Graphic Design Principles CRAP (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity) Graphic Design Principles

Once upon a time in a far away place called Media world There were five royal hero’s across the land. So let us take a wonderful journey to meet these hero’s.

King Contrast Contrast refers to the way in which an element stands out above the rest of the piece Making Items distinct and different from one another. Avoid elements that are merely similar – make them different, very different King Contrast

King Contrast When using contrast you will notice that the page that one is creating looks interesting especially for the readers One can use different colors, fonts, shapes to grab the attention of a reader. Its function is to draw the attention of the viewer, and create a focal point to help the viewer determine which part of the information is important. King Contrast

The Meeting of the century Before using Contrast After using Contrast The Meeting of the century Who: The King When: March 17, 2007 Where: At the royal palace The Meeting of the century Who: The King When: March 17, 2007 Where: At the royal palace

Before using Contrast After using Contrast

Contrast

Contrasting colors ALL CAPS vs. lowercase Contrasting fonts Difference between elements Adds visual interest Organizes and guides Approaches Typefaces Headings and subheads Graphic elements Direction Size White space Contrasting colors ALL CAPS vs. lowercase Contrasting fonts BOLD vs. regular Contrasting shapes Contrasting sizes

Queen Repetition “Repeat some aspect of the design throughout the entire piece.” When repeating throughout your design it may signify something important . A conscious effort and willingness to unite, join, fuse, the entire page together (print or web based) Queen Repetition

Queen Repetition You can repeat colors, shapes, textures, spatial relationships, line thickness, fonts, sizes, graphic concepts, etc. This helps organize the information, reduces clutter, and give the reader a clear structure Thought of as Consistency, Continuity of all pages Queen Repetition

Example of Repetition I am the Queen of Repetition And here is my crown to prove it Crown

Before using Repetition After using Repetition When you get to the end of the information, does your eye just wander off the card? Repeated bold type encourages reader to “bounce” between the two dominant typefaces

Before using Repetition After using Repetition

Before using Repetition After using Repetition

Repetition Repeat one or more design elements or portions of an element Guides and organizes Creates consistency and unity Approaches Headings, subheads Page numbers Rules, bullets Typefaces Margins, etc.

Sir Alignment “Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page.” Every element on a page should have some visual connection with another element on the page Alignment means to align things along a line, or side, or some sort of edge. Text or images that can be centered, justified, right and left aligned. Sir Alignment

Sir Alignment The basic rule of thumb is to align everything the same way. If one part of the page is flushed left, make sure every other part of the page is also flush left. When aligning text in center the center please don’t write a paragraph. Just write something short and snappy. Also correct alignment looks neat and easy for the audience to read. Sir Alignment

The fight of the Century Before using proper alignment After using proper alignment The fight of the century Sir Alignment in a jousting Match against black knight. The fight will begin in the royal court yard on march 12, 2007. The fight of the Century Sir Alignment vs. Black Knight The fight begins: March 12, 2007

Before using proper alignment After using proper alignment

Before using proper alignment After using proper alignment No element has any connection to the others. Elements aligned

Before using proper alignment After using proper alignment

Before using proper alignment After using proper alignment Trapped white space pushes elements apart “Find a strong line and use it.” Flush right type makes use of image’s border.

Alignment Organize the elements on a page Use the same alignment throughout the entire document (right justify, left justify, or center align) Do not place anything on the page arbitrarily Do not center align everything. Visually connect each element on the page to something else on the page (Unity)

Duke Proximity Items that are close appear to have a relationship, to belong together Be conscious of space between items When using proximity one will noticed how organized it will look. Also, don’t group unrelated items things will be confusing for the reader. Duke Proximity

Duke Proximity Keeping things at close proximity to each other will create a link between them, so that the reader will know just by looking that they are related. When close enough -they appear to have a belonging to each other. When physically far - they do not appear to have a relationship with each other. Elements become visually disconnected from each other. Duke Proximity

Before proximity After proximity A Viewing Party A viewing party at Duke Proximity’s house it will be a party to remember. March 28, 2007 A Viewing Party Who: Duke Proximity When: March 28, 2007 Where: Duke Proximity’s house why: New family crest

Reader’s eye must bounce all around card to obtain information Before proximity After proximity Problem: Reader’s eye must bounce all around card to obtain information Solution: Group together related elements

Before proximity After proximity Problems: The two items in top left are in close proximity but not related Gaps separate related items Solution: Regroup information Change to caps/lowercase Use squared edges Let image break out of box

Before proximity After proximity Problem: Everything is close to everything else Solution: Contents are grouped Contrast is added with headlines/rules

Visual cues for organization and importance Before proximity After proximity Visual cues for organization and importance

Before proximity After proximity

I hope you enjoyed your journey. Don’t forget to apply the principles you have learned here Today. CRAP Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity.