The elements and principles of graphic design used in desktop publishing

Graphic Design Basics The elements and principles of graphic design used in desktop publishing

  By About.com Guide Get a better understanding of the basics of graphic design by studying the elements and

principles of graphic design that govern effective design and page layout. Graphic design is the

process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the

design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual

communication. Designers achieve their goals by utilizing the elements and principles of graphic

design. By following each of two learning paths on these concepts of graphic design basics and their application in modern desktop publishing, those with no formal graphic design training can improve their page layout and text compositions.

Although individual lessons within these two Graphic Design Basics classes can be taken out of

order, I recommend following the lessons sequentially to get the full benefit.

  

he building blocks of design are defined and

illustrated in these lessons and exercises - including lines, shapes, and texture. Explore each element individually and as a part of the whole.

  earn how to use alignment, contrast, white

space, and other principles of graphic design to create effective page compositions through these

graphic design lessons and exercises.

Elements of Graphic Design Basics Classes Design Basics for Desktop Publishing Course

  By About.com Guide Although individual lessons can be taken out of order, I recommend following the Graphic Design Basics course and these lessons on the elements of design sequentially to get the full benefit.

Building Blocks of Design

  1.1 The first class describes the 5 elements of design: lines, shapes, mass, texture, and color.

  Also describes other elements sometimes included as basic building blocks.

  

  1.2 Lines Everyone knows what a line is, right? Look more closely at the great variety of lines, straight, curved, thick, thin, solid, and not-solid.

  

  1.3 Shapes

Squares (and rectangles), triangles, and circles are the three basic shapes. Examine their role in

design including the psychology of shapes in logo design. Class also touches on freeform shapes.

  

  1.4 Mass How big is it? Take a look at mass or visual weight of graphic and text elements. This class includes a large section on size and measurements for type and paper and images.

  

  1.5 Texture

In addition to the actual texture of the paper we print on, look at the textures we create through

techniques such as embossing and the visual texture created with certain graphics techniques.

  

  1.6 Color

What is the meaning of red? Which colors go well together? Color symbolism and association is

the primary focus of this class. It also touches briefly on the mechanics of color reproduction on

the Web and in print.

  

Introduction to the Elements of Design Class 1: Building Blocks of Design

  By About.com Guide lements of Design: line, shape, mass, texture, color All designs have certain basics elements or building blocks chosen to convey the message — beyond the actual words or photos used. The five elements of lines, shapes, mass, texture, and

color are the building blocks of design for desktop publishers. Other terms which you might hear

described as elements of design are form, space, and value (as in lightness or darkness of color).

Graphic design encompasses the creation of a great many types of projects but for the purposes

of these lessons we're focusing on the elements of design as they apply to typical desktop publishing projects including logos, ads, brochures, business cards, newsletters, books, and to some extent, Web pages.

For our first class we'll expand on the definitions of lines, shapes, mass, texture, and color and

focus primarily on learning to recognize these elements in printed materials. In subsequent

classes within this course we'll cover each element in more detail with greater emphasis on the

desktop publishing and software aspects of those elements.

First Assignment: Class Samples Spend some time gathering examples that you'll use in the next five lessons and future classes

  Your first assignment is to create a folder (not on your computer, a real paper folder) or a

notebook to hold your samples. If your desk looks like mine, all the sample materials you need

may be there already. If not, take several days (or as long as you need) to gather the following types of material.

  In your folder, put printed samples of:  display ads and fliers logos

   newsletters

  

   brochures of all kinds  business cards letterhead

   magazines

   newspapers

    labels and packaging  books, book jackets Include the good and the bad — don't worry about the quality. Sift through your junk mail, magazines, newspapers, and your business card file. You can even include work that you've

created yourself. Aim for a variety of materials. There's no need to sort these materials right now.

Individual Lessons

  For the remainder of these lessons I'll refer to your folder or notebook of materials as your

samples or 'Class Samples'. With your Class Samples in hand, go through each of the elements of

design introductory lessons, in order. Concentrate on each element individually. Do the exercise

included in each lesson. When you reach the end you'll go to the final assignment for this class.

  

Even though no one will know whether you actually do the exercises and assignments included

with each lesson and class, I strongly encourage you to do so. It will help to reinforce your understanding of each of the concepts covered throughout this Graphic Design Basics course.

  Next >

Introduction to Lines as an Element of Design Lesson 1 - Find Examples of Lines

  By About.com Guide Lines, an element of design

  

Lines can be long or short, straight or curved. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. They

create patterns. Lines in graphic design can be solid, dashed, thick, thin, or of variable width.

Sometimes a designer uses a line alone to divide or unite elements on a page. Lines can denote

direction of movement (as in diagonal lines and arrows) or provide an anchor to hold elements on a page (such as lines at the top, bottom, or sides of a page).

  You can use lines in conjunction with other elements of your design. One well- known example, the AT&T logo, is a pattern of thick and thin lines arranged in a circular shape.

  

Go through your sample folder of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other projects with

an eye on lines. I want you to find as many different examples of lines of all kinds used in these

pieces. Are the lines used prominently? Are they part of a logo or used in other ways to divide the page or add decoration?

Exercise

  Find examples of each of these six types of lines: 1. horizontal lines 2. vertical lines 3. diagonal lines 4. curved or freeform lines 5. lines used in a pattern 6. non-solid (dashed, dotted, etc.) 7. lines

  Separate these six (or more) examples in your Class Samples collection before going on to the next lesson.

Remember, this first set of lessons is an introduction to each of the elements of design. You'll be

• taking an in-depth look at lines and other elements in subsequent classes in this course.

  Next > Introduction to Shapes as an Element of Design Lesson 2 - Identify Geometric Shapes

  By About.com Guide Shapes, an element of design Circle, square, and triangle are the three basic shapes used in graphic design. Perhaps the most

familiar shape to desktop publishing is the square (and rectangle). Paper is rectangular. Most text

blocks are square or rectangular. While you may encounter printed projects cut into other shapes,

most circles, triangles, and freeform shapes in desktop published materials are found on the page

within the graphics or in the way the elements are placed on the page. Go through your sample folder of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other projects

looking for a variety of shapes. No doubt you can find many examples of squares and rectangles

but keep an eye out for other shapes. Are the examples you find actual graphic elements or can

you find examples of lines or text arranged in geometric shapes?

Exercise

  Find examples of each of these six shapes: 1. square (not-rectangle) graphic element 2. square (not-rectangle) text blocks 3. circle graphic element 4. triangle graphic element 5. circle, triangle, or freeform text blocks

6. paper in other than a rectangle (diecut brochures or business cards or perhaps a non-

rectangular ad amid a sea of rectangular ads in a newspaper)

  Separate these six (or more) examples in your Class Samples collection before going on to the next lesson.

Remember, this first set of lessons is an introduction to each of the elements of design. You'll be

• taking an in-depth look at shapes and other elements in subsequent classes in this course.

  Next >

Introduction to Mass as an Element of Design

Lesson 3 - Find Examples of Two Kinds of Mass

  By About.com Guide

Mass, an element of design

  Mass is size. There is physical size and visual size. Size can be relative. A physically small brochure can have a great deal of mass through the use of heavy text and graphic elements. A physically large brochure can appear smaller, lighter by using text and graphics sparingly. While the paper projects you create have a certain size because of the size and weight of the paper, visual mass — how light or heavy it appears — is also an element of the design. Go through your sample folder of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other projects and look at each piece and analyze mass in terms of physical size of the piece and the visual mass.

Does it have a heavy, imposing look due to the size or weight of the paper or the density of text

and graphics? Is it small and compact or light and airy? Hold the items in your hand to see if they

feel light or heavy. Compare the physical size to the visual mass of each piece.

Exercise

  Find four examples of mass as follows: 1. physically large 2. physically small 3. visually massive 4. visually small or light

Separate these four (or more) examples in your Class Samples collection before going on to the

next lesson.

Remember, this first set of lessons is an introduction to each of the elements of design. You'll be

• taking an in-depth look at mass and other elements in subsequent classes in this course.

