Be informed.
Not everyone is familiar with the language used in graphic design, but there are a few key concepts that are really important building blocks with all aspects of design work. An understanding between designer and client of these concepts will lead to faster work times and a better result.
Image resolution – vector verses raster
Image resolution is something you will come across with any design project whether it is digital or print.
Here’s a quick explanation.
Raster / bitmap images.
The easiest way to think of raster images is to think of a photo. Photos are made up of dots placed very closely together. When you stretch the photo or zoom in to make it larger the dots move further apart and the photo becomes fuzzy. Raster images can’t become better resolution than the original, if the dots are far apart to start with, you can’t move them closer together and make a crisper image.
If using photography in design you need to make sure photos are shot at a high resolution to start with, then the designer can size down as needed
Common raster files include jpeg, png, bmp and tiff
Vector images
Vector images are like gold to a designer. They are made of mathematical points, so you can stretch them as large as you want and they never lose resolution or get fuzzy edges. Starting with vector logo files is important so will appear high resolution at any size – from business card to billboard.
Common vector files include .ai, .eps