Graphics on TV
Abdul (576 points) | Wed, 2005-05-25 05:11We got our final year project this week, and it seems very fun. We have to create a set of GPHs (Generic Promo Holders) for a television show and a press pack to go with it. Again, no restrictions and it seems to be going well so far.
I'm almost at the end of brainstorming in my skecthbook and drawing up thumbs and sometime next week I'm going to try get onto Illustrator (or InDesign) and start making them.
I just have a question. What things should I consider when creating graphics for TV? I've done a bit of my own research, and asked on another forum but sadly enough didn't even get any replies other than two. I have learnt that you should use dark colours (dark shades of the colour) because on a TV screen, it displays brighter?
Other than that, what other tips and pointers can you folks give me to help me get started and desiging in the right direction right away? Colour, type, imagery, space?
Also, if anyone can get hold of the TopGear logo in .eps, please let me know. I've tried all over, but can't seem to find it.
Thanks guys.
Clear, sans serif fonts are your friend, as serifs tend to disappear anyway. Interlacing is the enemy, and you have to live with it. Try to keep important elements away from the edge, because someone is still using the old Zenetron 13", and some tv's are going to clip off the edge. Certain colors tend to blur or otherwise act funky onscreen, though at the moment I forget which it is.
Designing for tv fascinates me, even though it's not yet come up in my schooling.
Try and avoid thin horizontal lines as this will cause a strobing effect when the odd and even fields on screen switch on and off rapidly. Strong vibrant reds can bleed badly sometimes....Used to do a lot of this in college with a monitor, Director and an Oscilliscope.
The best solution is to always try and get a monitor that you can experiment with your work on. New presets in Photoshop CS will allow you to select a canvas that conforms to TV guidelines including safe areas.
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