This is a front cover of catalog called
Bridesmaid, Ivy & Ester Fall 2013.
Looking at the cover, the emphasis is on
the massive vintage grand necklace
the model is wearing around her neck.
Looking closely, the necklace is made
to stand out as the model’s top part is
bare. The background of the cover is
pale with the title of the catalog being
in small font on the top left corner not
grabbing too much attention to give
focus on the necklace.
2. CONTRAST
A principle of art, contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite element. The
elements of contrast are size, tonal value, typeface, shape and color. The
colors white and black provide the greatest degree of contrast.
Complementary colors also highly contrast with one another.
Example of Contrast:
Source : http://issuu.com/sblondecreative/docs/feb-mar_2013
Taking a first glance at the magazine, one would look at the title of the
magazine which is 'Smart,Blonde and Crafty'. However, the contrast of the
magazine would be the colorful shades of flowers which stands out the most
on the magazine. Besides that, the colorful flowers are the only object that
stands out from the black and white background, thus, color is one of the
elements. Next element would be shape. The round flowers seems to stand
out while having title of the magazine being aligned in square shape.
3. BALANCE
When objects are of equal weight, they are in balance. It is an important
element in designing a magazine. The balance of a magazine should usually
be according to the movement of one's eye-flow. The two types of balance are
symmetrical and asymmetrical balance.
Symmetrical Balance
-Symmetrical balance is mirror image balance. It is also known as formal balance.
Example of Symmetrical Balance:
Source: http://issuu.com/poufmag/docs/pouf_3
Asymmetrical Balance
-Asymmetrical balance occurs when several smaller
items on one side are
balanced by a large item on the other side, or smaller
items are placed further
away from the center of the screen than larger items.
One darker item may
need to be balanced by several lighter items.
Example of Asymmetrical Balance:
Source: http://issuu.com/beyondthecamera/docs/btcmag_issue01_13
Although asymmetrical balance may appear more casual
and less planned, it
is usually harder to use because the artist must plan the
layout very carefully
to ensure that it is still balanced.Looking at the image above, the
asymmetrical balance is seen as one page has a smaller image and more text
and it is balanced by the placement of the image of a flower, which covers the
whole right page.An unbalanced page
or screen creates a feeling of tension,
as if the page or screen might tip, or
things might slide off the side, just as
the unbalanced balance beam would tip
to one side.
4. ALIGNMENT
Alignment is one of the most basic and important principles of design. It
allows us to create an organisation among elements. Having proper alignment
makes it easier for readers to read a page as it will appear more organised.
Example of Alignment:
Source: http://issuu.com/aareced/docs/feb-mar_2013
According to the page above, as u can see the designer as aligned the text
neatly according to two columns. Each subheading is aligned well following
the description which is just below the subheading. The picture in the
magazine above us aligned with the text as well.
5. REPETITION
Repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements. It
helps to create association and consistency.
Example of Repetition :
Source: http://issuu.com/fermliving/docs/fermliving_ss13_katalog
According to the image above, there is a form of repetition. Although the
background of the page is in pale white, the repetition of cushions, table
runners and lights make the whole page stand out and grab the viewers eye.
The consistent repetition of an element is widely used in multi-page
documents & websites. Elements can be as simple as color, shapes, typefaces
or even texture. The same color is repeated according to the object as well.
6. FLOW
Flow carries the viewer's eye through the document in a way that all the
important elements receive priority in reading. A flow is sort of a guide to a
reader on how to read according to sequence.
Example of Flow:
Source: http://issuu.com/theweddingnotebook/docs/theweddingnotebook_jan_13?mode=window&pageNumber=1
The page above is accordance to flow. When a reader reads, the title of the
article would come first, following with the text where the questions are
highlighted which gives readers a guidance on reading the question first
following to the answer. The article above is clear with flow.
~ In conclusion, the 6 principles of design are important elements to follow as
it works hand-in-hand in order to create a good magazine.
REFERENCE :
Web Design for Instruction. (1999). Classic Graphic Design Theory Principles of Design: Emphasis.
Retrieved February 6, 2013, from
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/
Basic Principles of Design (2012) Retrieved Februaru 6, 2013, from
http://webdesign.about.com/od/webdesignbasics/p/aaemphasis.htm
Researching Art. (2013). Principles of Design. Retrieved February 5, 2013, from
http://www.canleyvale.hs.education.nsw.gov.au/Winning%20websites/art/pod.htm
