[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1mCyjWF.png[/img] [color=#E3F797]A Guide to Design by [i]Chai[/i][/color][/center] [indent][indent][hr] [color=#F2F2F2]There's a lot to be said about using aesthetics in roleplay posts. But what even is aesthetic? According to Google it is: [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=#E3F797][h3]aes·thet·ic[/h3] /esˈTHedik/ adjective 1. concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. "the pictures give great aesthetic pleasure"[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] The content of the Internet is so visually based that it tends to draw the eye immediately. Interestingly enough, there are studies that show people associate more beautifully designed products as "better," even if that's not necessarily the case. I know, go figure, right? You mean to tell me that people like beautiful things? We could have a whole discussion on that, but this thread is not the place for that. [b]This thread is about design for both graphics and screen.[/b] What I mean by that is: if you want to improve your ability in making attractive graphics, this thread is for you. If you've ever been reading a post and there's this horrid dark red text against the grey background, and you think to yourself, why does this hurt my eyes / why is this so ugly / can people choose a better color to read; this thread is for you. Or maybe this thread is for the offending party, who knows. The point is that this thread is open to anyone and everyone who wants some insight and advice on how to create better visual designs, or even start their own visual designs. I'll try to not bore you with the principles of design theory, and instead focus on useful information that can be immediately utilized in your own thread designs or graphics. [b]Please do not post in this thread.[/b] If you have any questions or comments, my PM inbox is wide open. Feel free to say hello, ask me to cover a certain topic, or even tell me that I know nothing and that I should quit my profession. I probably won't respond to the latter, but you're free to voice what you think. Thank you! [color=#E3F797][b]DISCLAIMER:[/b][/color] I am not personally attacking anyone over their artistic choices in regards to their graphics or the way they visually present their content in threads. I am only sharing my knowledge in what would be considered best practice or current trends in digital design. [hr] [table] [row][cell][color=#E3F797]Table of Contents[/color][/cell][cell][color=#E3F797]Description[/color][/cell][/row][row][cell][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4847943]Getting Started[/url][/cell][cell]A look at design tools and how to choose the best one for you.[/cell][/row][row][cell][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4848128]Design Resources[/url][/cell][cell]A compiled list of fonts, simpler image tools, and graphics packs.[/cell][/row][row][cell][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4850582]Elements of Design[/url][/cell][cell]Breaking down what goes into design; what makes good design?[/cell][/row][row][cell]Choosing Images[/cell][cell]Knowing the impact of images can be beneficial for graphics, avatars, and signatures.[/cell][/row][row][cell]Typography Part 1[/cell][cell]A quick look into typefaces and what they portray.[/cell][/row][row][cell]Typography Part 2[/cell][cell]The specifics of typography including leading, kerning/tracking and more.[/cell][/row][row][cell]Typography Part 3[/cell][cell]Text readability for screens: color, size, alignment and more.[/cell][/row][row][cell]The Drop Shadow[/cell][cell]The good, the bad, and the ugly of drop shadows. Learn how to use them.[/cell][/row] [/table][/color][/indent][/indent]