Graphic Design School
Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design is a book written by Sandra Stewart and Eric Zempol, well-known designers. Below is a review of chapter two that I recently read.
The great designer and thinker Saul Bass once said, “Design is thinking made visual.”
I think this quote sums up well how this chapter approaches design. With design there are so many outlets, skillets and concentrations to focus on, and at times it takes a combination of these efforts to properly visualize and depict an idea. The first section speaks about logo design and the branding process of design. A sound logo is both a cornerstone and keystone for the company. It is versatile, recognizable and important to the company. It takes a great level of perfectionism and analysis to finesse a memorable and lasting logo. I love this chapter because each design idea that it focuses on, it breaks down the process for logo design, the pros, the cons, and the rewards. It also provides designers who have excelled in this framework of design. All of this information is extremely useful for a reference when a project like this arises. Having a clear idea of what is necessary and what skills are needed to execute makes it more clear as i designer, what my strengths are. The other areas of the field that are mentioned include, motion graphics, web design, editorial design, environmental graphic design, advertising, information design and data visualization. For all of these options, it is important to see the strengths and weaknesses of these areas and what I should pursue. Form this list, I realize that I am most interested in Editorial Design especially after this publication project. It’s a great feeling to have a more clear idea of what aspect of design interests me the most.
ADDITIONAL READING | Editorial Design and Typography
This article by Creative Bloq explains the importance of how editorial design not only refines design skills, but helps to build other aspects of expertise. Specifically, this article focuses on how typography and edition design go hand-in-hand and having this awareness will lend to other areas of design. The article also talks about the help that grids can lend. Without one, deciding where to start can be a large challenge. “The mantra in editorial design – be it for print, apps or online – is ‘suit the content’. There’s no one rule to follow, and sometimes too much freedom works against a magazine. Open briefs are both a blessing and a curse.” This is an experience which the VISCOM 2 class is enduring currently as we begin to understand better how important a good grid can be and the freedom it provides to the publication. Editorial design balances between guiding and navigating the reader through an issue, and providing character and variation to attract and engage the same reader to the many parts of the issue. Typography provides the important guidance as it highlights the necessary information for the article. Good typography works both as a way to share the content and create interest. Being inventive and creative in design while containing function can lend it’s way to a wonderful publication.
EXAMPLE 1 | Editorial Design
Snask is a sweetish design firm that pushed the limits in design and utilizes creativity and ingenuity to create incredible work. This publication showcases their creative side with bold typography, bright colors and a fresh and stylish layout. Overall, a beautiful editorial composition.
EXAMPLE 2 | Web Design
4:20 is created to promote a cartoon series. Each episode, aired at 4:20 on Monday, showcases a member of Dead Obies, a post-rap band. This is a wonderful example of truly amazing html coding. The layers of detail and creativity really make this website incredible. It just shows how hard work and refinement can harbor great results.
EXAMPLE 3 | Advertising
This ad by Platinum, a design firm in Brazil, shows how when you use photography and exaggerate the content, the result can be striking. The car ad takes a traditional, mud, off-road idea, but pushes it to be more innovative and interesting. Overall, a nice and bold advertisement even if it feels overly dramatic. It is definitely memorable.
http://www.platinumfmd.com.br/
EXAMPLE 4 | Logo Design
This Dutch designer, Jerone Vaneerden has incredible work. He takes a painstaking amount of time to finesse his work and create outstanding and clean logos. This branding for the Dutch bakery is a great example of negative space and a clean, yet interesting logo. Great work.