If you’ve spent any time around passionate designers, you’ve probably heard them say they never turn off their designer’s eye. Everywhere we look we’re evaluating design, layout, colors and more. But what are we actually thinking about and is it beneficial? Sure it is! We’re critiquing, which helps us improve our own designs.
Want to know what kinds of things go through my head, even when I’m not at “work”?
The Del Taco “Go Bold or Go Home” Campaign.
Design is a delicate balance between theory and aesthetic sensibilities. The more you practice the theory—the elements and principles of design—the more it will become second nature and your ability to intuitively know how to create, fix or critique a design will improve.
It is helpful to go over each element and principle individually, but it is equally as helpful to see how each element and principle of design works in the context of a single design. Below we will analyze the design theory behind this Wrigley’s Tea Escapes packaging from Hornall Anderson.
Value is not color. Value is also not contrast, which is a separate principle of design. Contrast can be found in any element—texture, shape, size/scale, space, color, line or value—which is why it is a principle, not an element. Value is the tone of a color; it has more to do with dark and light [...]
When something is important in a layout, be it for a brochure or a website, you want it to stand out. But how do you do that?
Contrast is the Key
Contrast can come in many forms. Most people think of contrast in terms of light and dark, white vs. black. But that’s only one way contrast [...]
Not consciously taking control of the element of value to your designs is like using a flashlight at noon. Its full potential is utterly wasted!
What is Value?
Value is the relative lightness or darkness of an object. It is the difference between shadow and highlight, and all the midtones in between. Value is not the same as color, though value can be used to “color” an image. Black and white photography is a perfect example. It’s not any less appealing because there is no color!
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Hi, my name is LaurenMarie and welcome to Creative Curio, a place to learn, discuss and explore the realm of graphic design. You can learn more about me and Creative Curio on the About page.
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