What does it take to create good graphic design?
An understanding of the elements and principles of design
What is the difference between elements and principles?
Elements are the components or parts which can be isolated in any visual design. Principles show how elements should be organized on the page or screen.
Name the six (6) elements of design.
Line, shape or form, space, texture, value, and color.
What can lines aid in, when alone or combined with other lines or shapes?
They contribute to the readability, message, and appearance of a sign.
Which lines suggest a feeling of rest? Why do you think?
Horizontal lines probably suggest a feeling of rest because they seem to remind a person about lying down.
Vertical lines communicate a feeling of what? Why do you think?
They communicate a feeling of loftiness because their height stimulates feelings of power and high stature.
What lines suggest a feeling of movement? Why do you think?
Diagonal lines give a feeling of movement because their slope gives a feeling of rapid change.
Soft, shallow curved lines suggest what? Why do you think?
They suggest comfort and relaxation because they go easy on the eyes and provide a light touch to the design.
These lines suggest confusion and turbulence? Why do you think?
Deep, acute curves suggest confusion and turbulence because they stand out very clearly and sharply.
What element defines a specific area of space?
A shape does.
What is the difference between two dimensional shapes and three dimensional shapes?
Two dimensional shapes have width and height while three dimensional shapes include depth as well as these two attributes.
Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?
Geometric shapes are structure and often symmetrical (ex. Circles, squares, cones, hexagons, triangles) while organic shapes are often irregular and fluid, (a leaf being an example).
What are abstract shapes?
Stylized or simiplified versions of natural shapes.
Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?
A square.
What do triangles suggest?
They suggest action and can symbolize stability if they are in the shape of a pyramid.
Circles convey feelings of what?
Protection and infinity
Describe positive space and negative space?
Positive space is associated object and elements used in design, and negative space consists of the shapes around and between the objects and elements in the positive space. Negative space also provides relaxation to the eyes in order to enable absorption of the message.
What is texture?
The actual surface of the design that the reader can actually feel.
Incorporating texture into a design can help do what?
Create a feeling of richness and depth.
What is value?
It is the degree of light and dark in the design. It consists of black, white, and all of the other intermediate tones.
What is another name for value?
Tone
What can the element of color do when incorporated into a design?
- Bring out moods.
- Make better images.
- Draw attention to a design.
- Distinguish objects in a design.
