HALF WAY THROUGH THE MODULES: PHOTOGRAPHY

Wow!

You’ve spent time shooting product and still life work to build your portfolio.

Below is a curated list of the 15 most important types of photographs you should aim to include in your portfolio:

1. High-Key Lighting – Shots with a bright background and ample lighting to give a clean, high-quality look. Often used in high-end product photography to convey premium quality.
2. Low-Key Lighting – Utilizing low lighting to create a dramatic effect with deep shadows, drawing focus to the product and giving it a luxurious feel.
3. Macro Shots – Extreme close-ups that reveal the intricate details and textures of a product, showcasing its quality and features up-close.
4. 360-Degree Images – Offering a complete view of a product from all angles, demonstrating its form and dimensions comprehensively.
5. Lifestyle Images – Photographs depicting the product in a real-life context, showing it being used in a natural setting, to help customers visualize how they might use it.
6. Flat Lay – Top-down shots that involve arranging products neatly on a flat surface, offering a clean and organized visual of products, often accompanied by accessories to create a cohesive look.
7. Studio Shots – Standard but essential, these are shots taken against a plain background, which allows the product to be the focal point without any distractions.
8. Texture and Material Highlight – Photos that highlight the unique textures and materials of a product, giving customers a better understanding of what they can expect.
9. White Background – Clean and simple images with a white background, which are a standard requirement for many e-commerce platforms.
10. Bokeh Shots – Utilizing a shallow depth of field to create a blurred background, drawing attention solely to the product.
11. Creative Compositions – Experimenting with creative setups and compositions to create visually interesting and artistic representations of products.
12. Reflective Surface – Shooting products on reflective surfaces to create a symmetrical and polished look, which is particularly useful for showcasing glossy and shiny products.
13. Suspended Products – Photographs of products suspended in mid-air, giving a dynamic and interesting perspective that showcases the product from various angles.
14. Group Shots – Photos that group a series of products together, showcasing a range or collection in a cohesive manner.
15. Interactive Shots – Depicting products being interacted with, such as a hand holding a product, to give a sense of scale and functionality.

Each photograph in your portfolio should not only showcase the product effectively but also demonstrate your technical proficiency and creative approach as a photographer.

The aim is to persuade potential clients of your ability to present their products in the most appealing and marketable way. Ensure that your portfolio exhibits a rich diversity in techniques and styles to appeal to a broad range of clients.

Here is a list of 15 essential types of images to incorporate in a lifestyle photography portfolio:

1. Golden Hour Shots – Images captured during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—to showcase the warm, soft, and dimensional lighting it offers, enhancing the natural beauty of the scenes.
2. Candid Moments – Photos capturing spontaneous and unposed moments that convey real emotions and the essence of everyday life.
3. Family Dynamics – Highlighting the bond between family members through natural interactions, portraying warmth, and connectivity.
4. Fitness and Wellness – Shots showcasing individuals engaged in fitness routines or wellness activities, conveying a sense of healthy living and vitality.
5. Urban Lifestyle – Capturing the vibrant energy of city life, including street styles, architecture, and urban dynamics, to portray the modern living narrative.
6. Rural and Country Settings – Photographs that depict the serene and grounded lifestyle in rural settings, showcasing nature, landscapes, and simplicity.
7. Home Interiors – Shooting inside tastefully designed homes to highlight comfortable and stylish living environments, emphasizing natural light and inviting spaces.
8. Seasonal Themes – Images revolving around different seasons, showcasing lifestyle adaptations, and seasonal activities to portray the full circle of life throughout the year.
9. Adventure and Travel – Exciting snapshots of adventures and travels, capturing the spirit of exploration and the joy of new experiences.
10. Pet Interactions – Illustrating the joy and companionship pets bring into people’s lives through playful and affectionate interactions.
11. Food and Culinary – Shots that not only showcase culinary delights but also the joy of sharing meals, cooking, and dining experiences that are central to lifestyle narratives.
12. Fashion and Style – Highlighting personal style through images of individuals showcasing their fashion sensibilities in various settings, portraying confidence and attitude.
13. Creative Hobbies – Capturing individuals engrossed in their hobbies, be it painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, showcasing passion and creativity.
14. Nightlife – Immortalizing the vibrant energy of nightlife through dynamic shots of social gatherings, events, and illuminated cityscapes.
15. Technological Interactions – Documenting how modern technology integrates into daily life, highlighting interactions with gadgets, home automation systems, and more.

