I found this assignment very fun and interactive. The five different elements/principles of design that I chose are…
Balance: This refers to the state of equilibrium in a photo, picture, advertisement, piece of art, etc. There are three main types of balance in design, which are symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial. The idea of balance that is symmetrical is when everything is even; it can be folded in half and have the exact same shapes on each side. A symmetrical is almost the opposite. It can’t be split evenly down the middle; this technique is generally more interesting and pleasing to the eye. The last is radial which is when everything if centered on or around a single point of interest. The target ad here for example has a symmetrical balance.
Form/Function/Message: This element of design is when an image focuses on a single message or a single function. This is very common in advertising. The ad usually has one dominant message or function or purpose. However, for it to be a functional piece of work or art it must be geared towards the right audience and it must be pleasing to the eye. This type generally has other elements such as color, balance and unity. The example I chose for this element is an advertisement for Popchips, which are healthier and more nutritional compared to chips such as Cheetos or lays. The ad is sending a message saying there is nothing fake about the chips as she holds them up to her chest with the slogan “nothing fake about ‘em.” The function of the ad is to make the buyer think they are real and healthy chips.
Color: This is a very important element because without the right colors, hue, saturation, or tints and shades whatever is being made could not be very appealing. Color is important because it can tie unity to several different things or accounts, if they all have the same color scheme. This is important for PR because it will make a personal brand stronger. Colors are usually what draw a person to something so the right combination or scheme is important. The example I chose for color is an advertisement in Gaylord that talks about a fun Bingo night coming up, but I chose it for color because the color scheme is only 3 main colors, which keeps it simple, but pleasing. It also has complimentary colors that go well together.
Proportion: This principle of design describes the scale or the sizes of the objects in a work of art. With the right proportions and sizes of shapes one can create new focal points and new aspects of a piece. It also describes how the items are spaced apart and when certain items are too close/big/small/ it can be a mess. For this example I chose a poster I saw in Gaylord that has different sizes of circles and I think they are proportioned in a way that draws your eye to the advertisement.
Unity: This principle of design refers to the overall wholeness of a picture or work. Some say this is the most important principle of design because it incorporates several different elements and principles all together. It is said that the viewer sees an overall unified whole and then tries to connect the different elements that are within it. For this principle I chose this ad I found in Gaylord talking about a panel discussion coming up next week, but I chose it because it contains variou
s elements and principles of design. The color scheme is open and inviting, the layout and proportion of the shapes are well thought out and it is also displaying a message and function.
Here are two websites I found that helped describe the different elements and principles of design in different ways.
https://www.johnlovett.com/design-overview
http://www.incredibleart.org/files/elements2.htm
