Purpose of the Graphics

• Identify the objective of the graphics - be clear on what you want to communicate with your digital graphics.
• Consider the intended audience. The age, interests and cultural background of the viewers can influence the choice of design, colours, fonts, and overall presentation.
• Keep in mind the medium of presentation. A graphic that looks good on a computer screen may not have the same impact when printed on paper due to differences in resolution and colour rendering capabilities.

Design Process

• Sketch out an initial concept to form a clear idea of what the final image should look like.
• Organise your workspace - Sort out all the elements needed for the graphic such as photographs, illustrations, and text in the required format.
• Use design principles like contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (CRAP) to guide the placement of elements and create aesthetics.
• Constantly refine and iterate the design based on feedback and your own critical evaluation.

Technical Considerations

• Consider the resolution of the graphic. Higher resolution offers better quality but requires more storage space.
• Choose a suitable canvas size and aspect ratio. The graphic should fit well within the intended medium and not appear stretched or distorted.
• Select the appropriate colour mode. RGB mode is typically used for graphics displayed on screens, while CMYK mode is used for prints.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Understand and respect the copyright laws. Never use an image or design without the owner's express permission.
• Always give credit to the source of the images, illustrations, or other elements you've used in your graphic.
• Avoid plagiarism - do not pass off others' work as your own.

Saving and Sharing the Graphics

• Save the file in the most appropriate file format. JPEG, PNG and GIF are most commonly used for web, while TIFF is suitable for prints.
• Consider file size when saving. Larger files may not be suitable for web use due to load times.
• Ensure the graphic is accessible. Use alt-text for images to help visually impaired viewers understand your graphic.