2. What are the basics? Basic design principles means: The building blocks of composition. Shapes Lines Texture Fonts Colors Images Text Photos Balance and harmony composition – the combining of parts or elements to form a whole.
3. Sizing Print Paper size Paper weight (how thick it is) Paper color Computer/Internet Screen resolution (how many pixels/area) For the web? What internet connection/how big can the file be?
4. Design Decisions How big would you choose to make these things? Billboards Bumper stickers Supermarket flyers
5. Definition: Shape Alone or in combination with other shapes or lines they can convey universal meanings as well as guide the eye or organize information.
6. Why do we use shapes? Organize, connect, separate Symbolize an idea Create movement Provide texture or depth Convey a mood or emotion Provide emphasis Provide a framework
7. Shapes Some factors: Size – how big or small is your shape Resolution – is the image high or low quality Area – how much of the image do you want to see? Three Types of Shapes: Geometric Natural Abstract
8. Geometric Shapes Geometric shapes are structured, often symmetrical shapes. These include squares, circles, and triangles but also octagons, hexagons, and cones.
9. Natural Shapes 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.
10. Abstract Shapes 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.
11. Squares Symbolize honesty, stability, equality, comfort, or familiarity. It could also symbolize rigidity or uniformity. 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).
12. Circles Symbolize infinity and protectiveness. Circles could also suggest something well-rounded or complete. Similar to protectiveness, circles could also imply security. Use circles to suggest familiar themes (bullet holes, a stack of cannonballs, fruit, the earth).
13. Triangles 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. 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.
14. Group Assignment Open PowerPoint Use five shapes in a PowerPoint Presentation: Square Circle Triangle Rectangle Star Use a word with a shape to display how the shape and colours make you feel.
16. Individual Work Select an example of one: Geometric shape Natural shape Abstract shape used in a logo and write a brief paragraph (4-5 sentences) describing that shape, how it is used, and what emotions, feelings, or ideas it conveys. Then create a blog on the school website and add a copy of your logo plus your paragraph to this blog.
17. Example – Greenpeace Logo This logo uses an abstract shape, a simplified version of the planet earth. The green colour suggests that Greenpeace are concerned with nature and looking after our planet. The arrows show that Greenpeace take action to achieve their goals, or they could show that Greenpeace are committed to recycling and renewable energy.
