FINAL
GDES 35 Spring 2008
According to the class lectures but in YOUR OWN WORDS (150pts).
1. In class we talked about 4 visual elements of design: Shape, Color, Size,
and Texture. Imagine that you were asked to visually CONTRAST the two
words “nature” and “machine”. Describe specifically how you would
visually CONTRAST these two different ideas. Explain your approach
using the 4 visual elements. We also talked about relational elements of
design (ie. proportion, position, direction, space). You are responsible for
also explaining the relationship nature and machine may have with one
another in your composition. Clearly explain how you would approach
designing the relationship these two concepts have with one another.
(20pts.)
2. Define Positive and Negative space. (10pts.)
3. Define the principles of Gestalt? How are they used in Graphic Design?
(20pts.)
4. Define the following terms as well as what they imply/how they function in
design: Repetition, Anomaly, Radiation, Gradation? (20pts.)
5. What is a Grid and how do designers use them? What is one advantage of
using grids? What is one possible negative effect of grids? (20pts.)
6. Describe the relationship between the Message, the Target Audience, the
Designer, and the Medium through which the message is communicated.
(20pts.)
7. What are Kerning, Leading, and Tracking and why are they important?
(20pts.)
8. What is Contrast? How can it be useful to a designer- specifically in page
layout? (20pts.)
9. Define and explain how designers use the concepts of eye movement,
visual weight, and balance in page layout. (25pts.)
10. Define page architecture and visual hierarchy. Why is it important that
designers create a clear visual hierarchy?(25pts.)
According to the book, but in YOUR OWN WORDS (100pts):
1. What is "a communicator's job"? (25pts.)
2. What is meant by "Space is Context"? (25pts.)
3. What is meant by "Listening to Type"? (25pts.)
4. What is Unity? What does a designer need to do to achieve a unified
composition? (25pts.)
Quiz #4
View the PBS Movie online called "The Persuaders"- located here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/view/
Write up a two-paragraph statement about your reactions to the science
of emotional branding/marketing. Your first paragraph should answer the
question "what is emotional branding and is it a realistic goal".
The second paragraph should answer the question "why is market
research important in graphic design and what is a graphic designers role
in "telling the public what they want to hear".
You should feel free to make your explanations as long or as short as you need.
A good answer is not a long or a short answer, but one that directly addresses
the question.
Extra Credit:
View the PBS Movie online called "The Merchants of Cool"- located
here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/view/
You should answer the questions:
1. “In your opinion, how do you know what is cool or fashionable?”
2. “According to the movie how is cool created by corporations today?”
3. “How are graphic designers involved in the process of creating, exploiting and
merchandizing cool”.