Inform: The Necessity of Clear Information

In the first semester of the graphic design study, the students are introduced to the two elements of graphic design: image and type. The two elements are different in ways that they behave and also how people ‘read’ them (Skolos & Wedell, 2011, p. 10). The image had qualities that made people see images as representations of the real world, while the type is automatically seen as a symbol that its meaning is born out of the convention. Images are seen more ‘natural’ then type, something relatable and experiential compared to type.

To understand the two elements, the students are tasked with different assignments to explore the relationship between type and image. This resulted in various exploration and experimentations of graphic design forms. The projects within this semester also vary by the format and medium, in which the students are expected to be able to design properly through rigorous practice of crafting.

The aspects covered in this term are the relationship between the designer and the media outlet, in which the designer had to be somewhat efficient and also proficient to create an effective design. The designer had to understand the media outlet as its canvas in which the message will be communicated to the audience. The media outlet itself is a variable, but not a deciding factor; this notion was inferred by the idea that design, as a discipline, had a crucial demand that had to be understood whatever the medium is. Designers need to understand and be able to bring out the media’s important traits that will be able to enhance his/her design.