Graphic Arts Vocabulary

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Vector Graphics

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Images created using mathematical equations, allowing for scalable designs without loss of quality. Common file formats include .AI and .SVG.

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Raster Graphics

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Images composed of pixels, which can lose quality when resized. Common file formats include .JPEG, .PNG, and .GIF.

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Typography

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The art and technique of arranging type, including font selection, size, spacing, and alignment, to create visually appealing text.

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Color Theory

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The study of how colors interact and the principles of color mixing. It includes concepts like the color wheel, complementary colors, and color harmony.

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Layout

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The arrangement of visual elements on a page or screen, including text, images, and white space, to achieve a balanced and effective design.

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Bleed

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The area of a design that extends beyond the trim edge of the printed piece, ensuring that there is no unprinted margin when the piece is cut.

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Resolution

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The amount of detail in an image, usually measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution results in better image quality.

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Mockup

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A scaled or full-size model of a design, used to visualize how the final product will look and to test layouts before production.

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Brand Identity

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The visible elements of a brand, such as colors, logos, and typography, that together convey the brand's message and values.

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CMYK

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A color model used in color printing that stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is used to produce a wide range of colors in print media.