| How to Learn Graphic Designing Posted: 15 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT If you find that you're really interested in creating designs and how to make websites more user friendly, then you may want to learn more about graphic design. Graphic design is a diverse field with lots of different topics to learn about. Learning graphic design allows you to study things like art, user experience, color and design theory, typography, or web design. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to learn about these topics by taking classes in graphic design or even studying them on your own. EditTaking Classes in Graphic Design - Take art history and drawing classes if you're in high school. Any class that focuses on the visual arts, including painting, art history, and photography, will help you develop your artistic skills and broaden your understanding of how art works. If your high school doesn't offer these courses, see if there's a local college that offers courses or summer programs in the arts for high school students.[1]
- Other high school classes that are useful for graphic design include English courses, computer courses, and even business courses.
- Opt for free online courses in graphic design if you want to save money. There are lots of websites, video tutorials, and free online programs that will teach you the basic elements of graphic design and help you learn and practice graphic design on your own. Although these methods usually don't have as much structure to them as an in-person class, they won't cost you any money to take.[2]
- Some websites that offer free graphic design courses include Alison.com, Udemy.com, and Skilledup.com.
- Some universities, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also offer graphic designs courses free online to the public.
- Enroll in a local certificate or associate's degree program in design. If you'd rather learn graphic design in a structured program or from an in-person instructor, you'd probably be better served completing an entire program in the field. Check with colleges in your area to see if any of them offer short programs in graphic design that you could enroll in.[3]
- Note that if you're interested in making a career out of graphic design, an associate's degree by itself probably won't be enough to make you a competitive job candidate.
- Get a bachelor's degree in design if you want this to be a career. Hundreds of schools offer 4-year degree programs in graphic design, both in-person and online. Not only do many lucrative design jobs require you to have a degree in graphic design, but pursuing a bachelor's in the field is a good way for you to network with other designers who can help your career in the long run.[4]
- Classes in graphic design degree programs typically include courses in studio art, principles of design, commercial graphics, web design, and advertising.
- You'll most likely also take a number of courses focused on graphics-related computer technology.
- Your program may also include courses in tangentially related fields, like business and marketing.
EditStudying the Basics on Your Own - Practice drawing every day to build your basic artistic skills. Spend at least 30 minutes every day drawing the things around you in as much detail as you can. This will help train both your eye and your hands to produce detailed and impressive art.[5]
- Your drawings can be as simple as the objects around you or as complex as landscapes you visualize in your head. The important thing is that you spend time every day exercising your artistic ability.
- If you're a complete beginner, start by drawing simple things like fruit and objects without a lot of detail. Then, progress to more complicated objects and adding more detail to your drawings.
- Learn about user experience to get better at making usable designs. Read books and articles on graphic design websites that focus on designing apps, websites, and other platforms to be as intuitive for the user as possible. User experience is a very important component of graphic design, so it's equally important to study how to effectively design things with the user in mind.[6]
- Some books to read about user experience include The Design of Everyday Things and Don't Make Me Think!
- You can find articles on graphic design on justcreative.com and designshack.net.
- Study the fundamental ideas in graphic design theory. These include principles like alignment, contrast, balance, color theory, and repetition. Having a firm grasp of these fundamentals will help you know how to make effective and aesthetically pleasing designs in any field of graphic design.[7]
- Using a graphic design textbook or theory book would be the most effective means of studying these core principles. However, you can also study each one independently through various online resources.
- Make sure you know how to write for diverse audiences. Practice writing texts for academic audiences (e.g., specialists in a particular academic field), professional readers (e.g., business people or people who do work in that particular field), and the general public (i.e., people with little or no prior knowledge about the topic), using different terminology and grammatical structures for each. Since graphic designers create various designs for a wide range of clients, knowing how to write to different audiences is essential.[8]
- Although you may think that graphic designers only work with visuals, a lot of design also includes creating written materials (e.g., as part of an infographic or a webpage), so learning how to write is also very important in graphic design.
- You've probably had practice writing for academic audiences through school, so it'll be more important for you to focus on learning how to write for a general audience.
