Information and Resources on Graphic Design

Dmitry's Design Lab - Monthly articles on basics of graphic design, including color, fonts, shape, texture, the principles of using artwork, photography and animation, as well as additional subjects.
Graphic Competitions - An annotated directory of international graphic design competitions, Macintosh news, graphics news, resources and bookstore.
Graphic Design - Design resources, articles, and employment information.
Lürzer's Archive Online Services - Archive of advertising graphic design for print, television, product packaging, commercial illustration and other subject areas. Submission form provided.
The Study of Design - Information pertaining to design fundamentals, inspiration and creativity, and the business of design.
THREE.OH - Inspirational Kingdom - Textual and visual exploration of issues within graphic design.

Typography

ABC Typography - Virtual Museum of Typography.
All Good Things Typography - Information about typography: history, classification, type choice and the fontpool.
Alphabet and Letter - Information on alphabets from around the world, with chapters from "The Alphabet and Elements of Lettering" written by Frederic W. Goudy.
Alphabytes - Dedicated to excellence in graphic design and the promotion of typography, calligraphy and the lettering arts.
Arabic Type - Research on Arabic typography, its relationship to calligraphy and culture, and the development of new Arabic fonts.
Arabic typography - Arabic typographical experiments.
ATypI - The site of the Association Typographique International, the organisation of the international type community. Information on events, ATypI publications and conferences.
Ban Comic Sans - Download and print stickers and flyers to campaign against the font, also free comic fonts to use instead.
Cary Graphic Arts Press - Publication arm of the Melbert Cary Graphic Arts Collection at Rochester Institute of Technology, offering publications on the history of the graphic arts.
Cavendish Typography - Gallery of images and text relating to typography and print through the ages.
Character Design Standards - General rules for character shapes in Latin based languages in digital fonts. From Microsoft.com.
Commonly Confused Characters - Unicode and graphic examples of proper quote, hyphen, and space encoding and typographical mistakes.
Creative Pro : Fonts Department - Font news and software reviews links. Exclusive feature articles on typography from Creative Pro's staff of graphic design writers.
daidala - A blog by Jon Coltz. Features reviews of typefaces and observations from the life of a type lover.
DigitalThread: TypeHaus - Contains featured foundries, honorable foundries, type resources, and typography links.
Dr. Leslie and The Composing Room - MFA thesis project by Erin K. Malone explores the history of typesetting firm located in New York City.
Encyclopaedia of Typography and Electronic Communication - A short-subject encyclopedia and glossary covering typography, printing, electronic publishing, and electronic communication.
The Evolution of Type - Information on the main characteristics of the letterform, styles and elements of printing types, and the history of the alphabet.
Font Lover - Font news from around the globe and A+ font links.
The Glory of Chinese Printing - Online exhibit that details history of printing in China, from block printing through the invention of movable wood type, brass plates, and two-color techniques.
Greeking Machine - Lorem Ipsum generator supporting Latin and several humorous choices.
Information Design Associates - Corporate, information design, and web design.
The International Type Index - A directory of fonts and foundries with the ambitious goal of indexing all existing fonts in the world.
LetterPerfect - Design services, lettering tours, publications, and fonts available for purchase and download.
Medieval Unicode Font Initiative - Non-profit group of scholars working toward a solution to the problem of encoding special characters in Medieval texts written in the Latin alphabet.
Name This Font - Encyclopedia of letterforms. Information on the author plus where to purchase the book.
National Print Museum - Site of Ireland's National Print Museum. Contains a short tour of the museum, description of exhibits, a brief history of printing in Ireland and visitor information.
Pixel Fonts Explained - In-depth look at the history of bitmap (pixel) typography.
Planet Typography - This portal dedicated to typography includes directory, news, online manual and free fonts to download. Home of The Typographic Times, a font-related eZine with interviews of type designers and portraits of typefaces.
Society of Typographic Aficionados - Rochester, NY based S{o}TA is an International Organization dedicated to the promotion, study, and support of type, its history and development, its use in the world of print and digital imagery, its designers, and its admirers.
Type Books - Resource for publications concerning the letterform arts.
TypeRight - Mission: to promote typefaces as creative works and to advocate their legal protection as intellectual property.
Types and Typography - A guide - A complete guide to the history and science of types, fonts and typography.
TypoBlog - Medium sized article, subtitled "How personal typographic Web sites are giving the musty, elitist field of typography is a stiff kick in the keister"
Typo.cz - Information on Central European typography includes foundry listing, software, books and general rules. In English and Czech.
Typographic - Information on typography from 3500 B.C. to the present day, including evolution, timeline, anatomy, image gallery, studies, glossary and related information.
typogRaphic - Exploration and experimentation between typography and imagery.
The Typographic Circle - Membership organization providing information on committee, events, publications and membership.
Typographica. A Journal of Typography. - News, observations, and open commentary on fonts and typographic design.
Typolis - In German and English, this site is an ambitious private project which details the history of alphabets, describes type classifications and provides information about designers as well as about the art of graphic design.
Typophile - Active discussion board with font identification and type design critique forums. Sporadic features include interviews with typographers, news feed, and type design courses.
The Typophiles - Founded 70 years ago by Frederic Goudy, Paul Bennett, and others, an educational association that encourages the appreciation and production of fine typography and bookmaking.
Typotheque - Information about typography, free type utilities, articles on type and type design, and fonts for sale.
Will-Harris House Writing, Design and Typography - Home of Esperfonto, the web's only interactive typeface selection system, TypoFile magazine for people who use and love type, a design office with corporate ID's, business cards and illustrations, and the Point Reyes Chipmunk Observatory and Garden.
BBC News: Helvetica at 50 - The Helvetica font is celebrating its 50th birthday. You've probably seen it a thousand times today. Why? (May 9, 2007)

