Comping Techniques: Visualizing and Presenting Graphic Design Ideas

Comprehensive sketches, or "comps", are the graphic designer's most powerful visual tool for communicating with clients. Developing effective methods and techniques for producing the highest quality professional presentations should be a top priority for all designers. Here, Suzanne Hirsch West presents information about how to use the latest computer materials and tools - especially software that works with standard PMS colours - which has been specifically developed for creating persuasive comps. West details all parts of the process, from preliminary procedures to descriptions of materials and tools to a wide variety of techniques for using them, including quick ways to resize images, subdivide space, and use overlays. A step-by-step section walks the reader through sample design projects, each of which use a different combination of materials, tools and techniques. West explains how to choose the best combination for each application, including budget and time considerations. Included with the book is an 800K disk, containing typefaces, layout set-ups for paint programs, templates, and other materials needed to create compelling comps. It is aimed at both practicing graphic designers and students. Suzanne Hirsch West is a graphic designer and educator with a design studio in Palo Alto, California. She is the author of "Working with Style: Traditional and Modern Approaches to Layout and Typography".