Prioritize not just the diversity of lifestyle aspects, but also the depth in each category. Showcase your knack for capturing the essence of life’s varied moments, embodying joy, warmth, adventure, and tranquility in your images. Remember, a good lifestyle photography portfolio tells a story; it brings everyday moments to life in a way that is both authentic and visually captivating.

AI INFORMATION AND TOOLS

1. AI Tools for Growth:
– HypeFury is an AI-powered software that monitors social media posts and helps with content production.
– Typeshare is a software that assists in crafting blog posts, articles, tweets, and LinkedIn posts.
– 10 Web is an AI tool for creating websites quickly.
– Explore similar tools by utilizing search and YouTube.

2. AI Tools to Expedite Content:
– HypeFury combines AI monitoring of social media posts with an easy cue system for uploading and updating content.
– Typeshare helps in structuring blog posts, articles, tweets, and LinkedIn posts for maximum engagement.
– 10 Web allows for fast creation of customizable websites.
– Utilize search and YouTube to find additional tools that suit your needs.

3. AI Website Builders:
– Wix ADI, Weebly, Squarespace, Jimdo Dolphin, and SITE123 are popular AI-powered website builders.
– Consider your specific needs and preferences to choose the best website builder for you.

4. AI Writing Assistants:
– Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor, Atomic Reach, and Copysmith are popular AI writing assistants.
– Evaluate your requirements to select the most suitable AI writing assistant for your needs.

5. Chrome Extensions for Productivity:
– ChatGPT for Google brings ChatGPT right into your browser for easy access.
– Merlin integrates ChatGPT-powered results into Google Search and can summarize YouTube videos.
– Manganum is a productivity workspace extension with a ChatGPT chatbot.
– Grammarly provides AI-based suggestions for grammatical and spelling corrections.
– Wordtune offers suggestions to improve writing clarity and expressiveness.

6. Challenging Shoots that’ll Make you Sweat the Details:
– Retro Film Noir: High contrast, sharp shadows, and smoky ambiance.
– Hollywood Glam: Soft focus, glowing skin, and lavish costumes.

7. Unleash Your Imagination with Unique Concepts:
– Futuristic Fantasy: Neon lights, metallic makeup, and edgy costumes.
– Painterly Portrait: Soft, diffused lighting and attention to wardrobe and props.

8. Experiment with Lighting Techniques:
– Mirrors & Facets: Reflecting and refracting light with mirrors or prisms.
– Underwater Elegance: Mesmerizing underwater portraits with flowy fabrics and bubbles.

9. Create Ethereal and Dramatic Effects:
– Ethereal Glow: Backlighting and diffusers for an ethereal halo around subjects.
– Dramatic Low-Key: Minimal highlights with engulfed shadows.

10. Pushing Boundaries with Unique Styles:
– Cosmic Portraits: UV-reactive makeup, dark backdrops, and UV lights.
– Multiplicity Magic: Multiple versions of the same subject in one frame.

11. Utilizing AI for Content Production in Creative Businesses:
– Headline Generation: Using AI to generate attention-grabbing headlines.
– Blog Post Outline: Letting AI suggest an outline for a new blog post.

BASIC STILL LIFE AND PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

(If you have not started creating work for your portfolio, please complete at least eight of the assignments below before moving on.)

1. The Importance of Excellent Product Photography:
– Visual content is crucial for consumer impressions and decisions.
– High-quality product photography communicates professionalism and trustworthiness.

2. Tips for Captivating Product Photography:
– Soft, diffused lighting works best for products.
– Use simple backgrounds that don’t distract.

3. Stay Authentic:
– Avoid over-editing or misrepresenting products to maintain customer trust.
– Enhance clarity and brightness without altering the product’s features.

4. Context Matters:
– Include lifestyle shots to help buyers visualize product value.
– Showcasing products in real-life settings can be beneficial.

5. Macro Details:
– Close-up shots highlight unique features and craftsmanship.
– Revealing product details can set it apart from others.

