressKeys and touch ring functions, providing handy shortcuts that during testing became preferable to keyboard hotkeys for speed. It does take time to adapt to the many features the tablet is capable of, which underlines its suitability for professional use and fast workflow. The Intuos Pro is a flexible tool for creative projects and helps you work in comfort The medium version sports a slightly smaller physical footprint than its predecessor and yet gains a larger active area. Depending on your desk size you could place it alongside your keyboard if you prefer not to use the ExpressKeys and touch ring. However, taking advantage of these time-saving features and shortcuts is far more productive. It’s also wireless, with Bluetooth 4.2 helping you to declutter your desktop and work from your sofa. Wacom Pro Pen 2 The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is incredibly responsive but feels slightly too sensitive with the default settings. Once set up, it does provide a very natural feel when drawing concept designs, texture painting and sculpting, and it performed well in Photoshop, Painter, mari, Maya and ZBrush during testing, although that was after a few hours of getting used to it. There is very little noticeable lag, which can be a problem with cheaper tablets, and the pen is comfortable in your hand for long stints, providing superb pressure responsiveness and giving you innate control and precision for detailing. tilt recognition and 8,192 levels of pressure come into play the more you use it and is a noticeable gain compared to cheaper tablets on the market. Being 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches and lightweight it’s ideal for freelancers on the go, and the battery life is reasonable, allowing for a full day’s work. The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is comfortable to hold for long periods of time, and has impressive pressure sensitivity The Pen’s stand however doesn’t grip the Pen suitably and it’s prone to being knocked over easily. It can be laid flat, but this doesn’t really solve the issue. Inside the stand base you’ll find the nibs; to open it you have to twist the base, but there isn’t much grip to make this an easy process and it’s quite stiff to open until it has been more worn in. This article originally appeared in 3D Artist magazine. Also read: The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals 2018 View the full article

Wondering how to build an app? There are a number of different approaches that are now open to you. Tools such as React Native and Flutter (Google's recent addition to the party) are opening up new possibilities when it comes to mobile app development. Read on for our rundown of five different ways to build an app, to help to decide which one is right for you. 01. Native The default way of developing on mobile is to write native code for each device – usually Java for Android and Swift for iOS. This can give you the best result, but the problem is that you then have two codebases to maintain. 02. WebViews The earliest way to get around this was to build 'hybrid' apps that were essentially web pages rendered within an app container (referred to as WebViews). The Ionic framework is an example of this approach. This has limitations in user experience and relies on a JavaScript 'bridge' to interact with native services, which can impact performance. 03. React Native The release of React Native gave us the ability to write JavaScript code (with React syntax) that used entirely native widgets. It still uses a JavaScript runtime but the presentation is not HTML and it doesn't use a WebView. This takes away a major limitation of older hybrid apps but can still suffer performance issues due to reliance on the JavaScript 'bridge'. 04. Flutter While they offer similar reactive development styles, the major difference between Flutter and React Native is that Flutter dispenses with runtime JavaScript completely and compiles native code for multiple platforms. This offers superior start-up times and app performance. For more on this framework, take a look at our guide to [LINK getting started with Flutter]. 05. Progressive Web Apps One possible future for mobile development moves away from the native environment completely. Web APIs now enable much more extensive interaction between web pages and devices than in the past and service workers mean pages can be cached and work offline. The technology isn't quite there yet but some people are betting that the future of mobile apps is actually web technology. For tips on how to get the most out of them right now, take a look at our article on nine amazing PWA secrets. This article was originally published in net, the world's best-selling magazine for web designers and developers. Buy issue 310 or subscribe. Read more: Build apps that work offline How to create a dashboard app with React The 29 best iPhone apps for designers View the full article

Planning upcoming marketing campaigns and hungry for inspiring visuals to take them to the next level? You've come to the right place. Perhaps you're looking for evocative images of the autumn/fall season, or you need to piece together a last-minute Halloween-themed design? Are you already planning your big Thanksgiving campaign, or even thinking ahead to Christmas and New Year? Read on for our pick of six stunning, premium stock images that could keep your seasonal campaigns fresh 'til 2019... 01. Spooky Halloween vibes Halloween campaigns don't have to be full of witches, ghouls, and goblins – although if you go down that route, you'll find plenty of quality stock illustrations to get you going in libraries such as iStock by Getty Images. As the nights start to draw in and there's spookiness in the air, try drawing inspiration from great horror movies. Use eerie imagery to create a sense of foreboding based on what you can't see, rather than what you can. Full moons shrouded in wisps of cloud, such as the image above, dark, moody woodland clearings, and deserted, cobweb-draped cellars – these are all great background images to add atmosphere to your Halloween visuals. 02. Rich, colourful leaves Autumn/Fall is a beautiful season, filled with burnt oranges, rich ochres, and striking reds. Whether you're creating a Thanksgiving campaign, launching a seasonal range of products, or just keen to reflect that distinctive palette in your designs, fallen leaves are a great way to do so. You're spoiled for choice for premium assets on iStock by Getty Images, whether you need a stylish background image to add colour and texture to your design, such as the example above, or individual leaf elements to position as you see fit. There's a rich selection of illustrated elements to choose from, too. 03. Dramatic firework displays Whether it's Guy Fawkes Night in the UK or Thanksgiving in the States, Autumn/Fall is synonymous with fireworks on both sides of the Atlantic – and of course, if you're planning campaigns ahead for New Year's Eve, the whole world gets involved. Vibrant images of fireworks evoke excitement, awe, and wonderment. You can almost smell the gunpowder lingering in the air. Unless you're a pro at night-time photography, firework displays are notoriously difficult to capture effectively, but there are plenty of premium images to be found at iStock by Getty Images. One great aspect of fireworks images is they tend to be naturally set on a clean, black flat-colour background – like the example above – making them easy to work with for campaign graphics that need text set in negative space. More dramatic, close-up images also make striking backgrounds. 04. Warm, crackling fires If there's a nip in the air outside, few things are more appealing than a welcoming fire, crackling in the grate. As we enter woodburner season, examples such as the one above make great background images – you can almost feel the warmth, and catch the rich aroma of woodsmoke on the air. Homely hearths are too small-scale for Guy Fawkes Night campaigns, of course – UK designers can supplement all the fireworks imagery with depictions of giant, roaring bonfires. Look for examples shot against black for maximum versatility. 05. Mouth-watering feasts Nothing captures Thanksgiving or Christmas quite like a table full to bursting with delicious, seasonal food. If you need a mouth-watering background image for your next campaign, iStock by Getty Images can help you there. Designed specifically for framing text as part of a campaign graphic, carefully art directed images such as the example above leave ample space for you to work with in the centre. Alternatively, a more packed table can make an ideal background to lay text on top. 06. Sparkling white snow As Autumn/Fall slips into winter, crisp, colourful leaves give way to something colder, but no less beautiful. High-quality macro images of sparkling frost make evocative campaign backgrounds, while a layer of snow captures the magic of Christmas. Sharp blades of frozen grass, such as the example above, encapsulate the onset of crisp, frosty weather, as well as being visually striking in themselves. And when it comes to snowy scenes, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from on iStock by Getty Images – an image of fresh snowfall on a pine forest, for instance, captures the mood of the festive season perfectly. Whether you're looking for beautiful background photography or versatile illustrated elements, iStock by Getty Images is the perfect solution for all your seasonal campaign assets. The original resource for premium, royalty-free stock imagery, iStock offers millions of assets including its own exclusive imagery. Until December 31st, you can get 15% off an annual subscription: use code ANNUAL15 at checkout. View the full article