Magazines & ezines

Atlas Magazine - San Francisco-based webzine of photojournalism, graphics, editorials, gallery and illustration.
Beam - Bare electronic art magazine, covering the underground computer art scene.
BEAST Magazine - {ths} thomas schostok - graphic design
Before & After - Print publication which claims it can teach graphic design to anyone. Site offers library of back issues and on-line subscription form.
Born Magazine - Venue for design and literature collaboration.
CMYK Magazine - Quarterly publication includes agency and design firm features, top student and school profiles, and hints and tips.
Colorize - Tips on color printing and working with color.
Communication Arts - Print publication offering competitions, forums, feature articles, job bank, graphic design resources and online shopping.
Computer Graphics World - Online source explores visual computing techniques and innovations including 3D modeling, animation, visualization, rendering, simulation and applications such as MCAD/CAM/CAE for engineers, designers and animators.
Coupe Magazine - Presents a visual collision between the worlds of design, art, technology, and culture.
Cre@teOnline - The Web Designer's Bible - Site for Web designers: news, reviews, resources, columns, downloads, recruitment, exclusive competitions and discussion forums.
DCC Designer - A resource for the digital designer.
Design Graphics - All about digital publishing - regular features include Photoshop tips and techniques, top designers' work, product news and reviews. Widely available throughout North America and Australasia.
Design is Kinky - A digital publication geared to graphic design in all media. Profiles, mug shots, theory and galleries.
Designer-Info - Giving graphic designers the information they need: articles, tutorials, and software reviews.
eclipse e-zine - Templates, designer bulletin, resources, moonlighting, tongue-in-cheek views and job links.
Eye - The international quarterly review of graphic design for artists and designs professionals. Includes critques and back issues available for purchase.
Famished.org - Webzine containing links, opinions and a weekly design article.
the fast aesthetic - a yearly graphic design & art magazine printed in small quantities with submissions from talented creatives from around the world.
For the Masses - Promoting the very best in New Zealand design. Updated daily by a team of web enthusiasts from all over the country.
Graphic Arts Monthly - New product announcements, industry news, event calendar, searchable database of editorial articles, paid classifieds, printer's and prepress chat areas and stock prices for top 100 industry companies.
Graphic Design Basics - Contest listings, articles, tips, selected books and resources, updated weekly.
Graphic Exchange magazine - A publication for professionals in graphic communications and graphic arts, editorial focus on creative imaging, graphic design and prepress. Free subscriptions mailed within Canada.
Graphics IQ - Ezine for graphic designers, featuring product announcements, industry news, books and CDs resource list.
GraphicsNews - Covers news for the graphic design, computer graphic and web graphic community.
Graphis - International journal of visual communication. Offers current and back issues, subscription information.
HOW Magazine - Print publication offers editorials, competition announcements, survey results, technology news, bookstore with online shopping, links to design resources, and a message board.
K10k - A matrix architect's information designer lunchbox.
loveunit.com - dynamic democracy - loveunit.com - dynamic democracy: play your part. Graphic Design focussed forums and resources.
Neotabu - An online magazine with articles about design, art, architecture, and nature.
PEI Magazine - The authoritative electronic imaging magazine, extensive tutorials, tools, and articles.
PrintAction - Monthly magazine for the printing industry in Canada offers technical and business news and features.
Roast Horse - experiments in design and illustration
Surfstation - Articles, news, interviews, galleries and a database of companies currently looking for employees in the design media.
Tradepub.com - Free one-year magazine subscriptions for the graphics arts community.

