Basics of Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Process Graphic Design is the process of creating the appearance of a publication in an attractive, logical manner. When done successfully, it attracts attention, adds value to a message, enhances readership and readability, simplifies, organizes, provide selective emphasis, and creates unity.

Color Theory Energy, Passion, Power, Excitement, Anger, Hunger Happy, Confident, Creative, Adventurous Playful, Satisfying, Optimistic, Hopeful Healthy, Renewing, Content, Harmonious Honesty, Integrity, Trustworthiness Regal, Mystic, Beautiful, Inspirational Easiness, Passivity, Earthiness Finality, Transitional Color Innocence, Purity

Color Continued… In layouts it can convey moods, create images, attract attention, and identify objects. When selecting colors for a publication, think about what you want the color to do and what is appropriate for your purpose. Color can be used to: Highlight important elements such as headlines and sub lines Attract the eye Signal the reader where to look first Create and image or a mood Tie a layout together Organize Group elements together or isolate them Provoke emotion

DESIGN ELEMENTS CONTRAST REPETITION ALIGNMENT PROXIMITY

Contrast Is what pulls you in… It draws your eyes to the page. It allows you to move around the page and find things. Contrast must be strong Contrast creates a hierarchy of information Contrast allows you to skim more easily to pick out needed information

Contrast Examples

Contrast Examples

Contrast Examples

Repetition Is a conscious effort and willingness to unite, join, fuse the entire page together. There is a need to repeat all elements consistently. If there are multiple pages then each page should have a similar “look and feel” Repetition is also referred to as “Consistency” Repetition will: Allow for consistency and continuity Unifies all parts of a design and multiple pages Help organize information Help guide the reader through the page(s)

Repetition Examples 5 on the clock 5 on the tape measure (which becomes part of the page title "5 things i do every day") the list of five things the 5 lines above and 5 lines below the number 5 on the list the 5 fingers of the hand

Alignment Is how things are lined up on a page with each other. It is always best to pick one alignment and to stay with it. It is not a wise idea to mix alignments. Hints for better alignment: Move text away from left edge Keep text out of the right edge, easier to see text and word. Use the same alignment throughout the entire document. Do not place anything on the page arbitrarily Do not center align everything. Center aligning should be done consciously, not because you cannot think of anything else to do.

Alignment Examples

Alignment Examples

Proximity Refers to the relationship that items develop when they are close together. Two items that are close appear to have a belonging to each other. Related items get grouped together. Elements become visually disconnected from each other if they are apart. Do not orphan items/objects. Proximity helps: Increase organization Create visual connections Define a beginning and ending

Proximity Examples