Graphic Design & Rules to Follow

  Today's topic is: Graphic Design & Rules to Follow

Graphic Design is basically the art of creating visual content to communicate messages to users. It can be designing magazine covers, landing pages, or even websites. ***Note: Not to be confused with web design, as graphic design focuses on creativity while web design focuses on how all parts of a design function together as a system. Also, Web design mainly focuses on websites, whereas Graphic Design includes anything with creating visual content.

There are many things that need need to be kept in check while graphic designing, such as layout, proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast. 

Layout is - well, - how a page is laid out, or set up. When graphic designing, it is crucially important to make sure that you have a layout and stick to it, not just out things here and there. Having the correct layout according to your purpose is also very important. You also want to make sure that your audience can understand your message. And 1 FINAL Thing to Keep in mind: The simpler the Layout, The better it is. 

Proximity, Alignment, Repetition, and Contrast all fall under the principles of layout. 

- Proximity is the grouping together of your items. It is basically the amount of spacing between each of your element. It is a good idea to leave more white space (spacing) between your elements so that it is easier to read.

**White space, also known negative space, is the empty space between elements. It usually identifies the beginning and endings of a part and is also used to guide the viewer's eye. It's really important to have enough but not too much white space. 

 

- Alignment is the way your elements are lined up. there are 4 types of alignment: Left-Alignment, Right-Alignment, Center Alignment, and Justified (evenly distributed).

- Repetition is the repetition of an element across a page. It is useful for making a layout effective. for example, the layout below is utilizing repetition to keep readers in track.

- Contrast is the difference between elements. it provides visual interest. You can contrast with size, color, shape, position, and texture. For example, large and small type, thick and thin lines, cool and warm colors, and horizontal and vertical elements. 

To sum it up, keep these rules in mind when designing: 

1. Don`t use more than 3 fonts and colors in 1 page

2. Don`t be too fancy. The simpler, the better.

3. Have a strong focal point to attract the reader. 

4. Make sure your design is consistent and has unity, but try to put in contrast at the same time. This creates an interesting layout. 

5. Always keep an eye for detail. 

So that`s about it! A good layout is sure hard work, but it pays off at the end. Remember! A good layout does not need to shout, so keep it simple!  ; )

ASM2O Slides: Unit 2