Organizations

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) - NY, USA. For American design professionals. A place to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research, and advance education and ethical practice.
Graphic Artists Guild - Founded 1967, Detroit, USA. For American visual creatives (design, web, illustration). A union of professionals who have come together to pursue common goals, share their experience, raise industry standards, and improve their ability to achieve satisfying and rewarding careers. Producers of the book "Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines".
American Design Awards - Gives awards to individual graphic and web designers, design professionals and companies. How to get nominated, previous awards, and graphic design news.
artyears.com - Community portal offering tips and resources for graphic designers.
Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) - Founded 1996, Toronto, Canada. For Ontario graphic designers. A member association of the GDC. Grants qualified graphic designers right to the exclusive use of the designations Registered Graphic Designer and R.G.D. and is the governing and disciplinary body for its members.
Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) - Founded 1988, Australia. For Australian graphic designers. Managing body of award programs, exhibitions, seminars and professional development activities for its members.
British Design Initiative (BDI) - Founded 1993, UK. For British designers. An agency that owns an accurate database of UK design agencies; design media, design awards and professional design bodies internationally.
The Color Association of the United States (CAUS) - Founded 1915, NY, USA. For all designers who use color. Color forecasting organization holding extensive color archives, trend information, custom color consulting and publications.
Color Marketing Group (CMG) - Founded 1962, Alexandria, USA. For international color designers. A not-for-profit association of designers involved in the use of color as it applies to the profitable marketing of goods and services.
Creative Business - A business information resource for principals of graphic design and communications companies and freelance graphic designers, copywriters and illustrators.
Design Council - helps people and organisations in business, education, public services and government understand design and use it effectively as part of their strategy.
Design Management Institute (DMI) - Founded 1975, Boston, USA. For design managers. A non-profit organization dedicated to demonstrating the strategic role of design in business and to improving the management and utilization of design.
The Grolier Club - Membership organization founded in 1884 for aficionados of the graphic arts. Information on research library, public exhibitions and publications.
Institute of Designers in Ireland - Professional body representing the interests of Irish designers. Newsletter, annual reports and downloadable forms provided.
International Association of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC) - Founded 1919, Philadelphia, USA. For international printers and graphic artists. An organization for the purpose of their self-development, their companies' success, and the enhancement of the printing and graphic arts industry in society.
International Color Consortium (ICC) - Founded 1993, Reston, USA. For international color designers. Membership organization established by industry vendors for the purpose of creating, promoting and encouraging the standardization and evolution of a cross-platform color management system architecture and components. Developed the ICC profile specification.
International Council of Graphic Design Associations (icograda) - Founded 1963, London, UK. For international graphic designers. The world's non-governmental and non-political representative and advisory body for graphic design and visual communication.
Letter Exchange - Society for professionals involved in the lettering arts and crafts, from calligraphy and letter-cutting, through design for print, publishing and typography, to signage and architectural lettering.
National Association for Printing Leadership - Providing graphic arts industry members with information on a wide variety of educational services, events, and products related to the printing industry.
National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) - Trade association serving as a resource for Adobe Photoshop education, training, and news.
Organization of Black Designers - Non-profit national professional association dedicated to addressing the unique needs of African-American design professionals.
Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) - Washington DC, USA. For international graphic designers, fabricators, students and educators involved in the field of environmental graphic design. A non-profit educational organization.
Society for News Design (SND) - North Kingston, USA. For international designers in the news industry. Publishers of annual "Best of Newspaper Design". Formerly the Society of Newspaper Design.
Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) - Founded 1976, Ottawa, Canada. For Canadian graphic designers. A member-based graphic design organization of design professionals, educators and students.
Society of Illustrators, Artists and Designers - International organisation founded to promote excellence in the art and technique of all visual media and advancement of professional media practice. United Kingdom.
Society of Publication Designers (SPD) - Founded 1965, NY, USA. For international trade, corporate, institutional, newspaper and consumer editorial art directors.