- When writing for a general audience, avoid using specialist jargon or overly complicated sentence structures. Stick to commonly used words and phrases that most people will easily understand.
- Get comfortable with using graphic design software. Acquire and spend time every day using software that designers utilize to create visual, audio, and text designs. A lot of graphic design is done through this kind of software, so it's important to have a working knowledge of at least 1 or 2 software applications.[9]
- Some of the most commonly used graphic design softwares include Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
EditFiguring Out Your Specialty - Focus on typography if you want to specialize in creating text. Typography revolves around the art of setting, arranging, or designing text and thus focuses on making sure the words in a graphic design convey the right message. This field of graphic design may be best for those who enjoy writing as well as drawing in their designs.[10]
- In typography, 2 of the most important components are typefaces and fonts. Typeface refers to a particular design of type, while font refers to a set of characters that share the same typeface, size, and styling.
- It's also important in typography to understand the different components of characters, such as serifs, counters, and apertures.
- Study logo design if you want to use more drawing in your work. Logo designers create logos for companies and individuals that serve to consistently represent a particular brand. Logo designers primarily work with software that focuses on creating visual designs.[11]
- For example, many logo designers work with Illustrator as their primary design software.
- Go into web design if you want to build websites that are easy to use. Web design involves both creating visually pleasing websites and designing sites that are easy and intuitive to use. Web design is one of the more popular types of graphic design positions, so this field may be particularly suitable if you're looking to go into graphic design as a career.[12]
- A good way to get started in web design is to look at those websites you think are especially good-looking or easy to use and analyze what makes them so successful.
- Choose to study mobile app design if you like working with apps. Much like web design, mobile app design combines the art of creating pleasing visuals with a concentration on user experience, except it focuses on mobile applications instead of websites. This is a good field to specialize in if you like the components of web design but are more interested in creating popular apps.[13]
- Also like web design, the best way to start thinking about app design is to analyze and critique the apps you use the most. Try to figure out what is it about their visual design or interface that you like so much.
- Graphic design skills require a lot of time to pick up and keep sharp. Make sure you practice graphic design every day to most effectively learn these skills.
- There's a lot to learn when it comes to graphic design, so be prepared to spend a good bit of time working at it.
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| How to Write a Complaint Letter to Your Landlord Posted: 14 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT If you have a dispute with your landlord, it's important to put it in writing so you have a provable record of the dispute. Even if you've already spoken with your landlord or super, write a complaint letter that describes the problem and what you expect your landlord to do to fix it. Provide a deadline and follow up until the situation is resolved.[1] EditBuilding Your Case - Choose a specific issue to focus on. If you have several issues you want to address with your landlord, pick 1 or 2 of the most pressing issues for your letter. Problems that are simply annoying may not warrant a formal complaint letter.[2]
- Your complaint should be specific, and within your landlord's power to resolve. For example, problems with electrical wiring, damage to floors, stairs, doors, or windows, or the removal of pests or mold are problems worthy of a formal complaint letter.
- If your problem is with a neighbor or other resident of the property, it's usually best to try to talk to them and attempt to work out a solution to the problem before getting your landlord involved.
- Create a chronological account of the problem. Gather any information you have regarding previous times you've discussed the problem with your landlord, as well as any attempts that were made to fix it.[3]
- Be as specific as possible, including dates and approximate times. Try to account for when you first noticed the problem, and when you first notified the landlord of the problem, if nothing else.
- Document the number of times you've talked to your landlord or anyone else in the management office about the problem. If possible, include names of anyone you talked to.
- Take photos as evidence of the problem. If your complaint relates to something that needs to be repaired, a pest infestation, or other physical damage, photos can be presented as proof of the condition. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the property so that it is livable.[4]
- For example, if you are writing to complain of a roach infestation in your kitchen, you might take photos of the roaches and the places where they appear to be coming into the unit.
- If you're writing to request repairs, take photos of the damaged property from all angles.
- If possible, include a date and time stamp on your photos.
