Podcast #1 Elements of Design

What does it take to create good graphic design?

-Requires an understaning of the elements of graphic design

What is the difference between elements and principles?

-Elements are the things we actually design and add to a piece of art

-Principles tell us how we should organize elements on a page

Name the six (6) elements of design.

1. line

2. shape/form

3. space

4. texture

5. value

6. color

What can lines aid in, when alone or combined with  other lines or shapes?

-Readability

-Appearance

-Message of the design

Which lines suggest a feeling of rest? Why do you think?

-Horizontal lines because they lay flat and are calm

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of what? Why do you think?

-Height because they are taller

What lines suggest a feeling of movement? Why do you think?

-diagonal because the line doesn’t stay straight it moves up/down and across like something moving around the page

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest what? Why do you think?

-comfort, safety and relaxation because the lines are smooth and not sudden straight turns. (used in vehicle commercials)

These lines suggest confusion and turbulence? Why do you think?

-Deep curves because they are bolder and more noticable

What element defines a specific area of space?

-shapes

What is the difference between two dimensional shapes and three dimensional shapes?

-2d has width and height

-3d has depth, width and height

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?

-geometric shapes are symtrical such as: squares, circles, triangles

-organic are found in nature or man made; irregular

What are abstract shapes?

-over simplified versions of natural shapes

Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?

-square

What do triangles suggest?

-action, stability pyramid

Circles convey feelings of what?

-protection and infinity

Describe positive space and negative space?

-positive is the objects and elements used such as: text graphics photos lines shapes

-negative is the space around and between objects/elements; place for the eye to rest

What is texture?

-actual surface of a design (touchable) implied by use of rich layer graphics

Incorporating texture into a design can help do what?

-create a feeling of richness and depth

What is value?

-degree of light and dark in design. Black/white. Depth and perception

What is another name for value?

-tone

What can the element of color do when incorporated into a design?

-convery moods, create images, attract attention, and idenity objects