Articles Index

Adobe Creative Suite

This table shows which of 16 different Adobe products are including in each of the six versions of the most current Adobe Creative Suite (currently CS4). InDesign is in only 3 version. Premiere Pro comes in only two. Find out which version dies not include Photoshop.

The Big Picture: Upgrade to a Large Monitor

Maybe it's time to increase your screen real estate holdings with a large monitor. More screen space can save scrolling time, give a more accurate representation of your document, and allow side-by-side comparisons. Upgrading to a new 19" or larger monitor or adding a second monitor are two ways to improve your view.

Color Meanings

Color meanings are powerful tools. Color is more than a combination of red, green, and blue or cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It is non-verbal communication. Discover color meanings, what colors work together, and browse some color palettes in this exploration of color symbolism or color meanings.

Résumé Lesson Plans

The business card conveys what you do but the resume conveys what you have done in an effort to show what you can do in the future. In this series of desktop publishing lesson plans the student creates his or her own resume or that of a historical or fictional character.

Size Matters: Measuring Type, Paper, and Images

If you've done desktop publishing for any length of time or if you come from a traditional printing or graphic arts field then you already know that DTP involves many different types of measurement systems. The inch and millimeter are only two of several possible units of measure.

Postcard Newsletters

Discover why and how to use postcard newsletters including as a marketing tool for a business. Postcard newsletters have many advantages over traditional newsletters for marketing a business and communicating with clients.

Using Preprinted Paper

Predesigned or prepinted paper is paper that has already been printed with colorful designs or patterns. You can then add your own text and graphics and run the preprinted paper through your desktop printer. You get the high quality of a commercial color press without the expense.

A Century of Color Trends and Color Combinations

Just as we often find ourselves using the same fonts over and over, many designers are stuck in a color rut — using and reusing the same old color palettes. Try the color palettes presented here to jazz up your designs or to create specific moods.

Zoom Tool in QuarkXPress

Change your magnification view in QuarkXPress

Zoom Tool in Microsoft Publisher

Change your magnification view in Microsoft Publisher.

Zoom Options in Adobe PageMaker

Change your magnification view in Adobe PageMaker. Learn PageMaker Zoom shortcuts.

Give Away Business To Build Your Desktop Publishing Business

Giving away your time and expertise can sometimes be better than charging for your services if what you get in return is more valuable than the fee you give up. Think of your freebies as simply an alternate method of doing business. Gain publicity, training, and valuable experience — and possibly paid work somewhere down the line.

8 Ways to Find Clients for Your Desktop Publishing Business

Here are eight tried and true ways for new desktop publishing businesses to get those first clients. Try the advertising, marketing, and promotional methods that work best for you and your design business.

Effective Press Releases for Desktop Publishing Business

Tips on writing an effective press release, specifically for desktop publishing businesses.

Be Bold! • Use Bold Type in Desktop Publishing

How and when to use bold type in your documents. Examples of Typeface weights and tips on using bold type for emphasis and how not to overdo the use of boldface. Discover the difference between true bold type and the fake bold type created by some software.

Kerning and Tracking

Kerning and tracking are two related and frequently confused typographical desktop publishing terms. Both type or letterspacing terms refer to the adjustment of space between characters of type. Learn how to use kerning and tracking.

Copywriting for Designers and Non-Writers

When you are your client can't hire a professional copywriter, at least heed these tips for ensuring that you produce clean, crisp copy for ads, brochures, and other print projects.

Quark Software Reviews

QuarkXPress is one of the premiere desktop publishing products for freelance designers and businesses. Additionally, Quark offers other high-end publishing solutions for content management, collaborative workflows, and editorial workflows. Find out what each of these Quark software products offers as well as first looks at new versions of QuarkXPress.

Graphic Design Jobs with the US Central Intelligence Agency

You can work for the FBI without being a 'spy.' Learn about visual communications and graphic design jobs in the Central Intelligence Agency as Graphic Artist/Multimedia Specialist or Graphic Designer including Graphic Designer CO-OP for design students.

Save Money on Desktop Publishing

Saving money is good for you, good for your desktop publishing client. But to do it right, cost-savings must be considered at every step of the design and production process. Save money with these tips on design, color, paper, printing, binding, finishing, and much more.

Measuring Paper

For starters, do you know the difference between "Letter" size paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and A4 paper? Get a grip on the basics of paper measurements as they apply to desktop publishing.

Make Your Own Halloween Craft Projects

Find templates, fonts, art, and ideas for your next Halloween party invitation or decorations. Create creepy cards, costumes, coloring pages and other Halloween craft projects.

Taxes for a Desktop Publishing Business

Isn't there a saying about death and taxes? Well, whatever the adage it is true that if you own your own business you must deal with taxes. Although paying your personal income tax may be nothing new, dealing with business expenses and deductions, paperwork for business taxes, paying quarterly taxes and sales taxes for businesses can be a little overwhelming at first.

Start With a Plan for Your Desktop Publishing Business

So you think you want to start your own business. You think you've got what it takes to work from home, be your own boss, and deliver the goods. Perhaps you've decided that a desktop publishing business is right for you. But you aren't sure where to start, how to get customers, how to sell yourself or your services.

Sketch This! • Do Thumbnail Sketches

Use thumbnail sketches to try out page layout and design ideas. Find out how important thumbnail sketches are in the design process and how to create and use thumbnails.