Week 14 Visual Techniques

Green Design: Graphic/Product

(http://www.shawcontractgroup.com/Content/static%20images/hardwood/hardwood_envirocore_environmental.jpg)

Contrast (illustration/photo)

Harmony

Simplicity

Unity

Asymmetry

(http://webecoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mowhousemontage.jpg)

Contrast

Symmetry

Simplicity

Unity

Economy

In both of these images we see very similar techniques used in design, but also shows contrasting uses as well. In the first image, we see a graphic design that holds a very straight forward message which is conveyed through an illustrated equation and a photograph. Both the illustrations and the photo contain a green, eco-friendly harmony. The colors used meld well together and the layout is simple as few elements are needed to be successful. In the second image we see a display for a eco-friendly mower. The shots of the product itself contrast with the raw nature shots that contain organic elements compared to the products clean and sleek construction. The design over all has a unity to it through its color consistency which isn't too complex. The design of the mower itself also ads a symmetry to the over all image as the product is very balanced in shape and color scheme lending a balance to the image as well.

Contrast

Effective Contrast

Above is an example of effective contrast in graphic design. There is contrast in tone, position, scale, color, case and font. The use of gradients in the grey scale used with the single red color aides the overall feel of the image. There is a definite amount of light and dark. The negative space creates interesting images for the viewer and defines important aspects. The placement and layout of images is key in this design. The choice in font size, case, and type helps the directional flow of the image as well. The larger letters like "h" "g" "C" and "M" stand out the most since they are the largest. These are meant to be viewed first and have a certain pop-out effect from the rest. It has a type of a grid layout as well. The contrasting content fills empty spaces and keeps the image interesting.

Ineffective Contrast

Above is an example of poor contrast in graphic design. This also has a contrast in tone, position, scale, color, case and font except they are used ineffectively. First off, the guys face is a little creepy not to mention it is green. The color choice of red, yellow, and green reads to be a little obnoxious. The stripes of red and yellow tonally feel to busy and a little head ache-ish. The font color, type and size all are done poorly and almost illegible. The line "city life" and below it "magazine" are barely seen since they are the same color as the background. The letters in "St. Petersburg" are too closely together and ad the the cluttered feeling. The layout overall feels aesthetically displeasing and busy.

Movement/Motion

Example #1

(http://www.ttthings.com/images/uploads/veerle_ttthings_what_is_graphic_design_3.jpg)

In this image is a example of implied motion through graphic design. In this image a person holding a tower of boxes that get smaller towards the top of the pyramid that are all toppling over. The image tells a story in its own way. There is a certain before and after effect that is being created. The viewer is aware of the motion and movement that is happening by the directional cues. This illusion is created by the unbalance of the picture. The viewer feels the off balance of the boxes tumbling because of the way they are grouped. You almost tilt your head to the right when your looking at the picture to balance and stabilize it. It is this technique that creates the movement feel.

Example 2

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD55qZfkHatyMXn8E_adrISvlNGTdJKr-YCjJw84vOo7Fg-xej615tZn3V7nMdQ7_GThS5WrDgjRHJEWrq3pTd39mxXLTb0AXAhi3DHqjyQILesJcHPX23z_PqXhZy-maO4t6kDQH9pRM/s1600/nike-meteors.jpg)

This is a second example of implied motion through the use of graphics. This add,by Nike, illustrates a shoe that is shooting through space much like a meteor, catching on fire as it quickly descends. The viewer is aware that it is space because of the dark background and stars in the distance. The physics of this picture helps aide the illusion of the shoes rocketing through space. It looks like what a meteor would look like traveling. The sparks and fire in the front and the trail of smoke in the back create this illusion. The expanding of sparks off the back of the shoe to a focal point gives the suggestion of movement. It also conveys an outward rush of emotion and energy. The diagonal direction is also key in helping imply motion as it is a mental conformity that items placed at a diagonal must roll in the downward motion.

Dimension/Depth/Space

Above is an example of digital design that creates the illusion of depth. The image consists of a couch, table, flower pot, and a wagon filled with watermelons. A random grouping of objects but the way they are placed is key to creating depth. The image contains a linear perspective that is accentuated by the light and dark blue vertical lines. The parallel lines seem to recede back into the a horizon line creating that feeling of dimension. The shadows and lighting are key as well. In this image we can sense where the light source is coming from by the shadows. The light source in this image seems to be over head. It also gives the image a 3-dimensional feeling. You can see that the wagon is furthest from the light source since it casts the most shadow. The layering and overlapping of the object is another cue to depth. The wagon is closest to us, then the table, then the couch, then the wall. This effect is done by the overlapping and placement of objects. Texture also is used. Mainly the texture of lines. Color and value is used to create depth as well. The walls have a gradient of dark to light which keeps the illusion of dimension. The color also is key with where the light source is. All techniques create the illusion of depth and dimension in this image.

