This selection from Design Elements, advocating adherence to design guidelines addresses the straightforward differences between “good” and “bad” design.
“1. Have a concept”
Design is thoughtful. Design is not successful if there is no meaning attached to the image.
“2. Communicate–don’t decorate”
Graphic design is not simply the embellishment of objects in order to make them aesthetically pleasing. If decoration takes away or distracts from the intended message, then it should be avoided.
“3. Speak with one visual voice.”
Every piece of a series or an identity system should be speaking the same “visual language.” They should be consistent.
“4. Use two typeface families maximum. OK, maybe three.”
Typefaces are an essential aspect in design and should be used purposefully.
“5. Use the one-two punch!”
There should be a focal point in the design and then a path that the eye follows throughout the rest of the design. In other words, use a hierarchy.
“6. Pick colors on purpose.”
Consider symbolic meaning attached to colors and the psychological and emotional effects that they will have on the viewers.
“7. If you can do with less, then do it.”
“True art lies in the harmonic convergence of thoughtfulness and creativity applied to very little. If the concept and the form are truly beautiful, there can be very, very little of it to look at- without sacrificing a rich experience.” In my opinion, this rule also ties into the “don’t decorate” rule. Minimalism is ok.
“8. Negative space is magical–create it, don’t just fill it up!” It is OK (and good) to have white space in design. It helps the message remain clear. Designing without negative space can be confusing/overwhelming.
“9. Treat the type as image, as though it’s just as important.”
Do not solely concentrate on the photography or the graphic elements. Typography should not only be set on top of the image. Thought and consideration should go into its placement, size and interaction with the image.
“10. Type is only type when it’s friendly”
Typography must be legible.
“11. Be universal; remember that it’s not about you.”
Do not design to express oneself only. Design is a conversation with a larger audience transmitted through a designer’s work.
“12. Squish and separate”
Contrast and space created between objects create a more dynamic layout. “‘Without contrast,’ Paul Rand once said, ‘you’re dead.’”
“13. Distribute light and dark like firecrackers and the rising sun.”
Have a wide value of darkness within design and do not evenly distribute use of these values, but concentrate on extremes to create contrast.
“14. Be decisive. Do it on purpose–or don’t do it at all.”
Do not be vague in design. Place elements with purpose and in relation to one another.
“15. Measure with your eyes: design is visual.”
Eyes can be fooled by optical illusions. For example, sometimes, one may have to make one area lighter or darker than another in order to APPEAR as the same.
“16. Create images–don’t scavenge.”
Do not just use stock photography in design. It may take more time, but then you also have full ownership of your designs.
“17. Ignore fashion. Seriously.”
Design for the content, not for the time period or the audience’s expectations.
“18. Move it! Static equals dull.”
You can use overlapping, contrast, texture, etc.
“19. Look to history, but don’t repeat it.”
When designing a time-period piece, don’t just mimic whatever was popular at that time. There are modern/personal aspects that can be brought to any work.
“20. Symmetry is the ultimate evil.”
Control layout. Be asymmetrical.
When reading these rules, I felt that the ones that I most needed to incorporate into my design is being dynamic, creating contrast and being decisive. I think that the most important rule that he mentioned was definitely the first rule, that design should have a concept. I believe the other two most important rules to be hierarchy and that negative space is a good thing. Although it would be wonderful to do so, I do not know that one can always be as ambitious as to create every image used in designs. However, I think that a good compromise is that if one uses any found images, it is good to make them your own somehow.
No comments:
Post a Comment