Rule #1 — Allow plenty of time. Not enough time is the most common problem any design firm faces. Too often, the client is expecting a fast turnaround at a low price. Rule #2 — Respect the design team. Respect their creativity, judgment and effort. They are professionals and deserve to be treated as such. […]
How a Design Firm Works
All a design firm has to sell is time — time to create artwork. Clients don’t always understand the full scope of the design process. All parts of the project must be billed. Here is a list of billable items in a typical presentation project, in timeline order: Discuss the project. Often free, but it […]
What's the Difference Between Vector and Bitmap Graphics?
There are two types of computer graphics: vector and bitmap (also known as raster). Vector graphics use mathematical statements to describe a series of points to be connected along a path, forming an image composed of shapes and lines. Vector graphics are typically detailed illustrations, fonts, logos, line art and page layouts. A vector graphic appears […]
Basic Steps in the Design Process
A few years ago, Dave Nix outlined the basic steps Bluewave follows in taking a presentation design project from start to finish. Format existing graphics Format all slides to the guidelines established in the template Implement a consistent layout throughout different sections Format all charts, graphs and tables for consistency and style Check and fix […]
Reduce File Size in PowerPoint 2003 — Compress Pictures
Here is another quick fix for PowerPoint files that may have grown too large and sluggish due to all the snazzy imported images and graphics. The change in file size can be dramatic, depending on the images. Right-click any picture in your presentation and select Format picture from the drop-down menu. Under the Picture tab, […]
Reduce File Size in PowerPoint 2003 — Turn Off Fast Save
So. You’ve created a megawatt, massive presentation in PowerPoint 2003 and find it’s grown just a tad too big now that the impressive grahics and Flash files are embedded. There are a number of steps you can take to reduce file size in PowerPoint 2003. First, try this quick fix: On the Tools menu, select Options […]
How Can I Shortcut the Design Process?
Very often, clients are pressed for time and are unable to provide sufficient details to help get a design project successfully underway. When this happens, our project managers and designers must fumble through a trial-and-error process of experimentation and elimination, trying to figure out what the client wants and struggling to deliver a meaningful solution. […]
Why Should I Hire a Qualified Presentation Trainer?
Save time and money with qualified PowerPoint, StarOffice or Keynote trainers Most people don’t think of hiring a professional trainer to come onsite to teach the staff how to use their presentation programs. Often, managers assume people can simply muscle their way through it and end up with a great-looking presentation. It’s just not true. […]
How Can I Apply a New Template in StarOffice 8?
While there are a number of ways to bring old slides into a new StarOffice template and ensure correct formatting, we’ll cover just those methods we’ve found to be the easiest, fastest and most reliable. First, we’ll explain how to copy and paste old slides into the new template. Then we’ll look at clean-up tasks […]
How Can I Set Up Customized Toolbar in StarOffice 8?
Work more efficiently with customized toolbars It’s very helpful to create a customized toolbar in StarOffice 8 with the tools you use most frequently. You’ll no longer need to search through all the menus for tools or struggle to remember which tool does what. Here’s how to create your own StarOffice toolbar: On the main […]