lynda.com has released two new video in their "Hands-On Workshop" series.

Designing Business Cards Hands-On Workshop
with Nigel French
A successful business card design needs to be both professional and functional. It might be the first piece of branding someone sees relating to a company, so it should make a positive impression. Designer Nigel French shares his techniques and experience in Designing Business Cards Hands-On Workshop. He walks through the fundamental decisions, such as what information to include, what size and orientation the card should have, and whether to use both sides. He demonstrates how to set up a template and work with type alignment and color. Nigel also discusses paper selection and preparing the file for printing. Example files accompany the course.

Designing a Logo Hands-On Workshop
with Nigel French
A great logo is often basic, composed only of essential parts, but simple is not always easy. Designer Nigel French distills over a decade of professional design and teaching experience in Designing a Logo Hands-On Workshop. He discusses the principles and techniques of what makes a logo work, and explains type-only designs, type treatments, and logo symbols in depth. He also explores how to work with clients on defining job parameters and selecting a final design, as well as how to prepare the logo for print and web publication. Nigel demonstrates each of these techniques in the course of designing a new logo for a real client, so viewers can either follow along or apply the techniques to their own work. Exercise files accompany the course.

Topics include:
- Choosing the right typeface
- Exploring transparency, warped type, and other treatments
- Working with line, shape, and imagery in a logo symbol
- Considering current trends in logo design
- Fine-tuning a design after client selection
- Drawing up usage guidelines

To read one of Nigel's articles for free, go to "Master InDesign's Tabs and Tables."