The Basics: Online jewelry design tools
April 1, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Basics - Getting Started, Designing, Jewelry Business Tips, Online Tools & Toys
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.
It is interesting how design seems to be so important lately for jewelry makers. Thanks for all these great links.
I do think it’s always been important, but maybe we’ve just started to recognize *how* it actually applies to us
Thanks, Tammy!