  Next > Introduction to Texture as an Element

Lesson 4 - Identify Textures

  By About.com Guide

Texture, an element of design

  

For desktop publishing, actual texture is the feel of the paper. Is it smooth to the touch or rough?

Textures can also be visual. On the Web, especially, backgrounds that simulate familiar fabrics,

stone, and other textures are common. Certain printing and finishing techniques such as thermography and embossing can add both actual and visual textures to a printed piece.

  Go through your sample folder of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other projects

looking for as many different types of actual and visual textures as you can find. Can you tell by

looking whether a paper will be soft and smooth or rougher? Are the visual textures used in place

of actual papers of that texture or do they relate in some way to the purpose of the printed piece

(such as a stone texture for a tile company)? See and feel the difference in textures on embossed

pieces or other types of raised printing.

Exercise

  Find four examples of textures as follows: 1. actual smooth paper 2. actual rough paper 3. visual texture (simulated fabric, stone, or even water etc. printed on the paper) 4. an example of thermography or embossing or, Alternately for item 3, browse the Web and find a Web page with a simulated textured background.

Separate these four (or more) examples in your Class Samples collection before going on to the

next lesson.

Remember, this first set of lessons is an introduction to each of the elements of design. You'll be

• taking an in-depth look at texture and other elements in subsequent classes in this course.

  Next >

Introduction to Color as an Element of Design Lesson 5 - Pick out types of color

  By About.com Guide

Color and Value, elements of design

  

Color is everywhere. Every single piece in the samples you've collected so far, even if it is black

and white, exhibits the element of color. Color is used to attract attention. It can be subtle or bold.

Color can be found in the paper, the text, or the graphic elements and photos. A monochromatic

color scheme uses a single color, perhaps in various tints, while other layouts utilize combinations of two, three, or more colors. Color can be used to ellicit specific emotions and reactions. Red is typically thought of as an attention-grabbing, hot color. Blues are more calming or convey stability. Some color combinations are used to create a specific identity (corporate colors, school colors) or may be used in conjunction with texture to simulate the look of other objects (the look of plain paper wrapping or neon lights, for example). Color may provide cues for the reader.

Sometimes considered a separate element of design, value is the relative lightness or darkness of

an area compared to the surrounding area. Tints of gray or red are different values of the same color. Changing values can create contrast, movement, and emphasis.

Go through your sample folder of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other projects and

look at the variety of colors, color combinations, and the way color is used. Does the piece derive

its main color from the paper? Are colors used throughout in specific ways such as just for graphic elements or only for headlines?

Exercise

  Find four examples of the use of color and value: 1. subtle use of color (monochromatic or very little color) 2. bold use of color (bright color, many colors, etc.)

  3. black and white only

4. strong contrast in values other than strictly black and white (light and dark areas using

tints of the same color or different light and dark colors)

Separate these three (or more) examples in your Class Samples collection before going on to the

final assignment.

Remember, this first set of lessons is an introduction to each of the elements of design. You'll be

• taking an in-depth look at color and other elements in classes that follow the self-test assignment

  in this part of the course.

  Next >

Self-Test on the Elements of Design

  

Assignment - Analyze lines, shapes, mass, texture, and color

By About.com Guide Elements of Design: line, shape, mass, texture, color Your first assignment is fairly simple. It has two parts. While no one but you may see these

assignments, take the time to do them just as if you were turning them in for a grade. It will help

reinforce what you have learned.

  

Choose one sample piece that you set aside from any of the previous lessons

Part 1: Completely describe the sample piece (tri-fold brochure, standard business card, etc.). Then, write a detailed description of one element of design you identified that piece as having. Be specific (thin horizontal line dividing columns in a newsletter or example of actual/visual

  

texture through the use of thermography or raised printing). This part is subjective, but based on

your own perceptions and feelings about the piece, tell why you believe the designer used that element in that specific way and tell whether you think it is a good or bad use of that element. No, no one is looking, but if you're serious about learning then write it down.

  

Part 2: Additionally, briefly describe how each of the other elements of design are used in that

piece. That's it. Simple enough?

If you find yourself having trouble identifying or describing any of the elements within the piece,

go back to that introductory lesson and re-read the class material. If it's still unclear, go ahead and move on to the in-depth lessons on each element of design that follow this assignment.

