Who is this incredibly strange and adorable creator of such incredibly strange and adorable art? As described on her website, Tara McPherson creates “art about people and their odd ways, her characters seem to exude an idealized innocence with a glimpse of hard earned wisdom in their eyes. Recalling myths and legends, issues from childhood and good old life experience, she creates images that are thought provoking and seductive. People and their relationships are a central theme throughout her work. ”

Her art can be found in galleries and stores world wide. Referred to as the “crown princess of poster art” by ELLE magazine, McPherson’s work also spans to such items as comics, journal covers and laptop sleeves. She has even done gig posters for bands such as Beck, Modest Mouse and Melvins.

A lady after my own heart, McPherson’s work does not stop in the 2D realm but expands to toys! She has worked with various companies such as Kidrobot, Dark Horse and Toy2R to bring some of her most adorable creations to a 3D life. She has such clients as DC Comics and Dark Horse (as I mentioned before) and has been herself featured in many goth, punk, metal and tattoo enthusiast magazines.

So what is it about the monochromatic, innocent yet twisted, child-like subjects in McPherson’s art that makes her such a widely recognized and highly sought after artist? My guess is her embracement of the strange and unusual set in a scene that is (often) appropriate for all ages. It isn’t often that an artist can, or even chooses to, represent a dark and sinister idea in a way that just makes the audience say “aww!”

Although she has just finished her solo exhibition in the Philippines and her group exhibition in Los Angeles, you can expect to see this young lady in future expos worldwide.

Stop by her website at www.taramcpherson.com to check out her work and let us know what you think!

Written by Myranda Harnage

When it comes to creating posters, flyers, newsletters, magazines or any graphic logo you can use the pen tool to create dynamic and impressive images. When working with the pen tool it can be tricky trust me I know. When I first started using it I was so completely lost and confused because it is very hard to work with when you don’t know how to use it. But the more and more I used it the better I got with it.

I find that the Pen Tool can be an amazing tool to use in almost anything. I have used it to create dynamic shapes, logos, and interesting images to create an interesting poster that catches people’s eye. I feel that it is necessary for everyone in the graphic design business should know how to use the Pen Tool like a pro. It is time consuming but there is a definite plus to keep trying and not giving up like I almost did. I got frustrated with it and I did get confused because nothing ever seemed to go write when I used it, but I knew that it was a must for the profession that I was going to go into.

There are many tutorials that can help show a person how to work the Pen Tool like a pro but the most successful thing I have done is practice. I feel that practice makes perfect and if you want a perfect logo, flyer, ad or graphic, practice, practice, practice.

As far as the Pen Tool and my relationship with it now, well I love it! I enjoy playing around with it and use the Pen Tool to create all kinds of designs with it. I find that it is great to create banners, simple flower shapes, and I couldn’t live without it now that I have mastered it like a pro!

Written by: Wendy Doherty

This year is an election year. If you’re like me you’re currently dreading the inundation of political commercials that will only get worse as the year goes on. However, despite my visceral hatred for the broken electoral machinery that we must suffer with, I do plan on voting in the upcoming election. Although we live in a government of checks and balances the office of the president does contain significant power, and it is important to me that the man elected represents the best interests of the nation. As such I sometimes wonder what could be done to further the chances of the candidate I support. From a graphic design perspective how can I better sell my candidate?

In the interest of that question, today I want to focus on candidate logos. It is well documented that in the 2008 election Obama’s iconic rising sun logo, as well as the tri-colored image of President Obama helped win him the election. The logo featuring a white sun in a blue sky rising over a hill striped in patriotic red and white. It conveyed a message of hope and change that resonated with voters.

This year we are now almost guaranteed to see a showdown between the incumbent President Obama, and challenger Mitt Romney. On the graphic design side of things both candidates are once again using logos that prominently display the patriotic red, white, and blue. President Obama is using much the same logo that he won with last time, the only changes being that the rising sun is now displayed prominently in the 0 of 2012. On the other hand Romney’s logo presents his name with the R being transformed into a flag consisting of a blue, red, and white stripe. Interestingly enough the flag seems to be closer to France’s flag than America’s, an odd choice by whoever made it.

Now here’s my question. There’s an obvious reason why every political candidate uses red, white, and blue. They are the colors we associate with our country. Together they represent patriotism, strength, and ourselves in a way. However, as any good graphic designer will tell you, one of the best things you can do is make yourself stand out from the pack. There’s a quote sitting on a corkboard above one of my co-worker’s desk. “Good design is all about making other designers feel like idiots because that idea wasn’t theirs.” So what might happen if a candidate chose to use colors other than red, white, and blue on their logo and accompanying media?