6. Product Photography in Different Situations:
– Product photography is important for various scenarios.
– It can be useful for influencer and publicity shots, among others.

7. Product Photography’s Strategic Value:
– Visual cues inform purchasing decisions in the digital age.
– High-quality product photography offers a distinct edge in a competitive market.

8. The Importance of Lighting and Color Accuracy in Photography:
– Understanding light angles and direction is crucial for successful photography.
– Using a color checker ensures accurate color representation in photographs.

9. Importance of Photography in Various Industries:
– Photography is crucial for industries like fashion, hospitality, and real estate to showcase their products and attract customers.
– Health and beauty companies use photography to present the tangible results of their products.
– Interior design firms rely on high-quality photos to showcase their skills and attract clients.
– Event planning companies use photos of past events to attract new clients.

10. Creative Ideas for Product Photography:
– Elevate your portfolio with gravity-defying product shots.
– Utilize pronounced shadows to reveal the form of the product.
– Capture the interaction between products and colored liquids.
– Create scenes using food as settings for food or kitchen products.
– Convert images to monochrome with a pop of color for striking contrast.
– Create miniature worlds to make the product appear gigantic.
– Juxtapose modern products with vintage items for a contrasting effect.
– Shoot the product outdoors surrounded by natural elements.
– Merge product shots with other images for a surreal effect.
– Capture motion by twirling the product and using slow shutter speed.
– Place the product in unexpected settings for a quirky appeal.
– Break down the product into its constituent parts for artistic arrangement.
– Set up scenes with a modern product in a historical context.
– Use mirrors to create kaleidoscope-like effects.
– Get ultra-close to reveal textures and details.

11. Tips and Techniques for Product Photography:
– Understanding light angles and direction is crucial.
– Providing Photoshop files to clients allows customization.
– Using props and wires to create desired angles and positions.
– Spending time to capture textures and details.
– Using mirrors and glass to create reflections.
– Enhancing and manipulating images using Photoshop.
– Importance of achieving contrast and desired aesthetics.
– Transforming glossy labels to matte ones for readability.
– Using a color checker for accurate color representation.
– Importance of communication and connecting with clients.
– Choosing the right monitor and color calibration.
– Working with 16-bit files for better color accuracy.
– Maintaining control over the editing process.
– Benefits of using medium format cameras.
– Importance of owning a camera and upgrading equipment.

12. Photography Techniques for Consumer Product Bottles:
– Controlling light with scrims to create a soft light effect.
– Enhancing reflections and highlights using Photoshop.
– Using textures, highlights, and reflections to enhance appearance.
– Changing background color in-camera using colored cards or muslin backgrounds.
– Manipulating lighting and reflections in-camera rather than relying on Photoshop.

13. Photography Techniques for Tool Advertisements:
– Importance of tools in commercial photography.
– Prioritizing client’s needs over personal preferences.
– Using a white seamless background and positioning the camera at a slight angle to capture highlights and reflections on tools.

14. Creative lighting techniques for product photography:
– Using fill cards and top lighting to create a well-lit product image.
– Adding a shadow in Photoshop to enhance the product’s appearance.

15. Techniques for Creating Stunning Portraits with Reflections and Shadows:
– Using ambient light and a softbox at f8 to capture the subject.
– Shooting at f11 with a direct light and a background light for desired highlights and shadows.

16. Lighting techniques for shooting shoes:
– Importance of lighting angles and highlights to showcase shoe details.
– Be cautious of front lighting and use of shadows to create dimension.

17. Photographer’s Techniques for Lighting Shoes:
– John McAllister uses rim lighting to prevent shoes from disappearing into the black background.
– McAllister achieves shiny highlights by using two soft lights and a reflector.

18. Review of Shoes Shot by Project 52 Members:
– The crease disappears when the two cards come together.
– The angle of the shot makes the heel look cool.

19. Tips for Composing and Lighting Product Shots:
– Front shot is beautifully composed with attention to positioning each bottle of water.
– Shooting each bottle separately and from different angles creates a more dynamic and engaging composition.

20. Analysis of Lighting and Packaging in Product Photography:
– Different lighting techniques are used to create highlights and enhance the appearance of products.
– Packaging plays a crucial role in product photography, with perfectly aligned logos and labels being important.

