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GRAPHIC DESIGN LESSONS

 

Composition Techniques for Graphic Design
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
Example 8
Example 9
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9

man symbol
EXAMPLE 9

 

BUILDING STRUCTURES

structural pattern 1

structural pattern 2

structural pattern 3

Symmetrical shapes are naturally inclined to building structural patterns. Once our little modular man meets his friends they cannot help but demonstrate their acrobatic skills in this creative technique.

 

WELDING IMAGES

welding images

Welding is another technique used for building structures. 'Welding' in graphic design, as illustrated in our visual equation above, is when you take two or more images and combine them to create a single form. Due to their combined nature, 'welded' images often suggest ideas with layers of meaning.

 

VISUAL AND VERBAL PUNS

refrigeration logo 1

By adding the title 'Refrigeration Plant' to our welded image, we have created a logo idea for a cold storage company.

The layers of meaning that arise from uniting the images and type take the form of a visual and verbal pun. The man/snowflake resembles a 'plant'. The word 'plant' not only describes a living organism but is also another name for a factory. The former is a symbol of nature while the latter is a symbol of technology. Like the stem supporting its flower, the figure holds the snowflake aloft - a reference to man's technology harnessing of the forces of nature and an appropriate symbol for the subject.

 

FRAMES AND BACKDROPS ARE NOT ALWAYS RECTANGULAR

refrigeration logo 2

To develop this idea we have added a backdrop. Remember that a frame or backdrop does not have to be rectangular. It can be any shape. Here we use a triangular backdrop to frame the image and link to the title. The triangular backdrop also suggests the shape of an icicle, adding some extra chill to the design.

 

CONTRAST TONES AND COLORS WITH A COUNTERCHANGE

refrigeration logo 3

Next the design was colored ice blue to further amplify the coldness of the concept. Tonal counterchanges of graduated color were added to both the image and its backdrop in order to contrast and balance these elements of the design.

 

OUTLINES ARE NOT ALWAYS BLACK

refrigeration logo 4

Finally, all the outlines in the logo were changed from black to white. This adds a 'frostiness' to the image, more in keeping with the subject. A subtle drop shadow was also applied to restore the legibility of the lettering.

 

LESSON PLAN

Developing Creative Ideas for Graphic Design

A graphic design is a creative arrangement of image and type that communicates a visual concept with a clarity and economy of means. There are tried and trusted techniques that you can use to increase your creativity in the search for a solution to any graphic design.

In this lesson we use the symbols below to demonstrate a range of composition techniques that will help you to create and develop ideas for your graphics. Click on each symbol to see how it is developed into a creative idea for a graphic design.

Once you have studied our examples you can find other symbols in our Graphic Design Resources that you may print and use to create your own graphic ideas.

 

Composition Techniques for Graphic Design
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
Example 8
Example 9
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
 

 

 
     
 
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