- Make copies of any receipts or other documents. If you made any attempts to repair a problem with the property yourself, you may be entitled to get your money back from your landlord. Typically this is done by reducing the amount of rent you pay by the amount of the expense.[5]
- The landlord/tenant law that applies to you may require your landlord to reimburse you for any expenses you incurred repairing something that was the landlord's responsibility to repair. However, even if no law requires it, you can still request that your landlord reimburse you.
- Read through your lease thoroughly. Your lease describes in detail your responsibilities as a tenant, as well as your landlord's duties. Your letter will be stronger if you can point to a specific duty in your lease that your landlord has failed to perform.[6]
- Your lease may also include clauses that detail how you are supposed to notify your landlord of problems, and how long your landlord has to fix a problem after being notified. If your landlord has failed to follow this timeline, include that in your letter as well.
- Make a copy of your lease and underline or highlight the provisions you intend to cite in your letter.
- Look up the applicable landlord/tenant law if necessary. Landlord/tenant law varies widely from place to place. your landlord may have included language in your lease that actually isn't legal where you live. Your landlord cannot legally enforce any clause in your lease that would violate local landlord/tenant law.[7]
- For example, in some areas, your landlord is under no obligation to make a repair until they are notified of the problem in writing.
- There are nonprofit tenant associations that may be able to help you. Law schools also often have landlord/tenant clinics staffed by law students who will help you free of charge.
EditDrafting Your Letter - Search online for templates. There are many legal assistance organizations and tenant associations that have templates available that you can use to write your complaint letter. These letters may include specific language that relates to landlord/tenant law.[8]
- If you find a template you want to use that includes statements of law, make sure those statements accurately reflect the law in your area. If they don't, either change them or remove them.
- Format your letter as a formal business letter. A formal business letter looks more serious and professional. Your landlord will be more likely to take your complaint seriously if you approach them formally and professionally.[9]
- Include your full name and address at the top, as well as your phone number or email address. If you have personal letterhead, you may want to use that to make your letter look more professional.
- Introduce the problem clearly. Begin your letter by stating specifically why you are writing. Provide a brief description of the specific problem, then detail any efforts you have made prior to the letter to notify your landlord of the problem or to fix the problem yourself.[10]
- For example, you might begin your letter by writing: "On August 1st, I discovered evidence of roaches in my unit. I contacted you on August 2nd and requested pest control services. As of September 1st, the roaches are still present and no exterminators have come to my unit. I have attached photographs of the infestation."
- Describe how the problem is affecting you. Generally, your landlord is required to address problems with your unit or the surrounding areas that present a health or safety hazard to you or affect your quality of life. State clearly how you've been impacted by the problem.[11]
- For example, you might write: "The roaches have contaminated food in the pantry and are a serious hazard to my health."
- Explain how you want the problem resolved. State specifically what you want your landlord to do. It can also help to include a description of how you will consider the problem fully resolved. Keep in mind that your landlord may propose an alternative to whatever you propose.[12]
- For example, if you have a roach infestation, you may want a professional exterminator to come. You may consider the problem resolved only if all evidence of roaches is eliminated from your unit.
- Give your landlord a deadline to resolve the problem. Provide a date range by which you expect your landlord to act, measured from the date the letter is received. Add the next step you will take if your landlord does not adequately resolve the problem by the deadline you've set.[13]
- For example, you may have decided that if your landlord doesn't fix the problem, you'll fix it yourself and bill the landlord for the charges. For example, you might write: "If a professional exterminator does not visit my unit within 10 days of your receipt of this letter, I will call one myself. Any expenses I incur will be deducted from my next rent payment."
- In some places, landlord/tenant law provides a mandatory response time if you submit a written complaint to your landlord. Other laws refer to a "reasonable time." In most cases, a deadline of 5 to 10 business days from the date of receipt is adequate.
- Proofread and edit your letter carefully. If you want your letter to be taken seriously, your writing should be clear, concise, and error-free. It's a good idea to set your letter aside so you can look at it with fresh eyes. You might also have a respected friend or family member look over it.[14]
- Reading your letter aloud can help you notice mistakes or awkward language that you wouldn't notice otherwise.
