Thank you Paizo for showing what good graphic design looks like...

Paizo understands the need for having good looking products.  The graphic design of an item is skill that needs to be developed by pushing one's self into better and more unique graphic design. Now, I am just talking about the graphic design and NOT the artwork.  They are different, even though Paizo does both very well.  Just look at this two page spread for Pathfinder Advanced Player's Guide. The design makes the page come alive. Everything is important with graphic design from the type of font used to the color of the page.  Everything is important.  But best of all if you do it really well, most people will not even notice your work.  People will say it "looks nice" but they can describe why it looks nice. The other problem with good design is everyone thinks they know what do design is with the use of drop shadows, blurs, bevel and other little effects and trick they think help their design.  Good design is about the design, not how many effects you can put on an item.  The really sad part is that good graphic design is the first time people want but the last this they take the time to do right. Just look at the last product you bought.  Did it do the job you wanted AND look nice.  Form plus function equals success.  Just ask Apple how well that has worked for them. Talk to you later...