Week 2a: Fundamentals of Graphic Design

I. Formal Elements II. Design Principles III. Manipulation of Graphic Space

Check out Catch Me If You Can Opening credits on YouTube.

I. Formal Elements

The building blocks of two-dimensional design are called the formal elements. They are:

• LINE• SHAPE• COLOUR• VALUE• TEXTURE• FORMAT

Line A line is a mark made by a tool as it is drawn across a surface. A line can also be called an open path. Line attributes can be straight or curved or angular. Line direction can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.Line quality can be delicate or bold, smooth or broken, thick or thin.

Page 53Henri Toulouse-Lautrec

ShapeThe general outline of something is called a shape aka a closed path. A shape can be empty or filled with texture, or colour. We can translate real-world forms into representational or non-representational shapes.

Page 54www.grainedit.com

ColourColour holds emotional value. Elements of colour are Hue, Value, and Saturation. 1) In paint, primary colours are red, yellow, and blue. 2) Colour on a computer comes from mixing light, RBG. 3) In offset printing, inks come in CMY+K.

Page 55 - 57

ValueThe relationship of one element to another in respect to lightness and darkness is called value contrast.

Page 58Steerage, Alfred Steiglitz

Texture

The tactile quality of a surface or the representation of a surface is called a texture.

Page 59

Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh

FormatFormats for graphic design can include screen based design -- web, mobile, videogame, or video/film screens, or print-based work like brochures, packaging, magazines. (Screens are kicking butt as 21st century design platform.)

II. Principles of Design

• BALANCE• EMPHASIS• RHYTHM• UNITY

Make sure you read this material on pages 61 - 72. Is it essential to upcoming assignments and tests.

III. Manipulation of Graphic Space

• Positive and Negative Space• Illusion

Make sure you read this material on pages 73 - 79. Is it essential to upcoming assignments and tests.