TYPE
OUGD404
Prior to the design principles module I didn’t spend much time experimenting with type and typefaces throughout my work, rather I would just choose a typeface due to it’s aesthetics. Researching into typefaces and their personality has proven to be successful as I can now understand the feelings that a particular typeface would create and within a person and what messages a certain typeface will convey. I learnt how to manipulate type to better suit the intended use with aspects such as kerning, tracking and leading. This has also helped when creating logotypes as well as manipulating the type on illustrator. I now understand the importance of kerning within type as I notice when some letters look completely out of place within a word, when either too close or too far from another letter. The size of text needs to be considered carefully for printing as the size on screen may look correct but when printed will look huge or even too small as paper sizes differ from that on screen usually. Must be legible and aesthetically pleasing as type is the main way of conveying a message within graphic design, the message shouldn’t be disrupted due to bad design.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
THOMAS CLAGUE
TC262723
COLOUR
OUGD404
Similarly to type, I never fully considered the reason behind choosing a colour or selection of colours when creating a piece of work other than aesthetics and basic connections to the work. Colours deliver different moods and feelings, so choosing the correct colour is vital for a successful piece of graphic design as the wrong colour could convey the wrong message or point. Colour swatches are a good way of keeping a range of designs consistent, I’ve learnt to create my own colour swatches to stick to when creating an array of work, the colours compliment each other and all follow a reason. I learnt about the importance of colour through graphic design and other aspects of colour history and theory such as Josef Albers, an artist who relied heavily on colour within his work. Design principles gave me some knowledge on colour such as Pantone and their importance within the industry as well as Yves Klein and his colour International Klein Blue.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
THOMAS CLAGUE
TC262723
LAYOUT
OUGD404
Since starting the design principles I have learnt the significance of using grid systems throughout all aspects of the course. Most notable of these grids are when creating a series of pictograms that must follow the same style and format, along with poster and editorial design where content must follow the same consistent structure throughout the piece of work. I learnt about existing grid systems such as the Marber grid and the column grid and how they create hierarchies of information and clear structures of content. Creating my own grid systems for a piece of work makes consistency much easier and creates a more professional design. I’ve learnt about layout in terms of the context such as cover pages and content pages for books and booklets.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
THOMAS CLAGUE
TC262723
FORMAT
OUGD404
I explored printing formats more in depth throughout the course by printing on a wide range of stock from acetate to newsprint to cartridge paper. Choosing the appropriate stock is very important when printing as it determines whether a printed piece of work is made to a good quality or not. Paper even conveys different messages and so should have a reason behind the particular choice. I looked more heavily into paper forms during design principles by creating origami for my gallery poster design. This inspired me to create more examples or origami throughout my object brief for studio practice which I felt was really successful. Book binding is a new skill I have learnt on this module, my printed pieces can now be assembled in a professional and aesthetic way. Traditional print methods are an excellent way to produce work with a very human feel. I’m most driven to use screen printing and I will continue to use screen printing throughout second and third year.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
THOMAS CLAGUE
TC262723
FINAL OUTCOMES
OUGD404
Three Penguin crime classics book cover designs using the Marber grid to create a hierarchy of information. The three covers were intended to follow the same aesthetic as the original crime classics have done in the past with green colour scheme. The yellow creates a vibrant and standout background that will draw the attention of the viewer, while the black creates a bold and clear image representing the book. A1 poster design for a fictitious exhibition held by Tate modern, Echoes. Using paper form and typography, this piece has been produced to show science fiction connotations which is enforced by the use of deep blues, reds and black. A Pantone style colour booklet containing a personal colour swatch, information about the different aspects of colour within graphic design and the work of important and influential graphic designers with relation to the subject of colour.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
THOMAS CLAGUE
TC262723