History

AIGA Design Archives - View a list of design history archives and resources from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Includes contact info for collections housed in libraries of schools and museums.
Aleksandr Rodchenko MoMA Exhibition - The Museum of Modern Art, New York presents the history and work of Aleksandr Rodchenko (1891-1956), one of the leading Russian artists in the period following the Revolution of October 1917.
American Sign Museum - Learn about the history of the sign industry and its contribution to commerce and the American landscape. Read museum news, view online exhibits, and research biographies, related events, book reviews, and sites. Includes topical forum.
April Greiman - Visit the page of this pioneering designer who helped introduce the computer vernacular to graphic design through experimental mergers of type and image. Find a link to her projects.
The Art of Persuasion: American Graphic Design Comes of Age - Read a critical analysis of the history of American advertising and graphic design during the early 20th century. View samples.
Design Archive Online - Review twentieth century magazine design and photography with biographical profiles of designers. A project of the Rochester Institute of Technology, the image archives have limited access.
Design History Discussion List - Text-based forum for design issues, local information, and reviews by the Design History Society in the UK. Limited graphic design content.
Docs Populi - Documents for the Public - See the oppositional artwork of Lincoln Cushing, a graphic artist involved in public access to images of peace and justice. Includes links to Cuban poster art and the Inkworks Press archives.
Dr. Leslie and the Composing Room - Research the 1934 - 1942 biography of Dr. Leslie of New York City, including the Composing Room, PM and AD magazine archives, the A-D gallery, and video interviews.
Follow the Sun: Australian Travel Posters 1930s - 1950s - View a colorful exhibit of 1930s - 1950s lithographs from the National Library of Australia. Browse images by destination, symbol, style, or artist.
Graphic Design from the 1920s and 1930s in Travel Ephemera - View an international collection of historic travel brochures, airline time-tables, ocean liner time-tables, auto road maps, luggage labels, advertising, and graphic design publications from the 1920s and 1930s.
The History of PostScript - Learn the story of modern PostScript technology and its impact on the publishing industry.
The History of the CND Logo/Peace Symbol - Read an essay about the logo of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, or peace symbol, designed in 1958 by Gerald Holtom.
The Italian Futurist Book - View an exhibition showcasing Futurism's innovative uses of typography and graphic design, from the years 1909-1944.
The Media History Project - A timeline, graphics, and short articles guide you through the history of mediated communication.
Monuments of the Future: Designs by El Lissitzky - Explore the Getty Research Institute site devoted to this modernist Russian typographer, book designer, and architect. Includes chronology, images, and links to related resources.
Parkland College - GDS 131 Graphic Design History - Review an online course given by Parkland College's Fine & Applied Arts Department in Champaign, Illinois. Survey 12 major graphic styles since 1890. Includes timeline and links to influential designers.
Paul Rand: Graphic Designer - Read an interview of this past influential designer on the subjects of graphic design critique, design philosophy and design education.
Posters American Style - View major posters from the last century. Learn about their design, printing and historical impact on culture. Includes audio. Collection by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Remember Those Great Volkswagen Ads? - Profile of book which is a compilation of Volkswagen's press, radio and television campaigns, with information on how to purchase it.
Salon Magazine: Tibor Kalman - Read the obituary of this innovative designer, best known for the work he created with his New York design firm, M&Co, and his brief editorship of Colors magazine.
The Swiss Poster Collection - See more than 300 posters from 1971 to the present by designers such as J. Müller-Brockmann and Wolfgang Weingart. Maintained by Carnegie Mellon University.
Timeline for Graphic Design History - View a timeline of significant events from the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 1820's to the use of web browsers in the 1990's.
Unimark International: A history of the world's largest design and marketing firm, 1964-77 - Read about the formation, successes and eventual decline of the design firm founded by Ralph Eckerstrom, former design director for Container Corporation of America, and Massimo Vignelli.
University of Florida Rare Book Collection - Examine labeled specimens of typography and book design from the 15th - 20th centuries.
A Website about Corporate Identity - View a catalogue, bibliography and resource list for examples of corporate graphic design. Includes identity guidelines, agencies, and recommended texts.