  

Congratulations. You have completed Class 1, an Introduction to the Elements of Design.

  

This first set of lessons provides an overview of the five elements of design. You'll be taking an

in-depth look at each of the elements of graphic design in subsequent classes in this course beginning with the next page.

Next > Class 2 Lines, In-Depth

Lines Elements of Design Class 2

  Lines are one of the basic elements of design. Alone or in combination with other lines or shapes they can aid in the readability, appearance, and message of a design.

  Use lines to: organize

   texturize

   guide the eye

   provide movement

   make a statement

   convey universal meanings

   Lines

  Keep an eye out for brochures, ads, newsletters, graphics, logos, and other print projects that include examples of lines, look for materials around you that include lines of all kinds. You'll refer to these examples in some of the lessons in this class. Inwe'll look at what a line is and the different looks of lines. In Lines Lesson 2 we'll combine lines and see how the patterns we create convey different ideas. Then in Lines Lesson 3 we'll look at how lines are used in design and some practical uses of lines in common desktop publishing projects.

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Appearance of Lines Lines Lesson 1

  

A line is a mark connecting two points. How we get from point A to point B gives the line its

  distinctive character and appearance. Lines can be long or short, straight or curved. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Lines can be solid, dashed, thick, thin, or of variable width. The endings of lines can be ragged, blunt, or curved.

  \

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects and try to find as many different types of lines as possible including straight, curved, and freeform lines. Look for blunt and curved line endings, solid and dashed lines and lines with variable widths.

  Next >

Line Patterns Lines Lesson 2

  

Lines are often found in pairs or groups. Lines of the same general appearance or lines that

  are quite different can form a variety of patterns that create textures, suggest movement, or lead the eye - the same as single lines. If you aren't creating original illustrations or doing logo design, your main concern with this part of the study of lines is being able to recognize these patterns in the illustrations you may select for your work and understand how these patterns may or may not project the image you want for your project. These bits of line patterns illustrate static, dynamic, and random use of lines.

  Upper Left: Uniform vertical black and white lines alternate at even intervals. Static.

  Orderly. Conservative.

  

Upper Right: Uniform horizontal black lines are widely, but evenly spaced. Static. Stable.

  Orderly.

  Middle Left: Uneven spacing of otherwise uniform lines creates the impression of movement. Dynamic. Orderly progression.

Middle Right: In this example the progression moves in from either side giving the illusion

of roundness. Dynamic. Orderly progression. Dimension.

Lower Left: Varying line widths and distances create a random pattern. Dynamic. Chaotic.

  Disorderly.

  Lower Right: While the uniform size and spacing of the lines in the upper examples are

  static, make the lines into curves and you get movement although it is a controlled movement. Dynamic. Orderly flow.

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects and look for patterns created with two or more lines. To find examples similiar to those above, look beyond the obvious and find the lines within illustrations or used within logos. Draw your own sets of patterns using only black or white lines that illustrate static, dynamic, or random line patterns. Experiment with line width, spacing, and using horizontal, vertical, curved, and even diagonal lines.

  Next >

Practical Use of Lines Lines Lesson 3

  Whether lines appear as part of a graphic element, such as a logo or illustration, or the

  lines themselves are the graphic element, such as frames and dividers, use them purposefully in the overall design Some ways that you might use lines in your design are to:

  Organize, connect, separate

   Create movement

   Provide texture

   Convey a mood or emotion

   Define shapes

   Provide emphasis

   Provide a framework

   The examples below demonstrate a few of the ways lines might be used in page layout or illustration. You can probably find examples all around you as well.

  

Above, a solid line separates columns of text, a pair of lines set apart a phrase, and a short dotted line separates a section

of text from other parts of the page.

  A few simple lines added to a piece of clip art gives a sense of movement to the airplane. Short, choppy, vertical lines create a grooved texture along the edge of the timepiece sketch.

  Dashed lines suggest a coupon, whether there is one or not. It causes many of us to take a second look at this ad because the familiar dashed line makes us think "I can save money!"

  Examples

  Here are some descriptions of lines and some of the ways they appear in designs:

  

Organize. A catalog uses lots of lines "to divide the items and descriptions on the pages." —

  Student ID M010814

  Connect. In a brochure "Thin diagonal lines and arrows are used to connect call-outs to

  illustrations below. Thin vertical lines are also used to show connection between various horizontal layers in the mapping program’s many layers of mapping data." — Student ID C011409

  Texture. In a magazine, the "lines are hand-drawn and appear 'nubbly' as they might

  appear if they were printed on parchment." — Student ID P011631

  

Movement. On an image of a dancer "layered on top of the photograph are several very fine

  lines... that swirl around the dancer..." — Student ID T010924

  Auxillary Lessons

  This course isn't the first time I've addressed the use of lines in desktop publishing. Read each of the following pages (some are parts of longer articles but you only need to read the one page dealing with lines). Use your back button to return to this page after reading each auxillary page.

  Inyou'll find examples of how rules (typically solid or dashed horizontal or vertical lines) are used in desktop publishing along with additional design tips.

  

is part of a longer feature on logo design. This page shows examples of how

changing the appearance of lines can convey different messages in a logo.

  Finally,is a quick tip on creative use of mug shots in newsletters. On this page you'll see some examples of using lines to provide a framework, to connect information (photos), and organize images.

  Design Tip: When using clip art in your page layout, pay attention to the lines within the

  image. The lines of the clip art shouldn't interfere with or conflict with the tone of the design or other line elements used in the piece.

  

Printing Tip: Don't use the 'hairline' rule setting in your page layout or graphics program

  because not all program define hairline rules in the same way. Hairline rules that are too thin may disappear when printing to a high resolution imagesetter. Specify a specific size such as .25 points.

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects . Find examples for each of the ways you might use lines described in this lesson. For even more on lines, you may want to quickly Leaders are a special type of line often used in an index or a table of contents.

  Next >

Test Your Knowledge of Lines Self-Test Assignment

  The assignment for this class is a 5-question test with multiple choice or simple essay

  questions. While no one but you may see these assignments, take the time to do them just as if you were turning them in for a grade. It will help reinforce what you have learned. Class 2 Assignment

  1. A is... B is... essay 2. I chose A/B/C because...essay. 3. a/b/c/d (only one) 4. a/b/c/d (only one)

  5. I now know... essay. How Well Do You Know Lines?

  1. Describe the differences between these two lines (length, width, general appearance, etc.):

  2. Compare these groups of lines designed to suggest a column. If your hometown bank or savings & loan were trying to choose from among these (rough draft) patterns for a new logo, which do you think best suggests both stability and 'down home friendliness'? Explain why you chose A, B, or C -- especially how the appearance and patterns created by these lines convey that feeling. There is no absolutely right or wrong answer as long as you can explain your reasoning.

  3. Sharp edges or line endings would typically convey:

  a. formality

  b. movement

  c. friendliness

  d. softness

  4. A hairline rule is usually:

  a. dashed lines

  b. 1/4 of a point in width

  c. 24 points long

  d. made to be broken

  5. In only one or two sentences, describe the main points you've learned from this class on LINES.

  

Bonus. Using pen or pencil and plain paper, spend at least 10 mintues sketching a variety

  of lines. Using your favorite page layout or graphics program spend a minimum of 20 minutes getting to know the line drawing capabilities of the program. Draw solid and dashed lines. Draw freeform lines. Explore whatever options your program has for changing line width, length, line endings.

  

OPTIONAL: File attach a scan of your line sketching or a screenshot of your software line

  doodling to a message in the(you must be in Advanced View to attach files).

  Next >

Shapes Elements of Design Class 3

  

Shape is one of the basic elements of design. Alone or in combination with other shapes or

lines they can convey universal meanings as well as guide the eye or organize information.

  The three basic types of shapes are geometric, natural, and abstract. Geometric shapes are structured, often symmetrical shapes. These include squares, circles, and triangles but also octagons, hexagons, and cones. Natural shapes are found in nature or they can be manmade shapes. Leaves are an example of a natural shape. An ink blob is a natural shape. Natural shapes are often irregular and fluid. Abstract shapes are stylized or simplified versions of natural shapes. Symbols found on signs, such as the stylized wheelchair shape for handicapped access, is one example.

  For the purposes of this class we'll focus on the three basic geometric shapes of squares (and rectangles), circles, and triangles but lesson 4 will also briefly address natural and abstract shapes.

  Shapes

  Keep an eye out for brochures, ads, newsletters, graphics, logos, and other print projects that include shapes of all kinds. You'll refer to these examples in some of the lessons in this class. Look for both items with physical shapes outside the norm (circles and triangles, especially) as well as shapes within the design used within logos or as graphic elements in the piece. Inwe'll look at the appearance of squares and recentanges. In Shapes Lesson 2 we'll see what a circle can do in design. Then in Shapes Lesson 3 we'll look at the use and meaning of triangles. For Shapes Lesson 4 we'll look at the practical application of squares, circles, and triangles and other natural and abstract shapes in various desktop publishing projects. Now, on to the lessons on shape as an element of design.

  Next >

Square Shapes Shape Lesson 1

  

The square denotes honesty and stability. Squares are familiar, trusted shapes. Because the

  vast majority of the text we read is set in squares and rectangles, it has become familiar, safe, and comfortable. Squares and rectangles are probably the most common geometric shapes we encounter. A few books, especially those for kids, may be cut in irregular shapes but adult (i.e. 'serious') correspondence comes in squares -- both the physical shape of the books, magazines, newspapers, and the rectangular columns of set text. Some designers might equate square with boring. It's true that other, unexpected shapes, can grab attention better than the simple square but don't forget the importance of comfort and familiarity. Imagine how difficult it becomes to file everyday correspondence if letterhead came in a variety of triangles or freeform shapes. Try reading an entire book with all the text set in circles. Squares and rectangles definitely have a place in design. Some ways you can use squares and rectangles:

  To symbolize honesty, stability, equality, comfort, or familiarity. It could also

   symbolize rigidity or uniformity. Related to the first bullet item, use repeating squares to suggest familiar themes

   (checkerboard pattern to represent a game board, the checkered flag at the end of a race, a tablecloth). To highlight, organize, or set apart information using a solid or outlined box.

   Use a square unexpectedly. Set a block of text in a solid or outlined but tilted box —

   with or without also tilting the text.

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects and try to find as many different examples of square and rectangular shapes. It won't be difficult. Now, look for especially creative use of square shapes. Rectangles are more common than perfect squares. Study logo designs. Look for examples of square shapes that convey the attributes of honesty, stability, equality, comfort, or familiarity. Look for examples of 3-dimensional square shapes too such as software boxes.

  Next >

  Shape Lesson 2

Circles suggest infinity. They are also protective (think of protective encircling arms). They

  can also denote free movement such as a rolling ball or a more controlled movement such as a spinning globe. The sense of movement is often enhanced through shading or the use of lines (as suggested in Class 2 o. Outside of logo designs, circles are less common elements of design which makes them good for grabbing attention, providing emphasis, and breaking up familiar rectangular blocks of text. You could set text in circles or simply use a circle as the background for more traditional blocks of text. Some ways you can use circles:

  To symbolize infinity and protectiveness. Circles could also suggest something well-

   rounded or complete. Similar to protectiveness, circles could also imply security. Related to the first bullet item, use circles to suggest familiar themes (bullet holes, a

   stack of cannonballs, a bunch of grapes -- or just about any round fruit or vegetable, a target, the earth). To highlight, organize, or set apart information using a solid or outlined circle. Try a

   freeform circle that looks like it was drawn with a marker or pen to highlight important text. Replace the letter O or other 'round' letters in text with a circular shape that

   suggests that letter. Try an orange in the word Orange or a basketball, baseball, or soccer ball to replace an O or other letter in the nameplate of a sports newsletter.

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects and try to find as many different examples of circles as you can. Look for especially creative use of circles. Study logo designs. Look for examples of circles that convey the attributes of infinity or protectiveness or circles that are suggestive of other circular objects such as the earth or a piece of fruit. Find examples of text set in a circular shape and for pieces that have been cut into circular or near circular shapes or that include circular diecuts (cut out shapes).

