Podcast #1 Elements of Design

What does it take to create good graphic design?

People must be able to create designs that convey information and are pleasing to the eye.

What is the difference between elements and principles?

Elements are components or parts which can be isolated in any visual design.  Principals tell us how we should organize elements on a page or screen.

Name the six (6) elements of design.

Line, shape or form, space, texture, value, and color.

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

They can aid in the readability, appearance, and message of a design.

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

Horizontal lines because they seem to represent lying down.

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

Vertical lines communicate a feeling of loftiness because they seem to represent standing straight up.

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

Diagonal lines because they seem to represent sliding down a slope.

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

Soft, shallow curved lines suggest comfort, saftey, and relaxation because they seem to represent lying down relaxed.

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

Deep, acute curved lines because they seem to represent waves in a storm.

What element defines a specific area of space?

Shape or form defines a specific area of space.

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

A two dimensional shape has width and hight.  A three dimensional shape has depth as well as width and hight.

Describe the difference between geometric shapes and organic shapes?

Geometric shapes are structured, often symetrical shapes.  Natural or organic shapes are found in nature or they can be man made shapes.

What are abstract shapes?

Abstract shapes are stylized or simplified versions of natural shapes.

Which basic shape projects an attitude of honesty or equality?

Squares projects an attitude of honesty or equality.

What do triangles suggest?

Triangles suggests action.  It can also suggest stability if it is pyramid shaped.

Circles convey feelings of what?

Circles conveys a feeling of protection or infinity.

Describe positive space and negative space?

Positive space refers to the object and elements used in a design.  Negative space refers to the shapes around and between those objects and elements.

What is texture?

Texture can refer to the actual surface of a design with the reader actually being able to feel the texture of the paper and materials in the printed design.

Incorporating texture into a design can help do what?

Incorperating texture into a design will help create a feeling of richness and depth.

What is value?

Value is the degree of light and dark in a design.  It is the contrast between black and white and all the tones in between.

What is another name for value?

Value is also referred as tone.

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

In design, color can convey moods, create images, attract attention, and identify objects.