- Edit your language to remove instances of passive voice. Use simple language that is direct and to the point. For example, instead of saying "The stairs need to be fixed immediately so that the property can be considered tenable," you might say "The stairs present a serious hazard to tenants and their guests. Please repair them immediately."
- Attach photos or a copy of your lease if necessary. If you have any evidence to back up your claims, such as photos of damage or an area in need of repair, include copies. Make a copy of your lease and highlight any of the specific clauses you mentioned in your letter.[15]
- If you're attaching documents or photos, include copies – not the originals. Keep the originals for your own records. If the situation ends up in court, you will need to present these as evidence.
- Have an attorney look over your letter. If the problem is serious, you may want to get an attorney to review your letter and make sure it will protect you. This is particularly important if you are planning to withhold rent until the problem is resolved because your landlord could attempt to evict you.[16]
- Most landlord/tenant attorneys will look over a letter like this for free, or for a relatively small fee. You can also use an attorney at a nonprofit tenants' association or a legal clinic.
EditFollowing Up on Your Complaint - Mail your letter using a trackable method that requires a signature. Sending an email doesn't work in this situation, because you won't have any way of knowing when your landlord received it. Use a delivery method such as certified mail that requires your landlord to sign a receipt demonstrating that they've received your letter.[17]
- When you get a copy of the receipt, save it along with your other records of the incident, including your copy of the letter, your copy of your lease, and any evidence.
- Give your landlord the opportunity to respond to your letter. Once your landlord receives the letter, they may contact you immediately or begin taking steps to resolve the problem you complained about. It's also possible that you may not hear from them at all – but you need to stick to what you said in your letter.[18]
- If you gave your landlord a deadline, allow them that time. Don't pester them or call them every day demanding to know what progress has been made. Maintain a professional attitude.
- If you see your landlord or super in the meantime, it's okay to bring up the issue or ask what progress they've made – provided you can be calm about it.
- Contact your landlord within 24 hours of the deadline. If the deadline you set is approaching and you haven't heard from your landlord at all, give them a call to remind them of the letter. Let them know that the problem has not been resolved and that you are prepared to take further action.[19]
- Use your best judgment on timing. For example, if you know it would take more than a day to resolve the problem, you may want to contact your landlord 2 or 3 days before the deadline, rather than the day before.
- Act as you specified in your letter if the problem isn't resolved. If your landlord doesn't do anything to fix the problem by the deadline you provided, be ready to take the steps you outlined. Document your actions thoroughly in case your landlord retaliates.[20]
- For example, if you stated that you would call an exterminator yourself if the landlord didn't do so by the deadline, then you need to call an exterminator at your own expense. Once the work is done, send another letter to your landlord with a copy of the bill or receipt for your payment, and let them know that you're deducting that amount from your next rent payment.
- Talk to an attorney who specializes in landlord/tenant law. If your landlord refuses to cooperate with you or rejects your reasonable request, you may have no choice but to take the matter to court. An attorney who specializes in landlord/tenant law can help you explore your options.[21]
- Most landlord/tenant attorneys give a free initial consultation. Use that opportunity to talk to several attorneys so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
- If you don't have a lot of money for legal expenses, seek assistance from a nonprofit tenants' association, a law school clinic, or a legal aid society near you.