Tone and Color

1.

In his example of a graphic design poster there is a definite juxtaposition of tone used. There is an intensity of dark and light values. Example being the dark, black font and lines compared to the muted tones of design in the background. This technique brings the words "graphic design is about.." into the greatest focus. The addition of the light tonal background details reinforces this appearance. If the background was the same tone as the font, it would create a busy, chaotic image. The designer used tone in his/her advantage with texture as well. The tonal textures create a feeling of 3D or depth perception in the poster.

The colors used in this poster are very muted and saturated. There red, blue, and yellow colors used are almost saturated into their gray state. The neutrality of this image gives a feeling of stressless, calmness and restfulness. Here color is also used with texture to create its overall feeling.

.2

In this second example of a graphic design poster there is once again a definite juxtaposition of tone used in this poster with the intensity of dark and light values. The dark tones of the shadows create reality through the sensation of reflected light and in the cast shadows. The variations in light and dark help the viewer distinguish the visual information of the environment being displayed. Without tone this image would appear flat and without depth. It would also be visually less interesting. The designer of this image also used tone with texture as well. The tonal textures of the lines also create a feeling of 3D and depth.

The colors used in this poster are very bright and highly saturated as apposed the the poster above. There red, blue, and greens colors used are bright, vivid, and in a pure form. In return the image has a lively feeling. The colors create a feeling of excitement and spiritedness. Tone and color are very much used with lines in the right side of the poster. The thickness, shade, and color of the lines directs the viewers eyes around the image in a fun way.

Week 9 Dondis Basic Elements

Three of the Dondis Basic Elements used in graphic design that appeal to me are Lines, Shape, and Color as they are the most clear and easily recognized in the simplest forms of visual communication.

Lines-

Lines are the most basic elements of visual design but can often create the most elaborate effects due to their simplicity and flexibility. Alone or in combination with other lines they aid in the readability, appearance, and message being portrayed by the designer. Lines are used to organize and texturize images. The are a good indicator of direction and movement. If used effectively by the designer, lines are able guide the viewers eye across the composition. Lines also can make a statement and convey universal meanings in graphic design.

The repetitive use of one continuous line in the example below effectively directs the viewers eyes around the design and creates a complex image with the use of only one line and varying line weights.

Shapes-

Shape is also an interesting and extremely important element in graphic designs of all kinds. Ranging from rudimentary geometric shapes that we learn to identify in grade school like that of circles, squares, triangles, and so on, to free form abstract shapes produce varying effects in multiple graphic designs. Alone or in combination with other shapes they can convey a universal meaning and also guide the eye of the viewer. There are many types of shapes a designer could choose from: geometric, natural, and abstract (mainly depending on the overall goal trying to be portrayed). Symbol shape could also be used universally by the designer. In this image below, abstract shapes create a very interesting effect on the eyes of the viewer as the use of these particular shapes imply movement without anything in the image ever moving a millimeter.

Color-

Color is another factor of design that often makes

the largest impact on a graphic project . The use of the right colors can add extreme dimension, and invoke emotions in an effective and clear manner. In this image the extreme contrast between the dull yet imperative black, white and gray ink work and the interesting, emotion invoking bright red and blue accents create an eye catching image.

Week 7 Visual Perception 2/ Feature Hierarchy

This is an example of a poster/dvd cover design that I discovered online advertising three of the famous Star Wars movies. The degree that I am now working towards is in Graphic Visual Communications, which I hope one day will allow me to get a job in the book publishing, or movie industry designing either book/movie covers or posters. In the case of this particular poster, I hope to one day design great images like these as it is primarily the bold color scheme and recognizable shapes of the movie characters that catch the viewer's eye first. With the combinations of the character silhouettes amongst the bright white negative space and the posterized limitation of colors in each of the posters, the viewer's attention is first grabbed and then drawn downward to the rest of the written information displayed in white and the repeated bold color of the singular poster scheme. Over all I love this design for all of its easily recognizable yet abstract imagery and I hope one day to design something equally incredible.