First let’s look at the potential pros. It would garner immediate attention, whether it was being praised or ridiculed, people would be talking about it. Every time they talked about it they would be repeating the candidate’s name, becoming more and more familiar with the concept of the candidate in their lives. As P.T. Barnum supposedly said, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Secondly in a time when many Americans are dissatisfied with the actions of their current government, like the 2008 election, it might be beneficial to be viewed as the candidate the breaks the mold and refuses to conform to standards. Finally, although America’s colors symbolize some very good things, their associations are locked into the public psyche. If a candidate wants to say that they are a compromiser, or perhaps fiscally responsible, it is hard to say that with the American colors. Those ideas are something that we just don’t associate with the red, white, and blue.

Now for the cons. Breaking the mold on something as pervasive as American patriotism is definitely a radical move, and no doubt some people may portray our hypothetical candidate as un-American. So as designers we would have to decide whether we will gain enough votes to offset the small minded flag-followers who simply vote for whoever throws the largest amount of patriotic buzzwords around.  Secondly we would be entering what is essentially an untested market. We know how red, white, and blue will be received. Unfortunately if our new colors do not represent what we want them to represent, for instance yellow be interpreted as cowardly instead of happy, we might severely hurt our candidate’s chances at re-election.

As I hope you can see this question is definitely a head-scratcher, and we really only discussed color choices! In the end I doubt anyone in politics will read this blog, and be inspired to change their colors. However, as graphic designers we need to ask these questions. It’s only by thinking about how we might push the boundaries of our industry that we will be able to keep elevating our art. We know that graphic design can change the world; we just have to figure out how.

Do you have any thoughts on what we talked about today? I’d love to hear them in the comments section. As always all thoughts, and ideas expressed in this article are my own, and in no way reflect the opinions of my employers. See you next week!

The business card is the staple of any business, large or small. It is one of the most important tools that any business could possibly possess. Companies spend billions of dollars on marketing campaigns and advertising strategies, but can often overlook the power of that little piece of paper. By handing a current or potential client your business card, you are, ideally, giving them the most important information – your name, your business’ name, phone numbers and addresses. What many businesses often do not realize is that when you hand someone your business card, you are also giving them an incredibly influential look at your company. Business cards are like the first impression for a client.

Your card reflects both you and your business. This is particularly important for small business owners to remember. It may seem like a large cost at first – getting your cards designed and printed – but you do not want to skimp out here. A poorly designed card could be the difference between gaining or losing a client.

I am not saying that everyone should have some extravagant card with multiple colors and images. This works for some businesses but could crush others. The key is knowing who you are, knowing what your business stands for, and trying to fit this on a 3.5 x 2 inch card. This is where the experts come in to play.

Rather than attempting to visit a do-it-yourself business card design and printing website where any number of things can and do go wrong, you should weigh your options of visiting a design studio. The professionals have worked on myriad business cards and have it down to a science. I’m not saying they just recycle designs, I’m saying that they know what they are doing. Designers know what information is most important and how to best represent your company in such a small space. You may have ideas about colors and images and even fonts and think it would look great until you are presented with a well designed card that correctly represents your level of sophistication and business.

I am not trying to self promote, I am simply trying to make small business owners aware that their cards can have a huge impact on clientele. If you have the time and the extra money, it is without a doubt worth handing this task over to a designer.

Do you have any tips on business cards? Let us know!

Written by Myranda Harnage

   So I am originally from a small town inMinnesota; The land of 10,000 lakes and my home. I graduated from Minnesota State University-Mankato and I was looking to gain experience in the field of graphic design. That’s where TriLeaf Designs came into my life.  I came toSt. Louisfor a great opportunity as a graphic design intern at TriLeaf Designs. I was very excited about the opportunity that I had been given and also I was very overwhelmed.  I had never moved more than 3 hours away from my family so I was scared, to tell you the truth. I was also nervous because I had heard a lot of bad things aboutSt. Louis. But I wanted to give it a chance and not let my fears and worries stop me from doing what I needed to do.

I finally had everything settled inMinnesotaand I was ready to move toMissouri. I was ready, and prepared for my new adventure. Once I moved here and got settled in I was surprised by all the traffic and all the people around me. I knew that it was a heavily populated area but it really hits you once you see it and you are in the middle of it all. It took me ten minutes just to get out of the gas station parking lot one day, and I just laughed to myself because it amazed me and to this day, it still does. I have been here since February now, and I am starting to find my way around without being reliant on my Garmin for directions. I do take it with me everywhere I go, but I don’t use it until I get lost.

I would have to say that I am glad that I took this internship because it is teaching more than just what I went to school for. It’s teaching me to adjust to my environment and to make smart choices and to always beware of what’s going on around me. I have many places that I still want to go to here in St. Louis. For example, the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo are the top two on my list. I think thatSt. Louishas a lot to offer and I wish that people would give it more of a chance before they start saying all the bad things about this place. Just like anywhere else in the world, it has its compliments and faults. You just have to be smart about what you do and where you go. Again, Thanks for reading, and tell us what you think aboutSt. Louis.