EditSample Letters EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Ride the Cable Car in San Francisco Posted: 14 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT San Francisco's iconic cable cars began operating in 1873 and have been a city staple ever since. They're so beloved that they were named 1 of only 2 National Historic Streetcar Landmarks in the U.S! Seeing San Francisco by cable car will not only save your legs from hiking San Francisco's steep hills, but will also help you see this beautiful city in a memorable, unique way. EditChoosing a Line - Choose the Powell/Mason line to stop near Fisherman's Wharf. This line starts at Powell Street and winds towards Fisherman's Wharf. It passes by the base of Lombard Street, also known as "the world's crookedest street," so you can look up and see a picture-perfect view of the twisting road. If you take the line all the way to the Wharf, you'll be surrounded by great restaurants to grab a sit-down meal or a quick snack.[1]
- Take the Powell/Hyde line to go to Ghirardelli Square or Lombard Street. The Powell/Hyde line begins right near the Powell/Mason line but takes a few different turns. The line ends near Ghirardelli Square, where you can get ice cream and chocolate or go shopping. It passes near the top of Lombard Street, where you can get off to take a look at the famous road or stay on to see a great view of Alcatraz Island.[2]
- Hop on the California/Van Ness line to check out the Nob Hill. This line heads through the Financial District to the top of Nob Hill. If you get off here, you can roam through some of the luxury hotels in the area and enjoy beautiful views of the city from their top floors. At other stops, you can enjoy beautiful cathedral architecture, bars, and lots of shops.[3]
- Check the line schedule to see how often cars arrive. The cars operate from about 6:30am-12:30 pm, although the Powell/Hyde line starts at 6:00am. For the most part, cars arrive every 6-10 minutes. On weekends or late at night, they might come every 10-15 minutes. They might run behind schedule on rainy days, since they need longer to slow down on the wet tracks.
EditBuying a Ticket - Buy a Visitor Passport if you're in town for a while. A Visitor Passport gives you unlimited rides on the cable cars as well as on streetcars, Muni busses, and Muni Metro. You can buy the pass for 1, 3, or 7 consecutive days of use. A 1-day pass is $22, a 3-day pass is $33, and a 7-day pass is $44.[4]
- Get a CityPASS if you want to explore museums too. A CityPASS includes 3 days of unlimited rides on the cable cars, Muni, and Muni Metro. It also comes with an admission ticket to many different tourist attractions, including the Aquarium of the Bay, the Exploratorium, and a Bay cruise. It costs $89, and can be bought online at the CityPASS website: https://www.citypass.com/san-francisco?mv_source=muni&campaign=fares[5]
- You can also buy a CityPASS at any of their partner attractions. Visit their website to see what attractions qualify.
- Though this option is pricier, it could be worth it if you want to see lots of museums and attractions. At some destinations, you may also be able to skip the line.
- Buy a ticket through the MuniMobile app for convenience. Download the app to your smartphone and buy a ticket using a credit card, debit card, or your PayPal account. This is the only way to buy tickets ahead of time and online, so it might be the most convenient for some riders. Simply show the ticket on your phone to the driver when you board.[6]
- Use a Clipper Card if you use SF public transportation often. If you live in the Bay Area or if you'll be there for more than 2 weeks, the most convenient option may be a Clipper Card. You can buy a card for $3 at retailers around the Bay Area or by ordering it online. You can use your Clipper Card for all Bay Area public transportation, including the cable cars, BART, CalTrain, and MUNI.[7]
- Pay the driver in cash for a single trip. A single ride for both adults and children costs $7. Seniors and disabled riders can pay $3. You can give your money to the cable car's conductor as you board.[8]
- You can also purchase a single ride ticket at ticket booths around the Powell and Market Street turnaround, as well as the Hyde and Beach turnaround.
- Remember to bring small bills along, as change is often not available.
- This might be the easiest option if you're only taking one trip on the cable car.
EditHopping On Board - Get to the turnaround before 9:00am during summer tourist season. The cable cars can get extremely crowded during peak tourist season in the summer, and riders that board at the main turnaround stops often wait in long lines before they can get on. To avoid this, get to the turnaround before the big crowds show up and see the city in an early, more intimate setting.[9]
- Board at a turnaround to enjoy the full route. The cable car turnarounds, also known as turntables, are at the beginning and end of each route. Boarding here will get you the best value for your money, since you'll be able to enjoy the full route instead of joining midway through the ride.[10]
- Only the Powell lines use a turnaround, because they only have one grip end to hold the cable with. The California line has a cable grip on either side, so it can simply reverse and head back down the route. You can still board at the end or beginning of the line, but you won't get to see the cars being turned.
- The turnaround for both Powell lines is at the intersection of Powell and Market Street, near Union Square.