21. Creative Concepts and Techniques in Product Photography:
– The use of Photoshop to enhance lighting and create a brighter background.
– The importance of shadows in adding depth and dimension to a photograph.

22. Summary Point 1:
– The blog discusses the use of images in various industries such as advertising, promotion, and product sheets for manufacturing companies, and e-commerce for small service and retail businesses.
– The author emphasizes the need to stay focused and build deliberately in order to succeed.

Below is a curated list of the 15 most important types of photographs you should aim to include in your portfolio:

1. High-Key Lighting – Shots with a bright background and ample lighting to give a clean, high-quality look. Often used in high-end product photography to convey premium quality.
2. Low-Key Lighting – Utilizing low lighting to create a dramatic effect with deep shadows, drawing focus to the product and giving it a luxurious feel.
3. Macro Shots – Extreme close-ups that reveal the intricate details and textures of a product, showcasing its quality and features up-close.
4. 360-Degree Images – Offering a complete view of a product from all angles, demonstrating its form and dimensions comprehensively.
5. Lifestyle Images – Photographs depicting the product in a real-life context, showing it being used in a natural setting, to help customers visualize how they might use it.
6. Flat Lay – Top-down shots that involve arranging products neatly on a flat surface, offering a clean and organized visual of products, often accompanied by accessories to create a cohesive look.
7. Studio Shots – Standard but essential, these are shots taken against a plain background, which allows the product to be the focal point without any distractions.
8. Texture and Material Highlight – Photos that highlight the unique textures and materials of a product, giving customers a better understanding of what they can expect.
9. White Background – Clean and simple images with a white background, which are a standard requirement for many e-commerce platforms.
10. Bokeh Shots – Utilizing a shallow depth of field to create a blurred background, drawing attention solely to the product.
11. Creative Compositions – Experimenting with creative setups and compositions to create visually interesting and artistic representations of products.
12. Reflective Surface – Shooting products on reflective surfaces to create a symmetrical and polished look, which is particularly useful for showcasing glossy and shiny products.
13. Suspended Products – Photographs of products suspended in mid-air, giving a dynamic and interesting perspective that showcases the product from various angles.
14. Group Shots – Photos that group a series of products together, showcasing a range or collection in a cohesive manner.
15. Interactive Shots – Depicting products being interacted with, such as a hand holding a product, to give a sense of scale and functionality.

Your portfolio should not only showcase the product effectively but also demonstrate your technical proficiency and creative approach as a photographer. The aim is to persuade potential clients of your ability to present their products in the most appealing and marketable way.

Ensure that your portfolio exhibits a rich diversity of techniques and styles to appeal to a broad range of clients. Good luck!

BASIC PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

(If you have not started creating work for your portfolio, please complete at least five of the assignments below before moving on.)

1. The Power of Portraits in Commerce:
– Portraits play a key role in shaping commerce and society.
– They are not just still images but potent visual representations.

2. Portraits as Societal Mirrors:
– Portraits reflect and shape cultural narratives.
– They provoke conversations and challenge societal norms.

3. The Bridge of Trust:
– In the digital age, portraits build trust between individuals and their audience.
– Professional headshots and brand portraits serve as a silent promise of authenticity.

4. Different Styles of Portraiture:
– Editorial portraiture tells a story and captures the world around the subject.
– Corporate portraiture focuses on simplicity and professionalism.
– Environmental portraiture incorporates the subject’s natural habitat or workplace.
– Candid portraiture captures unscripted moments of genuine emotion.
– Glamour portraiture creates a glamorous and fantasy-filled atmosphere.
– Documentary portraiture highlights real-life stories and societal issues.

5. The Essence of a True Portrait:
– Every portrait is a world in itself.
– Portraits capture the soul and tell unique stories.

6. Abstract Portraiture:
– Capture reflections, shadows, or double exposures that hint at a portrait but leave room for interpretation.

7. Light Painting Portraits:
– Using long exposures and lights, paint around the subject to create otherworldly portraits.
– Dark rooms or open spaces at night work best.

8. The Retro Film Noir:
– Emulate the high contrast and moodiness of old detective movies.
– Include fedora hats, trench coats, and a smoky ambiance.

