The only source of knowledge is experience - 'Albert Einstein'

designer's lingo

Sometimes you may not know the jargon or slang some designers may use. In an effort to clear the fog, we offer this list to help you become more fluent in designer speak.

  • lead time
  • A common phrase for how long something takes to arrive.
  • die-cut
  • A method for punching or cutting out any special shapes by using a metal form that is called a die. Also used to refer to the cut out shape. Can be used with paper or fabric.
  • scamp
  • A rough pencil drawing/layout.
  • dummy
  • A prototype model of brochure advert or other design.
  • stock
  • Paper or board for printing.
  • gsm
  • The standard density or weight of the 'stock'.
  • cmyk
  • The four process colours used for full colour printing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (known as the Key, hence "K").
  • laminate
  • A protective plastic covering to printed work. Comes in a range of thicknesses with a gloss or matt finish.

web lingo

  • domain
  • Domain names are used in web browsers to identify particular web sites.
  • ftp
  • File Transfer Protocol is one of the common methods of transferring files over the internet.
  • hosting
  • Usually refers to a computer (or a network of servers) that stores the files of a web site.
  • interactive
  • A web page is interactive when it prompts a response from the user or can interact with the user.
  • seo
  • Search Engine Optimisation is the process of using keywords and phrases to increase a web site's rankings and placement in search engines.
  • thumbnail
  • A small image used to preview a larger one.
  • web 2.0
  • A term given to describing the second generation of the internet that is now focussed on socialisation applications and websites where users have the ability to collaborate, share and converse.
  • cache
  • A section of your computers memory used to store information downloaded from a website.

social media lingo

  • avatar
  • A graphic or icon used to represent a person in an online IM (Instant Message or Chat) or social media or networking platform or game.
  • emoticon
  • An icon that shows an emotion, such as a happy face or a winking eye.
  • avatar
  • A graphic or icon used to represent a person in an online IM (Instant Message or Chat) or social media or networking platform or game.
  • lol
  • Laugh Out Loud.
  • rofl
  • Rolling On the Floor Laughing.
  • tweet
  • A post on twitter.
  • wall
  • A featured section inside a Facebook profile.   It's a space on every user's profile page that allows friends and users themselves to post messages for all to see.

paper sizes

Design Process

Get in touch

Just Design Studio Ltd.
104d St. John Street
London, EC1M 4EH
T: +44 (0) 207 490 5385
E: Info@JustDesignStudio.com

About Us

About Us
Our Approach
Our Services

Helpful Stuff

Design Lingo
Web Lingo
Paper Sizes

Latest tweets

Word on the street

  • Just always deliver, on time and on brief and are a pleasure to work with.
    James Kelly
    Creative Director, Weber Shandwick
  • Just are a pleasure to work with, highly professional and experienced. I have absolutely no hesitation...
    Sarah
    Owner, Kemptown Rag
  • One of the best graphic designers in London - have helped us produce websites, creative invites, press...
    Dee Graves
    Senior Account Manager, Slam PR

Subscribe