Grapic designers advice on this please

Nick1881 · 12 May 2009 at 08:37

I had to draw a technical diagram for work showing 2 Network elements, this is not something I normally do. I'm not totally happy with it, any advice on a way to improve it. I'm not sure I like the light blue colour.

Suggestions please.

Jpeg compression seems to have messed the fonts up, the actual version looks better.

Thanks

LiE · 12 May 2009 at 09:05

My advice - don't use mspaint.

On a serious note it looks fine. Network diagrams are never meant to be pretty.

Diggsy · 12 May 2009 at 09:11

What is it that you don't like about it and what are you aiming to achieve?

Nick1881 · 12 May 2009 at 09:12

I copied a diagram from a manual for our equipment then edited it paint then put the writing on in publisher. Its better than the original lol.

It just seems to look old styled, wondered if it was the colour.

ScarySquirrel · 12 May 2009 at 09:12

Use a program like Microsoft Visio (if you have it). This is what I use when planning information architecture for new sites we are developing, and it looks very clean and professional. Maybe that is because I am awesome though.

Nick1881 · 12 May 2009 at 09:13

I had a look at Visio, my limited skills meant I had no idea what I was doing with it lol.

Dark88 · 12 May 2009 at 09:21

could you do it in word using connectors etc? not sure if it would make it look any better though.

Diggsy · 12 May 2009 at 09:23

Do you have a photo of the actual unit, or a similar one to see what you were working from?

Bes · 12 May 2009 at 09:30

It's really worth learning Visio,(It's simple too) I have to draw complex network diagrams for work all the time (Architect role, consultant pay!), and it is 10000x easier than trying to do it in paint

I really want to start using a tex editor, and I am sure that would allow you to draw diagrams like that too

Youstolemyname · 12 May 2009 at 09:30

ScarySquirrel said:
Use a program like Microsoft Visio (if you have it). This is what I use when planning information architecture for new sites we are developing, and it looks very clean and professional. Maybe that is because I am awesome though.

This. Visio is what you need to make it look less 80's. Choose some cleaner fonts and put it on a different background with drop shadows and bob is your mothers brother...

Nick1881 · 12 May 2009 at 09:35

The actual unit is very complicated, I don't think I would be allowed to post a picture of it. The diagram just shows the basics and how they connect together.

LoSt · 12 May 2009 at 10:22

As others have mentioned, to make it look 'pretty' you need MS Visio, its easier aswell

X-BEN · 12 May 2009 at 10:39

It looks like its done in ms paint, if you just start over in photoshop or paintshop pro using simple effects you could make it look much better

meghatronic · 12 May 2009 at 10:54

Just do it in vector format, please.

Nick1881 · 12 May 2009 at 14:23

Re-done it, any better?

X-BEN · 12 May 2009 at 14:25

looks much better mind me asking what u finally used?

.one. · 12 May 2009 at 14:32

meghatronic said:
Just do it in vector format, please.

This for sure at the moment looks to bold.

KaHn · 12 May 2009 at 14:34

A technical drawing normally has some indication on how things are set up, +ve and -ve's shown.

KaHn

Maccy · 12 May 2009 at 16:21

Second looks a lot better

V4NT0M · 12 May 2009 at 16:25

I don't know, I could go without the 3d/gradient effects.