Written By: Wendy Doherty

Hey folks, today I want to talk to you about making your voice heard. The sad truth of our industry is that we are all narcissists. However, like many career paths, we all start at the bottom. It can be very frustrating for a young designer to have their work completely overhauled by their superior. In my various internships, I have had moments were I saw work I was proud of being deconstructed before my eyes. So what did I do? Did I put them in their place? Did I tell them to move over a young innovator is here now? No! One of the worst things you can do in business is burn bridges. So how do you make your voice heard in a setting where you have no power? Well I can’t speak for everybody, but I can tell you what has worked for me.

The best way to get your way is to back it up with good old fashioned explanations. When your boss questions why you used one element over another, you better have a well thought out answer if not, you have absolutely no leg to stand on. After all you went to school for this and if you can justify your actions with actual terms and experience, instead of vague opinions, your boss is going to respect that. The best part is even if your ideas are still heavily edited, I guarantee that you gained some respect, respect which might lead to a bigger voice in projects down the road. Employers want a professional attitude, the difference between not wanting to change something because you like it and not wanting to change something because it will ruin the aesthetics is huge. It shows that you’re a serious professional with a focus on the good of the company. It seems like such a small thing but trust me, it’s the difference between being viewed as strong, and being viewed as selfish.

Something else you can do to gain a greater voice is to simply take criticism with a healthy attitude. Recognize the fact that you are young, and you don’t know everything. Absorb the lessons your bosses teach you, after all they have been doing this for years. Not only will this make you a stronger designer, but it can also gain you more clout. Humans are social creatures, and our moods and attitudes drastically affect those around us. That’s why you’re much more likely to laugh at a joke if somebody else is laughing as well. If you approach your work with an open attitude it will, at least in part, be passed to your superiors. Quite simply if you’re open to their ideas then they’re going to be more open to yours.

Dear readers, trust me I am aware that I basically just told you to be the office goody-goody. These suggestions will work, but as always it’s best to approach everything in balance. Next week we’ll discuss why it’s best to show your independence and originality in an office setting, and how you can reconcile being agreeable, and maintaining your individuality. If you have any thoughts on the subject we discussed today feel free to share them in the comments section. As always all opinions are personal and do not reflect the opinions of my employer. See you next week.

Written By: Zach Gatliff

Since 1940, DC Comics has been branded with that classic super hero look that comic lovers from all over could instantly identify. The last, and possibly most well known logo, seemed like it was here to stay, that is, until the new logo was released in January of this year. The purpose of the new logo was to try to re-capture the old branding style of the company but, in all honesty, it seems as though DC is just trying to capture a new audience rather than revive a long dead branding style.

The new logo reflects many of the more modern designs of logos that are aimed at kids and young teens, such as the newest logo for Cartoon Network. There is little wonder as to why the DC logo is so closely related to logos that were designed to capture the attention of a younger audience, but one still has to ask, did DC make the right choice?

The logo has almost always been associated with a star studded super hero feel. Now, there is some movement that can most closely be related to a sticker being peeled off its surface. It is almost impossible to tell what is going on here, let alone what company this logo is even for. Is the peeling “D” supposed to stand for a super hero’s hidden identity being covered, or is this merely a sad attempt at creating an interesting typographical effect? It is almost as if DC is taking on a stern and corporate feel, pushing violently away from the playfulness that is usually associated with a comic book company.

So why was this the best solution for a new DC Comic’s logo? Is the company just trying to appeal to a younger generation without thinking its change through? Tell us what you think!

Written By Myranda Harnage

In today’s changing market web design is becoming more and more important. As a society we can no longer function without constant connection to the internet, and a good website has become an essential tool for any business. People spend an average of three seconds looking at a webpage. In those three seconds you have to convince the customer that you have the most attractive option. Today I will discuss a few tips to keep in mind when you are in the process of working with a web designer to create, or update your website. Following these simple tips will make the process much more enjoyable for both you, and the designer who is working with you.

First and foremost, don’t ask for an over complicated website. A website with a lot of pages or a lot of links can be confusing to the viewer. The internet is not a boutique, people don’t want to sit around to enjoy the atmosphere, they want to find what they want and flip back to their favorite web comic. Clear and concise will always serve you better than complicated and busy. Likewise, the more pages you have, the more expensive the site will be. Of course the flipside of that tip is don’t be afraid to expand your website when it is honestly needed. Businesses grow and your website should grow as well, it doesn’t matter how cutting edge you are if your façade looks like a relic from the nineties.

