graphic design, art, typography and architecture

I have discovered a wonderful resource in DynamicGraphics.com. How I didn’t stumble across it before, I will never know. Anyway, if you’re after some inspiration, tips about typography, web design, graphic design, how to save your marriage, then get over to their site (the last in the list is hyperbole - I got a little excited). I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the articles; they appear very well-researched, and offer some invaluable tips. There’s a lot of dross out there when it comes to “design tips”, but this site is, from what I can see, 100% dross-less. If I were in a position to hand out awards, then I’d give them my coveted(?) “Most Informative web site in the communications design category award”. I love the format of the articles: clearly written, no-nonsense, concise and informative. Each article then references some source material for further reading - just like a good book/magazine would.
Here’s a quick review of the main content areas:

Colour

A broad range of articles covering (very comprehensively) colour palettes, and some good Photoshop tutorials in their “How do they do that” pieces; everything from simple stuff like Duotone in Photoshop to more in-depth reviews of CMYK work-flows. There’s even an article on correct colour palettes for medical illustration.

Electronic

Good articles about improving your web presence, blogging, podcasting, digital brand identity and much more. If you’re new to web design, or are just plain confused about type for the web, then go no further than the piece entitled “9 Type Rules for Web“, that outlines some simple guidelines for improving your use of type on-line.

Print/Makeovers

A series on re-designs and makeovers for print, with walk-throughs. I especially like the piece that looks at Sueann Hoppock’s (DG) redesign of MMWEC’s newsletter. This is a short article focusing on the core design elements of type, template and colour.

Type

My favourite article in this section is “Typographic Details” (brings to mind the Appendix in Thinking With Type by Ellen Lupton). This piece will help you fix your ligatures and correct your Rags, widows & orphans.

They have some great authors. The above Typographic Details piece is written by none-other than Allan Haley, director of Words & Letters at Monotype Imaging; also chairperson of AIGA Typography and a past president of the New York Type Directors Club. I could go on and on, but I shall leave further review in abeyance and simply suggest that you click here and see for yourself.