Are you still a good graphic designer? Most of us would answer “yes.” But even formally trained graphic designers should be critical of themselves and answer the question honestly. Chances are, you are still a “good” graphic designer; so perhaps a more pertinent question would be: Are you a good contemporary graphic designer? You might be great at design, but if the last time you learned about graphic design trends was during cram week in 1995, you're behind the times – and missing opportunities to be a more effective designer. The following offers tips for how not to get outdated as a graphic designer.

When it comes to the importance of design, letterhead is often one of a marketer's lowest priorities. But when much of your most important information is conveyed via letterhead, it makes sense to put in the time and effort to ensure your letterhead design commands attention and accurately brands your company. The following letterhead designs represent modern examples of stationery that does a great job of branding.

It may be time to rethink the way we design business cards. That's not to say throw everything out, because there are some important standards to keep in mind.

Oh, how I sometimes long for the salad days of when watching television was free. Granted, there were only five channels, and I'm not sure remote controls had been invented, but nevertheless, this technicolor reminder of yesteryear somehow tugs at my heartstrings.

I love vintage – clothing, movies, music and, yes, design. I’m the person at the history museum who takes joy in observing the changing typography of old-timey signage.

As the world digitizes, the role of a graphic designer or multimedia artist will become increasingly important for companies. View this exciting infographic to learn essential information to help you secure your path to success as a graphic designer.

Never has it been hotter to be a vampire than now – between the second-to-last “Twilight” movie coming out next month and Halloween just days away, the undead are everywhere. That’s why graphic artists would be wise to look to vampires to incorporate into their design jobs, whether they’re for websites, invitations, greeting cards or newsletters. The following is just a smattering of the different types of vampire design I’ve seen, including gothy, sexy, traditional and humorous.

Bookmarks are often overlooked as marketing tools. Sure, they may not get the same number of eyes a billboard, flyer or bumper sticker can attract, but bookmarks pull off a different feat: They are seen by a more select audience. Bookmarks are picked up and used by readers, and those readers will see your promotion each and every time they pick up a page-turning book.

If there’s ever a time to vote on the best graphic design, it’s when no money is involved – no contract. It’s just a fun discussion about existing designs.

The California Academy of Sciences is technically a museum, but you won’t find Picasso on the walls or Rodin’s Thinker in a sculpture garden. Rather, animals, the cosmos and other parts of natural history are the stars at this San Francisco institution.