The Elements of Graphic Design

“Tell me sweet, tell me true, or else my dear, to hell with you.”

Having taken NMS 503 Principles of Graphic Design, I have read this book before. I have never designed anything or done any graphic design work before this class. This book was great in explaining not the technical issues, but the main ideas when creating designs.

The section that got my attention most was A Communicator’s Job. Obviously it is important to make the page look inviting, but how we do this is the big question.

Visual stimulation draws viewers into the page,
arousing their curiosity and actively involving them
in the process of absorbing information. Visual simplicity
eliminates unnecessary elements and structures those
that remain in a logical consistent system. Good design
reduces the effort of reading as much as possible, thereby
encountering readership and understanding.

It is amazing to know what does and does not overwhelm the reader. Apparently simplicity is key to go design. Advertisers and designers should make the information appealing and accessible.

Space is another important facet of design. “Emptiness in two dimensional design is called white space and lies behind the type and imagery.” In regards to design, emptiness is a good quality. Emptiness becomes positive shape. The lack of white space creates a “visually noisy” design. What I’ve taken from this reading is that space is luxury, which creates the idea of class and simplicity