ITAP lecture week 3

Design Processes

Legibility

References: redmum.ie, isgreaterthan.net

 Legibility is a key factor in visual art, as it can determine whether it can bring a strong message across to the audience.  Font and lettering need to be clear, as well as the use of caps lock, size colour, text over image and defined enough paragraphs or blocks of writing need to be considered in your work. Web pages advertisements, newspapers for example have to think about these factors.  It also depends on its audience and purpose, whether it’s informative or for entertainment.  

One of the examples I’ve collected is a cover of the Daily Mail newspaper, which is very clear in its font and bold. And since it is a reading material for the general public, this is essential to its success. The image is also a main focal point, and also considering the context of the front cover, the image will reinforce the quite poignant and emotional message. This is as well as sparking the reader’s opinions and debates on this issue. It is successful, which it needs to be to fit its purpose.

Another example I have collected is a poster, in which from first glance is the colour palette chosen, that draws you in. There is an image included which is retro type style with the contrast of the bold font and linear, and all the words are interlinked, that in graphical terms, is effective, however, it is difficult to read although the colour combination is good. But maybe the main aim of this piece is the visual aspect, not necessarily the legible area.

This applies to visual communication by realising who you are targeting your work at, as this will determine how your approach will be to create the best piece of work for that audience.   

Visual hierarchy

References: Toxel.com, http://designsitesup.com/images/promotional_ads___best_advertisements/best_printed_ads_-_effective_magazine___newspaper_ads/gunssouthafrica.jpg, frillr.com.

When you look at a newspaper, what do you see first? Is that what the editor wanted you to see first? Where do you put the key info? Many things to consider are line, colour type, composition and scale. Even shops and supermarkets are using this theory to make sales.

This image I have researched is a magazine cover from Vibe magazine, which contains information on urban music, fashion and gadgets. The first parts of the magazine I noticed first was the title- big black bold lettering, as well as the images of the celebrity featured in the magazine to focus on the main item. A lot of texts in various colours are used here also; they are a balance to the grey and plain background.  The format is very central, so there is more emphasis on the image.

This next image is hard hitting, for a campaign against wearing a seatbelt. The person featured in the image is being manipulated and created into a crash dummy, which is quite disturbing, but very effective in its result. Of course the image is most important, as it makes the whole piece effective and successful.  The lettering, seen quite small, but big enough to read is black, an obvious choice of contrast against the white background, and it is striking and clear to read.  

This applies to visual communication by knowing and understanding what is most essential to the certain piece of work, and also how to catch the audiences’ eye.