The Basics: Online jewelry design tools
Help, help! I know nothing about formal design theory! What do balance, unity, line, color, movement, and contrast have to do with making jewelry? Don’t despair. If you don’t have time or funds for a college-level course on design, check out some of the best the web has to offer:
Informational Articles on Design:
Formal Visual Analysis
A good introductory article by Jeremy Glatstein on the elements and principals of composition.
Art, Design, and Visual Thinking
An entire online design course by Charlotte Jirousek.
Common Questions on Design
By Sara Sanford, written for Lapidary Journal.
50 Ways to Become a Better Designer
Tips supplied by various artists.
The Color Wheel and Itten’s Color Theory
Jewelry Design Tools:
Virtual Beadboard
A beading project design tool.
Swarovski Crystal Design Board
Especially good for calculating the numbers.
Intelligirl Jewelry Maker
Designed specifically for kids, but may still be useful for simple designs.
Interactive Beadwork Designer
For loomwork, especially Native American patterns.
Color Tools
One of my previous posts.
Gallery of Design Ideas
By Fire Mountain Gems for when you need some inspiration.
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POSTED IN: Basics - Getting Started, Designing, Jewelry Business Tips, Online Tools & Toys
6 opinions for The Basics: Online jewelry design tools
Bead & jewelry blogging round-up
Apr 4, 2008 at 9:59 am
[…] Jewelry & Beading How do you learn about designing if you didn’t go to art school? Check out all these online resources and see how you can learn about the principles of design and apply them to your jewelry making! […]
Tammy
Apr 6, 2008 at 11:10 am
It is interesting how design seems to be so important lately for jewelry makers. Thanks for all these great links.
Cyndi
Apr 6, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I do think it’s always been important, but maybe we’ve just started to recognize *how* it actually applies to us :-) Thanks, Tammy!
b5media - b5media Lifestyles Deliciously Random
Apr 9, 2008 at 10:53 pm
[…] Jewelry and Beading reveals online resources to help anyone design - even without a college degree. […]
little treats from the Lifestyles channel
Apr 11, 2008 at 5:15 pm
[…] Jewelry and Beading reveals online resources to help anyone design - even without a college degree. […]
Do you want to design for yourself?
May 5, 2008 at 8:01 am
[…] are many different ways to enter into designing. A basic understanding of the elements and principles of design will do any artist a world of good when it comes to creating a pleasing piece, whatever the media, […]
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