9. Hollywood Glam:
– Inspired by 1950s Hollywood with soft focus and glowing skin.
– Utilize multiple light sources for perfect luminance.

10. Futuristic Fantasy:
– Create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere with neon lights and edgy costumes.
– Play with colored gels over lights for added effect.

11. The Painterly Portrait:
– Emulate the look of classic paintings with soft, diffused lighting.
– Pay attention to wardrobe and props for a meticulous touch.

12. Mirrors & Facets:
– Set up a maze of mirrors or prisms to reflect and refract light.
– Every angle matters in capturing interesting shots.

13. Underwater Elegance:
– Mesmerize with underwater portraits featuring flowy fabrics and bubbles.
– Ensure safety first when shooting underwater.

14. Package shoot for clients:
– Ask clients if you can do a package shoot for them
– Shoot headshots, full length shots, environmental portraits, and other needed photos

15. Recommendations for the shoot:
– Recommend wardrobe and location
– Ensure hair, makeup, and everything is taken care of to your specifications

16. Deliver a full package:
– Deliver a full package of photos for clients to use on social media and marketing materials
– Include headshots of chefs, personnel, instructors, and other relevant photos

17. Build portfolio and network:
– By completing these assignments, you will build a significant amount of portfolio work
– You will also connect with people who can refer you to potential clients

Here is a list of 15 essential types of images to incorporate into a lifestyle photography portfolio:

1. Golden Hour Shots – Images captured during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—to showcase the warm, soft, and dimensional lighting it offers, enhancing the natural beauty of the scenes.
2. Candid Moments – Photos capturing spontaneous and unposed moments that convey real emotions and the essence of everyday life.
3. Family Dynamics – Highlighting the bond between family members through natural interactions, portraying warmth, and connectivity.
4. Fitness and Wellness – Shots showcasing individuals engaged in fitness routines or wellness activities, conveying a sense of healthy living and vitality.
5. Urban Lifestyle – Capturing the vibrant energy of city life, including street styles, architecture, and urban dynamics, to portray the modern living narrative.
6. Rural and Country Settings – Photographs that depict the serene and grounded lifestyle in rural settings, showcasing nature, landscapes, and simplicity.
7. Home Interiors – Shooting inside tastefully designed homes to highlight comfortable and stylish living environments, emphasizing natural light and inviting spaces.
8. Seasonal Themes – Images revolving around different seasons, showcasing lifestyle adaptations, and seasonal activities to portray the full circle of life throughout the year.
9. Adventure and Travel – Exciting snapshots of adventures and travels, capturing the spirit of exploration and the joy of new experiences.
10. Pet Interactions – Illustrating the joy and companionship pets bring into people’s lives through playful and affectionate interactions.
11. Food and Culinary – Shots that not only showcase culinary delights but also the joy of sharing meals, cooking, and dining experiences that are central to lifestyle narratives.
12. Fashion and Style – Highlighting personal style through images of individuals showcasing their fashion sensibilities in various settings, portraying confidence and attitude.
13. Creative Hobbies – Capturing individuals engrossed in their hobbies, be it painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, showcasing passion and creativity.
14. Nightlife – Immortalizing the vibrant energy of nightlife through dynamic shots of social gatherings, events, and illuminated cityscapes.
15. Technological Interactions – Documenting how modern technology integrates into daily life, highlighting interactions with gadgets, home automation systems, and more.

When constructing your portfolio, prioritize not just the diversity of lifestyle aspects, but also the depth in each category. Showcase your knack for capturing the essence of life’s varied moments, embodying joy, warmth, adventure, and tranquility in your images. Remember, a good lifestyle photography portfolio tells a story; it brings everyday moments to life in a way that is both authentic and visually captivating.

BASIC GRAPHIC DESIGN

(If you have not started creating work for your portfolio, please complete at least five of these assignments in the next toggle before you continue.)

As photographers, you have already honed the skills vital in graphic design, possibly even without recognizing it. Essentially, graphic design is an extension of what you already excel at – crafting stories and evoking emotions through visuals.

From framing shots to playing with textures and balancing elements to convey a narrative, you have been wielding the tools of a designer. Different shapes, textures, and compositions are not just photographic concepts but the bedrock of design theory.

