Podcast #1 Elements of Design

What does it take to create good graphic design?

Convey information, pleasing to the eye, understanding of the elements

What is the difference between elements and principles?

Elements are compnents and priciples tell us how to organize them

Name the six (6) elements of design.

-       line

-       shape or form

-       space

-       texture

-       value

-       color

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

Readability, appearance, and messege of a design

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

Horizontal lines because the line is calm and flat…it is at rest

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

Loftiness because it has a sense of height

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

Diagonal lines because they are unstable in relation to gravity

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

Comfort, safety, and relaxation because it remindes you of being in a comfortable bed or chair.

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

Deep and acute curves because you feel like you are being sucked in or spun around.

What element defines a specific area of space?

Shapes

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

A 2D shape has width and height whereas a 3D shape has depth, width, and height

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?

Geometric shapes are sructered and symmetrical however organic shapes include nature, man made shapes, and irregular shapes.

What are abstract shapes?

Stylized or simplified versions of natural shapes.  Example: symbols found on signs(handicapped)

Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?

square

What do triangles suggest?

Action or stability

Circles convey feelings of what?

Protection or infinity

Describe positive space and negative space?

Positive: the are which contains all of the elements you have added to your design; ex: text, graphics, photos, etc.

Negative: the shapes around and between those objects and elements; can also be white space available for the eye to rest

What is texture?

Can be the accual texture of the design that the reader can feel or it can be implied through layers to give an image a 3D effect

Incorporating texture into a design can help do what?

Help create a feeling of depth and richness in the design

What is value?

The degree of light and datk in a design that contrasts between black and white, however it can also be used in color

What is another name for value?

tone

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

Convey moods, create images, attract attention, and identify objects