Resources

Design Research - Research into graphic design, web design and interactive design.
Graphic Arts Blue Book - Directory and buying guide.
Lorem Ipsum - Reference site about Lorem Ipsum, giving information on its origins, as well as a random Lipsum generator.
Lorem Ipsum Generator - Free dummy-, filler-, greeked-, blind-, placeholder text, or mock content generator on the net.
Loremipsum.net - About lorem ipsum, how it's used and the history behind it.
TIEMdesign Magazine - Free graphic design resource with graphics tutorials, graphics product reviews and articles.

Education

Ad School - Programs in graphic design and art direction offered in locations worldwide.
The Art Institute Online - Certificate, Associates Degree and Bachelor of Science programs in graphic design and digital design.
Butera School of Art - Commercial and sign art courses. Course descriptions, admission information, and galleries.
Collins College - Certificate program designed for the individual who wants training in a print oriented, computer graphics environment.
Creative Circus - Two year certificate-granting school, offering programs in advertising, design and photography. Located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Find Graphic Design Schools - Links to schools and colleges throughout the U.S. and Canada that offer courses and programs in graphic design.
Florence Design Academy - Graphic design school, interior design, industrial design and 3D graphic animation.
Hong Kong Communication Art Centre - School in Hong Kong, offering a variety of courses, including graphic design. In English and Chinese.
Institute for Creative Technologies - Program of the University of Southern California. Information on internships, projects and research.
Minneapolis School of Advertising, Design and Interactive Studies - Offering programs in art direction, branding, account management, interactive writing and other subject areas.
My Design Primer - Guide to computers, software, graphics, images, type, professional printing and web pages for non-designers.
Portfolio Center - Offers two-year, intensive full-time training for portfolio development in graphic design, advertising, photography and industrial design. Located in Atlanta, Georgia.
School of Advertising Art (SAA) - Training in graphic design, web design, illustration and computer animation. Located in Dayton, Ohio.
School of Visual Concepts - Specializes in portfolio development for graphic design, advertising art direction, web design, and computer graphics. Located in Seattle, Washington U.S.
Sessions.edu - Online school of design and New Media provides course listing, programs, student gallery and news.
teaching-design.com - Network of the various sites done by schools of graphic design. Texts, calendar of the events and of the publications and a bibliography for students and teachers. Site in French and English.