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How Does Image Resolution Work?

| EmilyStreit_Designs
Image Resolution Example

Many times, a client may send small Jpegs or ask for an image from the internet. As designers, we know how necessary image resolution is for large prints. A low-quality image may harm the credibility of the client, and if it is pixelated, it may lose detail. Let’s delve into what image resolution means.

What Does Image Resolution Mean?

Image resolution can refer to photography or digital artworks. The image resolution refers to pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). PPI or DPI is the number of pixels or dots that are present per inch of the image. The higher the resolution, the more information is available, allowing for crisp imagery. Low resolution will result in a pixelated look when stretched out, not what you want.

The Difference Between DPI And PPI

DPI and PPI may be confusing to comprehend at first as they seem so similar and sometimes used interchangeably. The fact is, one is referred to as web-resolution while the other relates to physical printing resolution. 

DPI

Dots per inch refers to the actual dots that are created by the printer to produce an image. A printer overlays CMYK colored dots to color the image. DPI is only relevant when printing, as your monitor will not be able to show a difference between 100DPI and 300DPI. However, some designs may be cross-platform. For instance, when a logo is on a website and a brochure, it is essential to keep a copy of the logo file that has a high DPI for this reason.

PPI

Pixels per inch refers to web resolution. The more pixels per inch, the more details appear on the screen. Two screens can have the same web resolution, but different dimensions. For instance, if the larger screen has a high resolution, it can fit more elements within it. A large screen can make the image appear smaller but also crisper in quality. The smaller screen will have the same crispness but with fewer elements on the screen, letting them appear larger.

Can You Adjust The Resolution Of An Image?

You may have found the perfect imagery for your upcoming project, but the resolution isn’t the size that’s required. You could increase the resolution of the image within Photoshop, but that could harm the quality. You can always make an image smaller and keep the same sharpness. When enlarging the PPI, you are stretching the image to the point where the computer has to invent new pixels. It can result in a low-quality image resolution. The best solution for this is to retake the photo at a higher resolution.

What Does A Graphic Designer Really Do?

| EmilyStreit_Designs

A Graphic Designer is so much more than someone who creates visuals. If you are a Graphic Designer, you may have heard your peers say things to make you question if finding a job will be easy.

Well, I am here to say that, no, it is not that easy. It is challenging to find the perfect position, but it comes from drive and passion.

The Break Down

Clients

Before designing anything, a graphic designer must master the art of communication with the client. A designer needs to know the right questions to ask to build rapport and understand the tasks at hand:

  • Prepare questions
  • Get to know the client/company
  • Project specifics
  • Timeline
  • Budget

Some will want to meet in person while others will meet over a video chat or phone call. It is essential to be flexible and research the client and company before the scheduled meeting. This way, you are prepared ahead of time.

Research

Alright, so you met with your client and have taken all the notes you need to start. For example, your task is to redesign a new logo for a sustainable clothing brand. As a designer, you know how important it is for the brand to match the message as well as follow the trends to keep it relevant.

You may want to start by looking at similar companies and researching for keywords like sustainable and ethical clothing. Take notes about the fonts, colors, language, imagery, and maybe a Venn diagram to compare. With this research, you will become more knowledgable of your expectations.

Visual Communication

Time for the creative juices to start flowing. Based on your internal and external research, it is time to start doing your magic. Sketch out different logo options. It is always a good thing to think outside the box and not fall into cliché logos.

Think about the font, what will represent the brand’s voice? Slice it, mold it, round it, and make it feel like the brand. When designing a logo, be sure to pair the wordmark with a visual icon. Think about the keywords you wrote down earlier. If it is sustainable, what objects come to mind? Most sustainable brands include a plant icon, so maybe something different would help the brand be recognizable and stand out from the rest.

Now that you have a wordmark and visual, time to put them together. Make sure that the logo has a black and white version and is recognizable from a distance. A good rule of thumb is to give the client at least three different choices of logo designs. This way, they are not overwhelmed while still having options.

Graphic Design Makes A Difference

You have made the changes and turned in your final logo design. It can be fulfilling to have your project completed. Knowing that you helped solve a problem for a client and made their dreams a reality is one of the reasons I chose to be in the field.

Some projects may be more difficult than others, but once it is out in the real world, it feels like making a difference for someone. Graphic design takes drive and passion. It is not just art; it is communication, which is everywhere.