Canons

Rules of Graphic Design

Use of grids

- Consistency

- Structure

- Grids create a consistency throughout the piece of design that they are used in, for example publications

- Allows you to create a legible design that has a strong visual appeal

- Should be used to an extent but can be used to create a visual effect if not keeping 100% to the rules

White Space

- Allows the text to breathe and stand on its own so that it is legible

- Stops overcrowding of the page so that there isn't a difficulty in understanding the content (text and image)

- Depending on the content of where white space is used, it can either be used for creativity or to create simplicity within a page (examples below)

Alignment

- Allows the text to flow in a consistent design that improves the legibility of the text

- If it is not used in design then it is obvious, this is used to create a particular effect or mood

- I consider alignment in a way of thinking of the imagery and text as a physical object. Objects cannot float therefore this concept can be applied to design in the same way so that there are no 'floating' images or text

Figure/Ground

Country Living:

I chose to look at this magazine as it is a publication that I would like to work for in the future. Their consistent design throughout each issue as well as the photography and the articles attracts me to the magazine each month. 

The use of white space in the image above represents the clean design that the company maintains throughout each issue. The use of white space allows the reader to focus on the image and the text, making them the centre point of the page. 

As well using a blank background, CL use photography to illustrate the article. This is one of the reasons why I love the magazine. The composition of the photograph are creatively thought out, taking into consideration the contrast of colour as well as the positioning of the objects. The way the interior is positioned is not to work with the text, the text it positioned to work with the interior of the photograph. 

Another Escape:

Similar to the Country Living magazine, this publication also uses a vast amount of photography. Above is an example of how they use the white space of the box for the background of the text to ensure that it stands out against the image, without drawing attention away from the main focus of the double page spread.