- Get on in the middle of the route for a shorter wait time. Look for a cable car stop, which will be indicated with a brown and white sign that says "MUNI Cable Car Stop" and provides the line information. The car will stop for you, so you don't need to wave it down. You'll have to pay the full fare and will have to get off at the end of the route, no matter how late you got on.[11]
- There will be less of a line at a stop than at a turnaround, but you might have a hard time finding a seat during tourist season since most other passengers are already on board.
- Have your ticket or fare out to show the attendant. Once you're on board, take a seat or find your standing area. Get out your ticket or get ready to pay your fare, as an attendant will be coming around to collect them.[12]
- Don't try to bring your bike on board. Neither full-size bicycles or folding bikes are allowed on the cable cars. If you need to transport them, look into other Muni routes--they're allowed on all Muni busses.[13]
EditChoosing a Seat - Sit in the interior for the most comfortable ride. Once on board, you can sit in the outside or inside seats, or stand in the back or on either side. The interior seats will be the warmest and most comfortable, but you won't have as good of a view as the outer seats or standing areas.[14]
- Stand and hold one of the outer poles if you feel adventurous. Hold tight to the pole and take a firm, stable stance on the footboard. Keep your feet and arms tucked up against you and watch the road to avoid any accidents. You'll be a bit exposed here, but you'll have a great view and get to enjoy the classic cable car experience.[15]
- To get the very best views, stand on the running board at the front of the car.
- Sit on the side facing the bay for the best views. In the Powell cable cars, sit or stand on the right side when you're leaving downtown, or on the left side as you're leaving Fisherman's Wharf. This will give you the best views of the Bay as you trundle up and down the hills.[16]
- Hang on tight and keep your bags nearby. The cars can get a bit jerky, which might cause your to trip or your bags to slide. Hold your bags in your lap or between your legs. If you're standing, keep a firm grip on the pole and keep yourself balanced by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.[17]
- Hold your service animal in your lap in the interior of the car. If you can't keep your service animal in your lap, make sure it's as far out of the aisle as possible. If you must ride in the exterior area of the car, you'll have to keep your animal on your lap for their safety.[18]
EditTransferring Lines and Disembarking - Tell the driver your stop if it's a slow day. As you board the bus, let them know what stop you're getting off at. You can also walk up to them as you near the stop, but try to do so while the car isn't moving. Cable car drivers typically pull over at every stop, and they will always stop if it's tourist season or the bus is crowded. If the car isn't very full, though, it's best to tell them your stop to make sure they'll pull over when it's time.[19]
- If you must get up while the car is moving, walk slowly and carefully. Hold on to the seats and poles for balance as you pass.
- Wait for the car to come to a complete stop before exiting carefully. Check the street as you get out, making sure there are no cars nearby. Stop, listen, and check both ways before you cross the cable car intersection. Remember that the green "X" signal on a cable car traffic light is telling cable cars to go, not pedestrians![20]
- Disembark at the Powell stop to easily transfer. If you want to try more than one line, it's easiest to do so on the Powell lines at either turnaround. If you're boarding the other line, you'll need to buy a new ticket.[21]
- Take a bus or walk if you're transferring to or from the California line. There are bus lines servicing almost all of the stops along the California line. Take a look at them beforehand to see when you should get on or off, and ask the cable car operator if you have any questions.
- Enjoy the sights of San Francisco! This city on the Bay is one of the most unique in the world, and seeing it by cable car is one of the most interesting ways to do it! Look out the windows, hold tight to the rails, and enjoy your cable car adventure.
- If you're in San Francisco in July, you may be able to catch the annual cable car bell ringing contests in Union Square. The cable car gripmen compete to see who can ring their bells in the most interesting, creative rhythms, drawing a big crowd of locals and tourists alike.
- To learn more about the San Francisco cable cars, head to the Cable Car Museum, on the corner of Mason St. and Washington St. in San Francisco. Admission is free, and you'll be able to see some historic cable cars and watch the actual engines work as they pull the cars up and down the hills.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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