So, fear not, as you embark on this journey you’re not venturing into unknown landscapes but merely widening your canvas, adding more tools to your repertoire. The bridge between photography and design is shorter than you imagine. It’s just about learning to dance to a slightly different rhythm, where vision meets execution in a symphony of layers, colors, and typography.

Guidelines for Emerging Graphic Designers with a Photography Background

1. Leverage Your Photographer’s Eye: Begin with acknowledging your refined aesthetic sense as a photographer. Treat each design task like setting up a photoshoot, utilizing your unique perspective to set the mood and scene.
2. Start with User-Friendly Tools: Dip your toes in the design waters with intuitive platforms like Canva and Adobe Express. These offer templates aiding in understanding the cohesion of design elements.
3. Advance Gradually: Once settled, transition to more sophisticated software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Affinity Publisher. These platforms foster versatility and are particularly adept in facilitating intricate design tasks including typography and layout design.
4. Dive into Typography: Recognize the potent role of text in graphic design. Fonts can be perceived as various props enhancing your story. Understanding and experimenting with them can pivotally influence the narrative your design tells.
5. Explore the Spectrum of Colors: Move beyond natural hues to a more vibrant and expressive palette. Grasp the intricacies of color theory to adeptly use colors in guiding focus and arousing emotions.
6. Never Cease to Learn: Immerse yourself in a continuous learning process through platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera. Stay curious, experiment, and keep enriching your style from the wealth of resources available.

Photographers, it’s time to augment your visual storytelling by intertwining it with the diverse toolkit graphic design offers. Remember, it isn’t a departure from photography but a beautiful amalgamation of skills that enhance your narrative, taking it to unparalleled heights.

In this new chapter, let your camera and design tools work in harmony, teaching you to visualize the world in vibrant layers, rich colors, and expressive typography, as you craft deeper, more textured stories that resonate. Let’s begin this exciting journey!

BASIC GRAPHIC DESIGN ITEMS FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO

Crafting a portfolio that showcases a diverse skill set is crucial for a new graphic designer. Here are ten potential projects that can help illustrate a designer’s versatility and depth:

1. Brand Identity Design: Context: Craft a cohesive brand identity for a hypothetical or real startup. Showcase your ability to create logos, choose complementary color palettes, and select typography that resonates with the brand’s personality. Remember to narrate the story behind your choices.
2. Social Media Graphics: Context: Develop a series of social media posts for a campaign. Demonstrate your skills in creating visually arresting graphics that adhere to specific platform guidelines, ensuring consistency across different mediums.
3. Infographics: Context: Create infographics that simplify complex information into a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Showcase your knack for organizing data in a way that narrates a compelling story, utilizing a harmonic blend of typography, colors, and icons.
4. Editorial Design: Context: Put together a magazine spread or an eBook layout. Exhibit your proficiency in laying out text and images in a way that guides the reader naturally through the content, illustrating a fine balance between aesthetics and readability.
5. Packaging Design: Context: Design packaging for a product. Highlight your ability to merge form and function, creating packaging that not only looks good but also serves its protective and informational roles well.
6. Website Design: Context: Develop a website homepage design from scratch or a redesign of an existing page. Showcase your understanding of user experience (UX) principles, incorporating elements that facilitate usability while maintaining a visually pleasing design.
7. Business Cards and Stationery: Context: Design a business card and stationery set that echo a brand’s identity. Demonstrate the power of consistency in branding by utilizing cohesive elements across various mediums.
8. Flyer and Poster Design: Context: Create flyers and posters for an event or promotional campaign. Illustrate your skill in conveying essential information through a striking visual hierarchy that captures attention and encourages action.
9. Menu Design: Context: Design a restaurant menu, keeping in mind the establishment’s theme. Exhibit your capability to align the design with the restaurant’s identity, creating a menu that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
10. Animation and Motion Graphics: Context: Develop a short animation or motion graphic for a digital ad or social media post. Showcase your animation skills, demonstrating your understanding of timing, movement, and visual storytelling, creating a dynamic, engaging piece.

The key to a stellar portfolio is not just showcasing your final products but also sharing the process — from conceptualization to the final output.

Incorporate sketches, wireframes, and iterations to provide a comprehensive view of your working style and approach to problem-solving in graphic design.