  Next >

Triangle Shapes Shape Lesson 3

  Triangles suggest action. They are dynamic. Triangles may convey either conflict or

  strength. Triangles can direct movement (up, down, left, right — depending on which way they 'point') but rather than moving themselves, they point the way for the reader.

  Triangles are suggestive of many different shapes and ideas. They can represent a religious Trinity, a pyramid, a flag or pennant, an arrow, a beacon. Some ways you can use triangles:

   To symbolize action or conflict. In a logo, a triangle might be better suited to a growing, dynamic high tech company than the more stable, familiar square, for example.

   Related to the first bullet item, use triangles to suggest familiar themes (flag, pyramid, arrow or pointer). A single or a series of triangles can point the eye to important information or act as an arrow to get readers to turn the page.

   To highlight, organize, or set apart information using a solid or outlined triangle. Use a triangle to suggest progression. Place it behind a 'Top 10' list or the steps to accomplish a specific task.

   Replace the letter A or V in text with a trianglur shape that suggests that letter. Try a wedge of pie for the letter A in the phrase Amy's Desserts.

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects . Find examples of the use of triangles either in logo designs, as a shape to break up text or provide emphasis or interest, or as the physical shape of the piece. Look for creative use of triangles such as to replace letters in a nameplate or to represent familiar ideas.

  Next >

Practical Use of Shapes Shape Lesson 4

  illustration, or the shapes themselves are the graphic element, such as frames or boxes, use them purposefully in the overall design.

  As with lines, whether shapes appear as part of a graphic element, such as a logo or

   Organize, connect, separate

   Symbolize an idea

   Create movement

   Provide texture or depth

   Convey a mood or emotion

   Provide emphasis

   Provide a framework

  Geometric Shapes

  Some ways that you might use shapes in your design are to: have specific meanings, some culturally-based. An octagon, especially a red one, usually means stop. A starburst is commonly used to grab attention and identify something that is new, improved, or 'on sale.'

  Natural Shapes

  Natural shapes can add interest and reinforce a theme. Rather than a plain box, frame text with a coiling rope or a spray of leaves or flowers. Use a freeform, non-symmetrical shape to convey a feeling of spontaneity.

  Abstract Shapes

  Some abstract shapes are almost universally recognized and easily 'read' even when the text is in an unfamiliar language. The stylized wheelchair, the male and female symbols for restrooms, and the jagged steps for stairs or an escalator are some examples. Icons are often abstract or stylized shapes. For example, a rectangle with a 'folded corner' often indicates a page in a document or a word processing program. A hollow circle or oval with smaller circles on the 'path' may be a literal representation of a planetary system or symbolic of a network, such as a computer network.

  Auxillary Lessons

  This course isn't the first time I've addressed the use of shapes in desktop publishing. Read each of the following pages (some are parts of longer articles but you only need to read the one page dealing with shape). Use your back button to return to this page after reading each auxillary page.

  is part of a longer tutorial on logo design. This page shows

  examples of how you can use shapes to convey ideas plus more ideas on using shapes to replace letters. In the same logo feature,is about using the basic geometric shapes and lines to construct more complex images or to suggest familiar themes.

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects . Find examples of basic geometric shapes used to construct more complex designs (see the Building Logos auxillary lesson to see what I mean). Look for examples of natural and abstract shapes. Find as many examples as you can of pieces that are use physical shapes other than squares/rectangles (if necessary, look through some of your design books and find pictures of pieces that use unusual shapes). Separate your samples into pieces that primarily use geometric, natural, and abstract shapes. (you'll need these for the assignment)

  Next > Test Your Knowledge of Shapes in Design Self-Test Assignment The assignment for this class is three essay writings.

  In theI asked you to separate your design examples into samples of geometric, natural, and abstract shapes.

  1. Select an example other than a square/rectangle of a geometric shape used in a piece or a logo and write a brief paragraph (2-5 sentences) describing that shape, how it is used, and what emotions, feelings, or ideas it conveys.