The second tip, trust your designers. Remember your designer went to school for this stuff. They were not only taught what looks good, but also what doesn’t look good. Feel free to supervise the process, and make sure your interests are being represented, but if a designer tells you something will not be aesthetically pleasing don’t argue with them. They get paid to do this, you don’t. An easy example is black backgrounds with white text. This NEVER looks good. I’ve only seen one website pull it off, and they use a textured dark grey instead of black. If your designer shoots down an idea don’t take it personally. They want you to succeed, because your success will make you happy, and happy customers bring more business.

My final tip, integrate social media into your website. We’ve reached the point in time where Facebook, and Twitter are nearly universal, LinkedIn is fast behind. Everything is connected, and this means you can disperse information to multiple sources with the click of a mouse. An increased connectivity between everything is the future of the internet. If you embrace it now you will be in a strong position in the future.

What do you guys think about what we discussed today? Do you have any website tips for either designers or design customers? Do you have any horror stories? We’d love to hear about them. As always all opinions expressed in this post are my own and in no way reflect the opinions of my employers. See you next week!

Written By Zachary Gatliff

The unfortunate truth of the matter is that right now it is hard for a recent graduate to get a job. A few years ago the economy tanked and recovery, though beginning to pick up speed, has been a slow and laborious process. As such several recent graduates, me for example, have been obliged to accept internships in the lieu of a paid or permanent position. Are these internships worth it?

A recent trend among graphic design employers and perhaps among employers in general, is to require at least a year of experience for junior positions in their company. Although this practice is understandable, to an extent, it is really kind of a Catch 22. Put simply how are recent graduates supposed to attain this experience, if every starting position requires the experience? This is the first and foremost pro of internships, they provide a way for young graphic designers to gain experience in an environment that is geared towards their continued education. The second pro is that a willingness to work in internships, especially unpaid ones, shows a commitment to your field. Employers like seeing that commitment, and it will hopefully give you an edge in your job search. The third pro is that you will become more professional. There are several things that school does not, and cannot teach you about the professional design world. These included things like writing out print orders, and dealing with vendors. Internships will give you the skills and confidence you need to excel at your first paid position.

Unfortunately internships are not perfect, there are some serious problems to consider before accepting them. First of all internships, especially the unpaid ones, are tough financially. Speaking as someone on their second unpaid internship it is frustrating to watch a dwindling bank account, or to watch yourself barely break even should you be lucky enough to find a part-time job to supplement your income.  The second con is that internships do not last long enough. Now there are good reasons why internships are generally 3-4 months long, it coincides with the college semesters, and in the case of unpaid internships the financial burden would just be too great. However, employers judge experience by years rather than months, and as an intern you may have to participate in two or three internships before employers start looking at you seriously.

So are internships worth it? Quite honestly I don’t know. As a current participant in the internship process I hope it will lead to me leaving my internship with a well paying entry position at a respected design company. However, I just don’t know if that will happen, and right now I’m having to pinch my pennies hoping that something will happen soon. Unfortunately my position is no different from any other intern out there right now. What do you guys think, are internships worth it, does the system need to be improved? What are some pros and cons of internships that I may have missed?

Well that’s all for me this week. As always all opinions expressed in this blog post are my own, and in no way reflect the opinions of TriLeaf Designs and affiliates. If you enjoy reading my stuff, then I will see you next week!

Written By Zachary Gatliff

How do you succeed in graphic design? One of the biggest things you can do is know the Adobe Creative Suite, and know how to use it efficiently. While that advice may seem simple, there are several ways you can go wrong. Here are a few simple tips that will help you stay on track, and prepare you for the real world.

First and foremost, just because you can run filters on Photoshop doesn’t mean you are a graphic designer. The other day I was having lunch with a supervisor from one of my previous graphic design internships. She told me a story about a person applying to an internship with no college experience. Their claim to fame, “I’m really good at Photoshop.”

Needless to say, they didn’t get the internship. Anyone can be good at Photoshop, I could search Google for “cool Photoshop effects” and find ten tutorials to create effects that would make it seem like I had been practicing for years. Being a good designer isn’t just about creating effects in Photoshop; it’s also how you integrate them into the rest of the design as a whole. That’s what any serious employer is going to be looking at.

My second tip goes hand in hand with the first. Just like in Photoshop, you don’t have to know how to do the super fancy stuff in Illustrator and InDesign to be a good designer. Ninety-five percent of the time you will be doing the same basic actions. It’s how you integrate these basic actions together to create a unique product that’s going to impress potential employers.

This is not to say you shouldn’t learn the super fancy stuff in each program, just realize that the basics matter a lot more. For example if you’re a quarterback, it’s great if you know the intricacies of meteorology, and how the weather is going to affect the performance of yourself and your team, but it’s probably more important to know how to throw the bloody football.

I’d love to hear your opinions on this matter, have there been any times when you’ve created something amazing with just basic tools? As always, all opinions expressed in the article are my own, and in no way reflect on any organization I am affiliated with. See you next week!

Written By: Zachary Gatliff