  2. Select an example of a natural shape used in a piece or a logo (remember these can be shapes from nature or manmade creations). Write a brief paragraph (2-5 sentences) describing that shape, how it is used, and how it relates to the theme or subject matter of the piece.

  3. Select an example of an abstract shape used in a piece (symbols, icons, etc.) and briefly describe it in 2-5 sentences. What idea does the abstract shape convey?

  Next >

Mass and Size Elements of Design Class 4

  

Mass is one of the basic elements of design. Mass equals size. Each piece you create has a

  physical mass. Additionally, each element within the design (graphics, photos, lines, text blocks) have their own mass relative to the whole piece. Part of working with mass in desktop publishing is understanding how we measure the various parts of a design such as paper, type, and images.

  Mass & Size

  Inwe'll look at the definition of mass and a few ways mass is incorporated into designs. In Mass Lesson 2 we'll delve more into the nuts and bolts of size such as how we specify and measure the size of type and images and how paper sizes are specified in desktop publishing. This mass and size lesson incorporates a great deal of supporting material and although it is only one lesson, it will take much longer to complete than any lessons thus far in this course.

  Now, on to the lessons.

  Next >

Defining Mass Mass and Size Lesson 1

  

Mass equals size. Each piece you create has a physical mass. The physical mass or size is

  the actual dimensions of the piece — height, width, thickness/weight (of paper), and depth (3D objects).

  Additionally, each element within the design (graphics, photos, lines, text blocks) have their own mass relative to the whole piece. For example, a photo that is physically 3 inches by 5 inches can appear smaller or larger depending on the physical size of the paper it is printed on and the size and proximity (closeness) of other items on the page.

  Some ways to use mass within your designs:

   to accommodate information, content

  Example: To present all the desired or needed information comfortably a designer may create a bi-fold rather than the usual single business card

   to accommodate normal size restraints or expectations

  Example: The postal service has limitations on the height and width of different types of envelopes. If a designer ignores those requirements it could incur additional mailing costs for the client.

   to convey a mood or provide emphasis

  Example: A place that is physically large (such as an amusement park) or a business that offers a huge assortment of products may use brochures or other marketing pieces that are larger (physical dimensions) or heavier (weight) than normal to carry out the 'bigger' or 'more' theme.

   to create contrast

  Example: A designer might design a full-page magazine ad using a single small image in the middle of the page with lots of white space. The contrast between the size of the page and the size of the content (image) draws attention to the image and can create a specific mood (depending on other elements) such as conservative, elegant, lonely, or open. Sometimes bigger isn't always better. Take this brochure description for example: 23 1/4 x 16 1/2 inch full color two-sided brochure (folded twice to 8 3/4 x 11 3/4 inch). This brochures opens twice and is visually packed and appears massive due to the following elements:

• It has a large physical size when opened
• It is folded down numerous times, and although the paper is thin, glossy card stock, it appears massive due to the number of layers created by the folds.
• It is densely packed (in my opinion, overwhelmingly over-packed) with bold, multicolored backgrounds and graphic elements, multicolored and shadowed text, and photographs - making it visually massive and heavy. The brochure is packed with information about the software and its applications. I didn’t bother to look at it in any detail because the mass of it made it seem like too much work to get through. — Student ID C011409 Look at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects with an eye on mass. Ask

  Hands-On Exercise

  Look for four types of material in your collected design samples:

   physically large pieces (larger than 'letter size') physically small pieces (business cards, small space ads, tags) physically large pieces that incorporate small or visually small elements and lots of

   white space physically average or small pieces that incorporate large or visually large elements

   (such as a single dominate photo or huge headlines compared to other items on the page)

  Next >

Measuring the Size of Your Design Mass and Size Lesson 2

  What is large? What is small? In graphic design and desktop publishing there are many

  ways to specify size. This part of the class on mass focuses on the mechanics of size and common measurement systems used in desktop publishing. Expect to spend a great deal of time on this portion of the course. What you learn here is critical to DTP. To keep from getting lost, bookmark this page now. The information for this lesson is found in a whole series of previous tutorials on this site. You can come back to this page if you get 'lost' in the many pages and supplemental materials covering size and measurements.

  Auxillary Materials: